January/February weight loss thread

[Possegal]

I'll set up the spreadsheet for Jan and Feb for any of those out there interested in another 2 month weight loss log. :)

Just respond with your weight on the 2nd of January, and your goal weight for the 27th of February.

To help motivate me, I took my digital camera and took a few pics when I had dressed up in my very tight to keep me warm, running/cycling gear. And oh good lordy, if that doesn't motivate me, nothing will. How did the Michellin man get into my house and what is he doing in my clothing and using my camera? UGH!!

[Lori81295]

I got a new scales for Christmas. It is very demotivating because it weighs me at more than my old one. That is the reason I didnt post for the Nov/Dec thread. But I am ready now. My starting weight is 150.2. My goal weight is 140. And my reward for going down 5 lbs by the end of January is a new spinning dvd. Happy New Year everyone.

[Susan Otcenas]

151 this morning. Hhhmmm, a goal for the next 8 weeks? That's hard. I think I lost the "easy" weight in Nov/Dec. Now it's going to get harder. I think I'll put myself down for 141. An even 10 pounds sounds do-able. I have my first planned "event" for the year (the Shamrock Run 5K) on 3/15, so I'd really like to make this goal!

Thanks for all the inspiration, ladies! It sure it nice to know that we're not in this alone.

Lori - don't be too discouraged by the scale. It's the relative change from start to finish that really matters. I only weigh myself in the mornings, so that I'm always comparing "apples to apples". And, I try not to get on very often. I don't want to get discouraged if there's no change!

Susan

[Mistie]

148 this morning, goal is 140lbs.

[Over50Newbie]

I'm in!!!

Today's weight = 144.4
Goal Weight = 138.4

I haven't missed a weight goal challenge yet - I was one of the first ones to sign up for the very first challenge. Some have been more successful than others. :rolleyes: I'm not sure when the first one started - has it been a whole year now?

I think I am going to find all of the old threads and write down my beginning weight and then all of my weights at the end of each challenge. This will help motivate me to do well this time.

It might take me a while to find all the archived threads, but stay tuned and I will post all of my weights here by next week.

Lynette

[Aggie_Ama]

I am in!

I am back up to 146 after New Years.

I really think I am just bloated/constipated(sorry TMI)/retaining water but I will use it over 145 from 12/31.

Goal is 140. I am losing slower now that I have less to lose so I think 6 lbs in two months is likely but more *might* be a stretch. I want to be at 135 soon but I don't want to expect it too soon. :rolleyes:

[Karma007]

145, heading to 130 (nad fabulously firm!) I have my first metric in April and my first centruy in July, so it's time to get serioul about training!

[GLC1968]

Ok, count me in again (finally). I've let this weight get too out of hand and my efforts to lose it need to take front and center focus again. Even my 'fat' farm jeans are too small right now. Oops.

Get this...today's weight: 173.5 Ugh. That puts me 30 lbs over where I should be and 35-40 over where I'd like to be!

That's ok, this all changes starting with today. I'm doing WW online (I've spent the last two weeks playing with it, entering some of my own recipes, etc...now I'm ready to get serious).

My goal for the end of Feburary is officially 160 lbs, but I'll be very happy with 163, so please put that down for me. No need to get ahead of myself, right? ;)

[kjay]

Here I go again! Am starting as usual at 185, and my goal is 170. I'm biting off more than I can chew, but what's new? :D

[Possegal]

Here is the latest version. Please let me know if you all can see it, this is the first time I've set up a new one like this, so I'm still learning. :)

http://spreadsheets.google.com/ccc?key=pun9UgArTpm8CAodYUC3EPw&hl=en

I'll put a copy in the thread once more folks have a chance to see this has started and join if they are interested.

[kjay]

Great job — I LOVE charts!

[Grits]

I'm starting at 141 (New Year's and a birthday didn't help). Goal is 135.

[Possegal]

Great job — I LOVE charts!

Yeah, I'm a scientist, so I'm all about the charts and graphs. :) Last month was my introduction to google docs thanks to martinkap, now I am using them for a couple other things too!

[channlluv]

I'm in, too. I need to be accountable to someone other than myself and my D*H. I'm digging the chart, too. Very nice. Thank you for maintaining it.

Starting weight: 250
Goal weight: 230

Woohoo!

Roxy

[Possegal]

Well the thanks go to martinkap. She's the one that set last months up for us, I just spend a lot of time at a computer so it was easy for me to maintain it. :)

I hear ya about being accountable. I've got so many folks knowing my goals, just to try and be accountable at all times. :) Though my michellin man picture should be enough accountability for me.

[solobiker]

I am in too. I am at 151. Hope to be 135 by the summer. Good luck to all of you.

[Possegal]

What is your goal for the end of February solobiker? I will add it in to the chart.

http://spreadsheets.google.com/ccc?key=pun9UgArTpm8CAodYUC3EPw&hl=en

[deedolce]

Dang. I have a roll around my middle. And it's harder work to ride. And I feel it when I get aero...NOT GOOD! :( Also, I was with the SO (yep, an ldr) over Christmas, and I was saying how I was 10 lbs lighter when I first lost the weight and I just didn't know where I could lose it :rolleyes: and he said something to the effect that we both could lose a bit more around the middle! :eek: Yep, I set-up myself with the good ole' 'Honey, do these jeans make me look fat?' question!

Sooo, I'm joining my first weight loss thread. :D

weight: 121 lbs
goal: 115

[Aggie_Ama]

I got a balance ball for Christmas and am looking forward to incorporating core workouts into my routine. I used to do a lot of core and had a seriously toned tummy, no six pack but it wasn't squishy. I am hoping the ball that I always enjoyed will put me back on the path to toned tummy.

[Blueberry]

I'm back up to 229 after the holidays:mad::mad:

Goal for the end of February: 215.

I found someone to teach me pilates!! Yay!!!

[solobiker]

My goal by the end of February will be...145. Thanks!!

[jesvetmed]

I'm in, too. I'll weigh in tomorrow morning and set the rest up.

My goal for the 8 weeks: 10 lb. lost... approximately 162 lb let's say!
It has been a long drawn out holiday season and I'm READY!

EDIT: My weight is 176.0 OMG!!!! That was one long holiday!

[hirakukibou]

I am going to give this a try. I weigh 130 and want to lose 12 pounds in the next two months, for a goal weigh at 118. Here we go.

[Possegal]

OK, I've added in everyone so far I think. And jesvetmed, is your goal 10 lbs or 162? I put it as 10 lbs but let me know if you want to change it.

[Kelly728]

Hope yall don't mind a not-yet-cyclist jumping in on this. I'm trying to get my weight back on track after being out with a running injury over the past few months.

Current weight:153lbs
Goal end of Feb: 145lbs

I lose weight pretty slowly, so I need small goals. I couldn't tell you the last time I was under 150! I hope to be down to 135 by this summer.

[3for3]

Can I join again? Up to 127 after the holidays. Goal weight: 120 Thanks!

[Dazeepetals]

Hi everyone!

I'm new to this forum and to cycling, but I'd love to join in. I find that if I have to weigh-in I tend to be more motivated to lose.

Starting weight: 151
Goal Weight for end of February: 141

Starla

[katluvr]

I am doing this "secretly". All the times in the past when I joined this group I DID not lose weight. So I decided not to jinx myself. But I have started TODAY w/ my food issues. I am back on track with working out, but it is the food that is sabotaging me. So, I am w/ you all...but not posting. I am at the same place I have been FOREVER. So, this is it!:eek:

Good luck to all! I'll be checking to see other successes and any tips that work.

K

[martinkap]

Hi Possegal!

I am sorry for flaking out last months. I got sick, it was the end of semester and I had 250 students knocking on my door plus the holiday time... Anyway, I am really happy that you like the google docs. I find them super useful and I am keeping more and more of my info in those files. Easy access anywhere - that is hard to beat.

So, can I join too? My weight 'surprisingly' increased over holiday - so I am back to 157. My goal would be 149 lbs but I am almost certain that this probably will not happen. 152 will be nice too but I want to keep reaching for the stars.

Martina

[Aggie_Ama]

May I just say today is my first day since early November of diligently trying to stick to WW and I am starving! I maintained but now I am back to trying to lose. I may eat my desk before the day is through. :o

[redrhodie]

May I just say today is my first day since early November of diligently trying to stick to WW and I am starving! I maintained but now I am back to trying to lose. I may eat my desk before the day is through. :o

Have an apple or some raw carrots.

[solobiker]

Gosh, I am hungry too. Need to stay focused.:)

[GLC1968]

Gosh, I am hungry too. Need to stay focused.:)

Ugh, me too! I've been eating better for a few days now with relative ease, but today is the first day at work on my new plan. Being forced to sit here is killing me!!

I'm off to locate those carrots I stashed in the fridge....

[Hill Slug]

Hi Possegal....is it too late to join??? I know I've lost a couple of days, but I'm cool with it. I've been trying to keep track on my own anyway, and this now makes me committed with others.....:rolleyes:

On Jan 2nd, I was at 193.
Goal for end of Feb 180.
Might as well make it interesting......

Good luck everyone!
nanc

[solobiker]

Ugh, me too! I've been eating better for a few days now with relative ease, but today is the first day at work on my new plan. Being forced to sit here is killing me!!

I'm off to locate those carrots I stashed in the fridge....

Lets stick together. We can do it!!

[Susan Otcenas]

It never ceases to amaze me how much my appetite changes from day to day. I definitely have those days when I'm so hungry that I too feel like I want to eat my desk! Then, other days, I get to the end of the day fully satisfied and discover I haven't even eaten the 20 basic WW points I get.

Today was a hungry day. Soooo, at 7pm, Jeff & I decided to go to Chipotle! :D I still had 8 of my 20 points left for the day. And, even though today is Day 6 of my WW week, I also had 41 extra points left. (The 35 weekly points plus 6 unused APs). So, I splurged on Chipotle. I figure I ended the day with 6 points over my basic 20. I can live with that. I've discovered that sometimes I've just gotta bust out a bit, otherwise I end up feeling deprived. I hate feeling deprived. I don't do deprivation well...

[Possegal]

No worries Martina - like I said, I'm at a computer all day. It is a nice diversion to check in here and update the log periodically.

You've been added Hill Slug, never too late to join. :)

Not helping me this week, my dying refrigerator. UGH. The freezer is OK, but nothing in the fridge is usable. I've been able to eat a healthy breakfast at work, but I don't do that so well at lunch. I've got to go fridge shopping today and get something in the house soon, so I can go back to making my lunches for work and making healthy "Let's Dish" dinners. At least I'm keeping up with my exercise. But the fridge issue is a big hassle right now!

http://spreadsheets.google.com/ccc?key=pun9UgArTpm8CAodYUC3EPw&hl=en

[Aggie_Ama]

When I was a bowler we had an expression that to put a stop to bad shots we would "build a fence". In theory you leave the bad behind the fence and move forward. The last couple days have been a total mess for me on eating, I feel bloated and miserable so tonight I am building a fence. Tomorrow is a new day, you can't dwell on the past can you? Whew I feel better putting that out there! :rolleyes:

[Bike Potato]

This is great! Can I still join?

Current weight: 125
goal: 119

I haven't been under 120 since before my son was born, and he's in middle school now. I have been way over my current weight, though, but I want to do better. Why have I spent the last five years trying to get rid of these last few pounds? Oh yeah...cookies, french fries, Doritos.....sigh.
Time for some fresh fruits and veggies!
thanks!

[Kelly728]

..sigh....so this means I have to hop on a scale tomorrow. Tuesday was bad bad bad food day.

(But I'm hopefully buying my bike saturday! :D)

[Over50Newbie]

Okay - first weigh-in!

I am down one pound - 143.4

I'll take it!! :)

Lynette

[Aggie_Ama]

Steady! After the week I had that is a win.

146 for 1/9/09.

[Susan Otcenas]

149 today. I haven't been sub-150 in more than 5 years! :)

[jobob]

Congratulations!

Sub-150 is a great milestone, because the next time you go to the Drs office and get weighed on the office scale, you get the joy of seeing the big weight stay at the 100 notch. :cool:


someday I'll see that again ...

[Lori81295]

Jan 9 weigh in is 150.4. Holding steady

[GLC1968]

Down 2 lbs for the first week. I'll take it!

171.5 :)

Hey Possegal - just to let you know that I cannot access the spreadsheet. I thought I remember viewing it once before, but now when I click on your link, it says I don't have access.

[Possegal]

Check now, I may have corrected your problem. I may have had it that people had to be signed in? Not sure. But now I have it so anyone can view it and they don't have to be signed in. Let me know how this works for folks.

I tend to weigh on Mondays, unlike most folks my weekends are when I do better. :) And my fitness challenge with my friends and my sister has a Monday weigh in, and I hate to weigh more often, it can create problems for me.

http://spreadsheets.google.com/ccc?key=pun9UgArTpm8CAodYUC3EPw&hl=en

[kjay]

Down two pounds and am now 183. I exercised only one day in the week and didn't drink very much water, so with that in mind for this coming week, maybe I'll do even better!

[Hill Slug]

Down .6 to 192.4......works for me so far. :)

[solobiker]

Down 1#, so that makes it 150 for me. :D

[Kelly728]

I'll have to weigh in tomorrow.. didn't make it to the gym today (can barely move from the class yesterday!). I don't have a scale in my house.

[GLC1968]

Thanks, Possegal! I can see it now. :)

[channlluv]

Still 250, alas, but I'm back on the bike this week after being off since October, and my first long ride in kit will be on Sunday. Woohoooooo!

Roxy

[Mistie]

149 yesterday...wrong direction and serious bloat

[Kelly728]

152. Its a pound.. but it could be fluctuation too. Meh, I'll take it for now.

[Dazeepetals]

My weight yesterday was 150. Down 1 pound.

[3for3]

126.8 Down .2 I guess I'll take it but am hoping for more next week!

[deedolce]

120 - 1 pound ... and my weight fluctuates too, but at least it didn't fluctuate up! :o

[derailed]

I'm new here, so I don't know if this is open or not. On the off chance

I weighed in at 193 this morning.

I'm having a lot of trouble with portion control and timing my meals, life keeps getting in the way of nutritionist's orders.

[martinkap]

I am down to 156lb. I am not sure but it might be just a water - I started Bikram Yoga this week.

Thanks for keeping the chart,

Martina

[Possegal]

It's not too late derailed - just let me know what your goal is for the end of February.

http://spreadsheets.google.com/ccc?key=pun9UgArTpm8CAodYUC3EPw&hl=en

[hirakukibou]

I'm down one pound, at 129. Better than nothing!

[derailed]

Realistically, 187 for the end of February.

Thank you for doing this, it's most inspirational!:)

[jesvetmed]

Saturday Morning: 174.4
Back on track. :rolleyes:

[Bike Potato]

week 1 weigh-in: 128 lb - uh...wrong direction :rolleyes:

[Mistie]

holding at 149, sigh. Thanks for doing this and keeping up with the spreadsheet.

[Over50Newbie]

142.0 - I am right on track!!!! :)

I am serious this time.

Lynette

[Lori81295]

I am at 149.4. That 1 pound off last week. I'm getting there!!!!

[martinkap]

155lbs. Slowly but surly. Let me know if you need help with the chart.

Martina

[jesvetmed]

Wow... cutting out sugar from your diet helps! But I miss my Carmel Macciato's! I only get them on Saturdays now. It is a treat then.

171.5 this morning! YAY! Now to keep it there...:rolleyes:

[Possegal]

No prob with the chart, it really is no trouble at all. I've updated everyone so far. I'll weigh on Monday. I started out my week doign great, eating great and I ran, swam, went spinning. But I'm losing steam - my cat is sick, has been for 11 months, but I think the end is near. I find myself so sad about it that I just want to go home and cuddle with him rather than go to spin last night, or go to the gym today. Sheesh, I have got to get control over the sabotaging emotions. :-)

[Susan Otcenas]

148.5.

[Hill Slug]

:shuffles in sheepishly:
Up to 195. Dammit Janet.
:shuffles back out to get on the trainer:

[GLC1968]

Another 2 lbs gone. I'm exactly on track!

169.5 (2lbs on the nose, how odd!)

As much as I hate being this overweight - it sure is fun watching the scale drop in big increments compared to my typical 0.2lb losses. :p

[Grits]

I think I missed a week weighing in, but 140 as of this morning.

Last week we had some freakishly warm weather, and I actually went out on my bike with friends a couple of times. This week is exactly the opposite, and we are having record cold. High of 27 today, which is COLD for the middle of the day in central NC!

[kjay]

El same-o

:-(

[channlluv]

248 for me. Yay.

I've barely been able to move this week, though. I've had neck spasms and a headache so bad yesterday I actually went to Urgent Care (my father's had an aneurism). Turned out to be a "migrainous episode" linked to high blood pressure, tension and stress...go figure.

I've been put on high blood pressure meds (Lopressor) and told to take it easy for a few days while the medication regulates my heart rate. I took today off and I've been lazing about in bed reading and watching TV, and then I had to get up and come report my weight.

Thank goodness D*H was able to drive DD to school today and will pick her up. They should be home soon. I should go see about starting dinner.

Or maybe I'll just go take another nap. Side effect: sleepiness. Check.

OH, one thing I did do, this is my Year of No French Fries. I'm off fast food for the year. I think that's why I've dropped a couple of pounds, because I sure haven't been able to exercise at all the last two weeks. Nothing to speak of, anyway. A couple of short rides is all. Barely got my heart rate up.

Does Rubios count as fast food? It's all fresh and prepared from scratch. And they don't have a drive-thru. It's hard to think of something as fast food if you have to get out of your car to go get it. This may not be the thread for this question. I may go start a new thread to ask, because it does affect my dining options for the year. <g>

Roxy

[Susan Otcenas]

Does Rubios count as fast food? It's all fresh and prepared from scratch. And they don't have a drive-thru. It's hard to think of something as fast food if you have to get out of your car to go get it. This may not be the thread for this question. I may go start a new thread to ask, because it does affect my dining options for the year. <g>

Roxy

Roxy,

Not answering your question directly, but... I've found that not eating out hardly at all over the past few months has been what's worked for me. There's so much hidden fat, sugar, salt, etc in restaurant food. And it's really hard to estimate portion sizes.

If I *do* eat out, I ask for a to-go box to be delivered to the table along with my meal. I immediately put 1/2 of whatever is on my plate into the to-go box, before I've eaten anything. That way, I'm not tempted to overeat.

Usually I don't eat the other half at all. Jeff typically will eat if for lunch the next day.

Susan

[solobiker]

hanging in at 150

[Dazeepetals]

Ugh, 154 this AM! What is up with that? I've been sick all week and haven't worked out at all. Hoping to get to gym this weekend if I can breath better.

[Kelly728]

150

down 2 more... woot.

[derailed]

191 this morning before breakfast.
Possegal, I just read about your cat. Best wishes.
Thanks so much for doing this for us, it's helping me.

[3for3]

127.8 grrrrr. But I have two things that should affect my results for February. My husband and I have started working out together (Today was the first day), so I think I will get into a better routine with a workout buddy. ALSO....found out this week....I'm pregnant!!! :D We're so excited!!! SO....is it still healthy to try to lose a couple of pounds during the first trimester? I'm going to do some research as to what is best for baby. I may have to just change my goal to maintain my current weight for the first trimester. We'll see. Also, Channlluv....do you have Chipotle around you? It is super yummy, and has been rated the healthiest "fast" food restaurant. I love Rubios but aren't their fish tacos fried?

[Aggie_Ama]

146.5 but I did indulge in my favorite Mexican food place last night. I wonder if I am down after the bloat wore off? Either way my goal is looking like it just got a swift kick in the pants since I am planning to do a 10k in two months and I gotta get running- a lot.

[channlluv]

Roxy,

Not answering your question directly, but... I've found that not eating out hardly at all over the past few months has been what's worked for me. There's so much hidden fat, sugar, salt, etc in restaurant food. And it's really hard to estimate portion sizes.

If I *do* eat out, I ask for a to-go box to be delivered to the table along with my meal. I immediately put 1/2 of whatever is on my plate into the to-go box, before I've eaten anything. That way, I'm not tempted to overeat.

Usually I don't eat the other half at all. Jeff typically will eat if for lunch the next day.

Susan

My aunt and uncle did that, sort of. They'd go to a restaurant together and share an entree, and they both lost quite a bit of weight doing that. I cant' convince D*H to do this, though. Alas.

I think limiting eating out to one meal per week is really helping. It's also encouraging me to cook more, so I'm exploring healthy recipes and we're eating a lot more organic veggies. This is working pretty well. I like to cook.

Last night I made what started out to be beef stew, but turned into steak soup. Beef chunks, seared in a frying pan with salt, pepper, and Worchestire sauce - did I spell that right? Then I put that into the crock pot and added a half-bag of frozen organic sweet corn, a half-bag of organic broccoli, and three tomatoes I had left that I hadn't used in a salad yet. I cut those into the soup and let it cook for about three hours, served it over rice with Ezekiel bread toast. It was really good.

I could have made it even healthier without the carbs, I guess. Zucchini instead of corn, yellow squash instead of rice, but I've got a husband and daughter to feed, too, and they tell me they need more substance. Go figure.

Roxy

[Aggie_Ama]

127.8 grrrrr. But I have two things that should affect my results for February. My husband and I have started working out together (Today was the first day), so I think I will get into a better routine with a workout buddy. ALSO....found out this week....I'm pregnant!!! :D We're so excited!!! SO....is it still healthy to try to lose a couple of pounds during the first trimester? I'm going to do some research as to what is best for baby. I may have to just change my goal to maintain my current weight for the first trimester. We'll see.


Congratulations!! I would ask your OB. But you are kind of small now they may not like that. I think working out and staying fit is always okay although there are conflicting HR theories which I am sure you know. I have seen pregnant women running so I am way confused by the HR stuff. Guess I will worry about that when and if I am ever pregnant.

[Crankin]

Yes, the theories about HR and pregnancies are often conflicting. But one thing has not changed since I had my kids; don't try to lose weight when you are pregnant! Please. Keep exercising, but you are now providing the fuel for someone else. You are active... you can lose the weight after the baby comes.

[3for3]

Okay, this may seem like a totally daft question, but what does HR stand for? I've decided as long as I keep exercising and make sure I make good choices, food-wise, I should be okay. I just want to be "cute" pregnant, not huge pregnant. I weighed more when I first got pregnant with my 3 1/2 year old, and I gained on the high end of healthy weight gain for pregnancy. (A lot of creme brulee went into that! :rolleyes:) So I'm hoping to stay on the lower end of healthy weight gain and maybe overall I'll weigh less after the pregnancy and lose the weight easier? So my goal is to maintain my weight for the first tri-mester. Does anyone know good exercises for pregnancy? I'm having problems with my IT band, so running is out right now anyways. I'm walking for cardio. I hate the trainer, but I may have to grit my teeth and go with it, until I'm too big to do it comfortably. With the weather here, there's no riding now (I'm too wimpy! It's freezing!).....which means I won't be riding for.....probably 15 months!!! :eek: Because by the time the baby is born, the weather will start getting too cold again to ride. Wow, didn't think about that before. What I'm also wondering about is what sort of strength training is okay or not. Anyone have some great things they did while pregnant to stay healthy? Okay, this is now a very rambling message. Thanks for all your feedback everyone!

[Crankin]

HR= heart rate.
Most doctors will tell you to walk or swim for cardio when pregnant. Some people ride right up to their delivery, but others stop in the last trimester, because of balance issues. Riding on a trainer or spin class would be a good alternative. My "babies" are now almost 24 and 26, so my experience is old. I did high impact aerobics through both pregnancies, though probably I did too much! I modified a lot of stuff near the end. I had to be on a sort of modified bed rest for the last 6 weeks of my second pregnancy because I went into premature labor, probably as a result of a bike accident, where I stopped short and the down tube shifters on my 80's Univega went directly into my bulging belly. I most definitely was not listening to my doctor there.
The HR thing that some say is not to let it get above 140 and do not lie on your back, like for sit ups, as it compresses the major artery that supplies blood, and hence oxygen to you and the baby. There is a lot of conflicting support for this and some say that it depends on your condition, i.e. if you are highly trained then getting your HR up high will not shunt as much oxygen away from the baby's needs.
I think I gained 6 pounds in my first trimester with both pregnancies. I was very thin (like less than 100 pounds) at the start of the second one, but I gained at about the same rate for both, until they put me on meds to stop the labor, which actually caused me to lose weight. I had to significantly "eat for two" during those six weeks, but in a healthy way.
All the exercise paid off after the babies were born. I went home from the hospital in regular clothes, a couple of sizes bigger than my usual size. I lost the remainder of the weight in 3-4 months, with continued exercise 5-6 days a week. I didn't have to starve myself to do this, just eat healthy foods.

[Susan Otcenas]

3for3,

Congrats!! How exciting!!

I have no advice to offer, being childless myself. But I can imagine that if I were in your shoes, my goal would be to gain baby-related weight only. I've had some friends put on 50 pounds or more during pregnancy, who have had to work really hard to take it off afterwards!!

Perhaps you can use the Challenge to keep your weight GAIN on track, with the advice of your obgyn, of course. Could be fun! :)

Again, congratulations!

Susan

[Aggie_Ama]

One of my friends enjoyed a pre-natal yoga DVD very much. If you like yoga and the home DVD workouts that might be an option? I think some of our local gyms offer it as well. I see tons of pregnant women walking hike/bike paths.

[Bike Potato]

126.5
Congratulations, 3for3! :)

Thanks for doing this, Possegal. And sorry to hear about your kitty. :(

[Over50Newbie]

Congratulations 3for3 - that is great news!!

Today I am 141.6 - still going down (just a little, but that's okay). :)

Lynette

[Aggie_Ama]

Hmmm my scales seems stuck but that is okay 146.5.

[Lori81295]

149....slow but sure.

[martinkap]

154.5 for me. Very slow but at least something.

Martina

[Grits]

141. Not the right direction.

[Susan Otcenas]

146.5!

[3for3]

Thanks everyone! And thanks for all the exercising advice. I've been walking briskly daily on the treadmill and was doing a little strength training but I've heard that can be dangerous what with all your ligaments etc, loosening during pregnancy. So I may stick to walking and a prenatal yoga DVD. So far no morning sickness. I was 127.8 this morning. Holding steady which is what I wanted. Seems like everyone is doing really well. Congratulations!

[kjay]

Up one pound but not for long!

[Possegal]

Updated chart!

This is not going to be a good weigh in for me. I did little exercise and was sloppy with my food choices. I lost my cat on Saturday, so the blues didn't help much. Then Tuesday me and 1.9 million of my closest friends were on the mall watching the swearing in. :) Though there was a ton of walking involved, there was not good eating and now the complete exhaustion of the day is still lingering, so I've yet to get my big butt moving. :)

http://spreadsheets.google.com/ccc?key=pun9UgArTpm8CAodYUC3EPw

[kjay]

Thank you Possegal. The chart looks good and is so easy to follow. Is Susan ever making good progress, as are so many others. I am sorry about your loss. I hope memories of your good times diminish your sadness.

[Dazeepetals]

149. Last week must have been a fluke or water weight cause there is no way I could put on and take off 5 lbs in 1 weeks.

[crazycanuck]

Wahooooeey..i'm below 66kg's finally..!!! 65.4kgs :D

[solobiker]

continue to hang in at 150. I must maintain focus. I just can't seem to lose anything. My Dr has been adjusting my thyroid medication, but I won't blame it on my weight. Will try even harder this week.

[Kelly728]

We aren't even going to talk about how I'm back up at 152. Grumble. I thought I had an *ok* week where I would at least maintain.

[Hill Slug]

Better this week, down to 193.5. Still have to keep working, duh...

[derailed]

This morning I was 187! ( not going to last, I then ate )

[deedolce]

Poo. Over 325 miles since Jan 1st, and I'm up to 122. Bleh.

[jesvetmed]

Good Morning! Well, not down, but not up too bad.. 172.2 for last week.
It's a new week!!! Here we go again.
J

[kjay]

jesvetmed, I dreamed about you the other night and I haven't even met you. Must have been the "vet" part in your name that stuck. :D

[Bike Potato]

Still 126.
OK, I 'll just go ahead and admit I haven't been trying the past couple of weeks, not sure what happened to my motivation, but I guess I'm in a "love myself the way I am" mood this month.

Plus, I had high aspirations of eating lots of veggies and no junk this weekend, but then my 17 yo kitty got sick Fri and died Sat, so I decided to sit in seclusion with a big pizza, a bottle of wine and Lifetime TV. :(

Maybe January is not the best month for me to try to lose weight...

[Possegal]

I'm right there with you Bike Potato. My kitty had been sick with cancer for nearly a year, much longer than anyone expected him to make it. But when I had to help him end the suffering last Saturday, I stopped caring about much of anything. Add to that the fact that I've not had a working fridge for a month, and I'm really not making any progress. New fridge comes next Tuesday, so hopefully at that point I'll get myself back on track. My kitty would want it that way. :-)

Sorry about your kitty, so hard to lose them, isn't it?

http://spreadsheets.google.com/ccc?key=pun9UgArTpm8CAodYUC3EPw

[GLC1968]

Possegal and Bike Potato - I'm sorry to hear about your kitties!

I just realized that I never came here and posted my weight last week. Duh!

No change for me for last week. I deserved it as I was terrible about logging my food. This week will be better! :)

[Bike Potato]

Possegal, that is really tough, sorry to hear about your kitty passing, but that was a long time for you to worry about a sick kitty, too. :(
It is hard, even when you know it's coming.

Yes, you're right, your kitty would want you to get back on track - he would want you to be perfect like him. ;)

And thanks, GLC1968 for the condolences.

[jesvetmed]

Bike Potato and Possegal: I'm so sorry about your kitties. That is so hard to deal with especially the watching them be sick for a while. I hope you two are healing a bit and remember them in their good times. My MIL and also my good friend both had to put their old dogs (17 and 18 yrs!) to sleep in the last couple of days. So much sadness everywhere right now. Hugs to everyone.


jesvetmed, I dreamed about you the other night and I haven't even met you. Must have been the "vet" part in your name that stuck.
kjay: Was I THIN in your dreams? Afterall, this is the weight loss thread! Tell me I was thin! :D

[deedolce]

I'm so sorry to hear about the kitties. :(

I'm still between 122-123. I rode a lot for January, in the cold for the first time this year. Apparently, it made me ravenous, and being Winter, that meant heavy foods - in the summer it's usually smoothies and salads! Not nuts, meat, and bread.

So I cleaned out my fridge and rearranged. I cleared out a big space for my salad spinner, and will keep it supplied and ready at eye level! I was eating a second, late dinner. (I eat 4 smaller meals, and I'm an uber-owl) That's now a salad, instead of more heavy carb dishes. I have until the beginning of April when I see my ldr bf again!! I better be svelte by then...:D

[Aggie_Ama]

I am sorry to hear about the kitties, those events do throw obstacles at us and it is okay to stumble.

With Maggie kicking and fighting on SubCu our lives are highly dictated by getting home to the sick puppy (although at the moment she isn't acting sick). Between getting up to make gruel before work, subcu before the nightly run, run and subcu before bed I could cook another night. Carl's Jr was just what I needed.

My weight has been steady for nearly two months which isn't a bad thing but I do have another 10 lbs I want to lose and when I get there a new assessment to make. Funny thing is in the last week 4 people (one DH) have said I look lean and noticed I lost weight. It has made me feel good but there is still work to do. At least it shows. I feel like my face suddenly shows but I wonder if it is just fatigue?

Keep trucking ladies.

[Susan Otcenas]

Aggie Ama, Perhaps you are in a re-arranging phase. :) Gaining muscle mass (dense) and losing fat mass (not so dense). So, your measurements could be changing even if your overall body weight isn't, hence the comments you've been receiving lately. WooHoo!

I wish I'd taken a complete set of measurements when I started. I knew my bust, hip & waist measurements (I do sell apparel, after all...:D) but didn't know thigh circumference, etc.

The other day, we were doing a staff review of all the new Pearl Izumi items for Spring and I tried on one of the new PI jerseys. My jaw just about hit the floor when it fit. Then I took a waist measurement and discovered I've lost THREE inches in my waist and two in my bust. Zowie! It was very motivational, especially since my weight loss has slowed down these last few weeks. I'm cool with some "re-arranging"...

Susan

[Aggie_Ama]

Aggie Ama, Perhaps you are in a re-arranging phase. :) Gaining muscle mass (dense) and losing fat mass (not so dense). So, your measurements could be changing even if your overall body weight isn't, hence the comments you've been receiving lately. WooHoo!

Susan

Maybe and I am okay with that. Right now is a tough time mentally with my dog still fighting to stick around. I am just trying to keep working out but the food I am not worried about what it is as much as when my body says full stopping. I feel pretty good when I look in the mirror. Most of my food choices are okay but it just can't be my priority.

I didn't take measurements either, just jumped in.

Congratulations on being able to see recently, did you feel like a rockstar? :)

[Susan Otcenas]

Congratulations on being able to see recently, did you feel like a rockstar? :)

It was a really good feeling! Now I need to keep it up...

[Over50Newbie]

140.6 - I like this downward trend! :)

Lynette

[Mistie]

150 with a diagnosis of arthritis on Tuesday. Sigh.

[Susan Otcenas]

146.0. Slow, but steady.

[Grits]

Still 141. Now that birthdays and sickness are behind me, I'm getting serious again!

[Hill Slug]

Back up a bit, 194. But a couple rides are planned for this weekend. And I must remember not to eat anything with sodium the night before weigh-in day......:p

[solobiker]

Back up...152:( I have been sick with a cold that has kicked me in the butt big time. Basically strugled through work all week, came home and slept until 7pm, got ready for bed and went back to sleep. I am feeling better today and Sunday we leave on one of our annual hut trips..lots of backcountry skiing so I hope I can lose some then.

[Susan Otcenas]

Sounds like alot of folks had a rough week. Hang in there! We're all rootin' for you!

We've had nice weather the past two weekends, so I've been able to get out for bike rides (although it did start snowing on me last Saturday...). Tomorrow looks like cloudy and a high of 40, so I'll try to get out for 30-40 miles around 10am or so. We've been having freezing fog* the past few days (I never knew there was such a thing as freezing fog until I moved to Oregon), so the roads are too slick to ride much before that.

Susan

* From Wikipedia "Freezing fog occurs when liquid fog droplets freeze to surfaces, forming white rime ice. This is very common on mountain tops which are exposed to low clouds. It is equivalent to freezing rain, and essentially the same as the ice that forms inside a freezer which is not of the "frostless" or "frost-free" type. In some areas such as in the State of Oregon, the term "freezing fog" refers to fog where water vapor is super-cooled filling the air with small ice crystals similar to very light snow. It seems to make the fog "tangible", as if one could "grab a handful"."

The ice crystals drop out of the air as the sun is coming up, and coat the streets with a thin, powdery, icy layer. Takes a few hours to melt off, usually.

[tulip]

Susan O, your progress is wonderful! Just a few months ago, in November, I think, you started in the 160s if I remember correctly. You are now at 146--that's fantastic! I enjoy reading about your very steady and disciplined progress. It is possible, you are proof, you are an inspiration! You make it look easy, but I know that it is not. Congratulations!

That freezing fog sounds delightful, beautiful, and somewhat hazardous.

[derailed]

I'm 191 today.

[Lori81295]

148.4 slow is good :)

[kjay]

Congratulations, Susan!

I'm the same and because I hurt my back two days ago, I'm unable to bike or even walk very well. Hope this doesn't last long. :(

[polly4711]

I missed the entry for these two months, but i've been trying to do the same thing as if i would have been posting here. I've lost two pounds since jan 1.

I just wanted to tell everyone congrats to all of your hard work and I'm proud of you! I'll join for the april/march one!!!

JP

[deedolce]

Well, back to 120! :D Switched to salads and actually cooking with more veggies.
BUT...I took a crash today. My own stupidity and poor bike handling (ran over my own water bottle, then instinctively grabbed break.:rolleyes:) to I hope I can keep some discipline and that I'm not too messed up to get back on the bike in a couple of days...hmmm, maybe some of that weight is my skin that I left on the road!! :p

[Susan Otcenas]

Susan O, your progress is wonderful! Just a few months ago, in November, I think, you started in the 160s if I remember correctly. You are now at 146--that's fantastic! I enjoy reading about your very steady and disciplined progress. It is possible, you are proof, you are an inspiration! You make it look easy, but I know that it is not. Congratulations!

That freezing fog sounds delightful, beautiful, and somewhat hazardous.


Hi Tulip,

Thanks!! I started on November 5th at 165 pounds. It hasn't been easy, but on the other hand, for the most part, it hasn't been excruciatingly difficult either. I'm a stubborn person, and once I set my mind to something, I can usually make it happen.

When I was 14, I started smoking cigarettes. It wasn't long before I had a pack-a-day habit. My mother allowed me to smoke in the house. She was a smoker, and recognized the hypocrisy of telling her teenage daughter that it wasn't OK to do something that she herself was doing. Plus, she was afraid I'd burn down the house sneaking cigarettes in my bedroom at night, so she preferred I do it out in the open.

Anyway, when I was 20 years old, I'd tired of smoking cigarettes. But habits are hard to break. So, I decided to tell everyone I knew that I was quitting smoking. Friends, family, classmates....everyone. Then, I set my mind to doing it. My stubborness, plus the fact that I didn't want to "fail" in front of my friends and family and all these people who knew what I was trying to accomplish, kept me on track. This Thanksgiving will mark 20 years without another cigarette.

I'm basically taking the same approach with my weight loss. I set my mind to it. I made a plan:

First, I joined WieghtWatchers online, and I record all my food intake diligently. I don't cheat on recording what I eat, because I'd only be cheating myself. That doesn't mean I always eat perfectly - believe me, I don't. But I record everything, regardless. I've become a label-reader. I look for lots of fiber, low fat, no added sugar, no high fructose corn syrup.... I try to make 95% of my meals at home, using natural ingredients & minimally processed foods. I like to cook, so this is not a burden.

Then, I announced my intentions to my friends, co-workers, family. This helps me in several ways. First, like with my smoking habit, I don't want to be a failure in the eyes of people I love and respect. Keeps me accountable to someone other than myself. Second, the people I interract with day-to-day in person now understand why I say "no" to certain things. "No thank you, I wouldn't like a piece of cake." "No thank you, a 2nd serving wouldn't be a good idea. " "Yes, I'd love to go out to dinner with you - let's try Sweet Tomatoes tonight instead of chinese." They help keep my on track, and cheer me on.

Then, I set some goals. The Shamrock Run 5K on St. Patrick's Day, The Canby Gator Grinder Sprint Tri in May, the Pacific Crest Olympic Duathlon in June, two long-distance weeklong bicycling vacations in July & August, an Olympic triathlon in September. I know I'm capable - I've done all these things before in my leaner/fitter years. I don't want to just "survive" these events. I want to have a rip-roaring good time doing them! :D

So, I made a training plan. Running 3 mornings a week. Cycling on the weekends (have to try to fit some spin classes into my evenings, but so far that's been hard with my work schedule). Swim lessons (i'm a lousy swimmer). All of this activity is paying off. I'm not just losing weight - I'm becoming much more fit. I'm building muscle. I'm keeping my metabolism high (I think diet-only plans fail because our bodies' metabolisms respond to less food by slowing down. Exercise is key to keeping metabolism high). And I FEEL so much better.

I've spent the past few years not being very good to myself, physically or mentally. I decided to change that and treat myself better. Like I said, it hasn't been easy, but it hasn't been excruciating either. I set my mind to it, knowing that the payoff is better health and a stronger/leaner me.

Thanks again for all the encouragement, ladies! The supportiveness of this group is amazing, and has been so helpful to me.

Susan

[Susan Otcenas]

I'm the same and because I hurt my back two days ago, I'm unable to bike or even walk very well. Hope this doesn't last long. :(


Oh kjay, I'm so sorry to hear you're injured! Take good care of yourself - best to rest up for a few days, rather than try to get out there before your body is ready. On the bright side - would this be a good excuse to pamper yourself with a massage? Might work wonders on both your back and your spirits. :)

Susan

[Triskeliongirl]

Susan, its been so exciting hearing about your weight loss. Its been great watching your progress here (and everyones!). Why don't you post some pictures. You must be so proud of yourself. I am just curious, are you a Medium now, or even fitting into some Smalls?

One reason I am curious, is that I did notice a big difference in my body shape when I lost weight on WW vs a high protein/low carb diet. In my case, it may be because I have impaired glucose tolerance so did much better on low carb, but on the high protein/low carb diet I noticed that I preserved more lean body mass as I lost than I did on WW, so now I am the same clothing size (small, 4-6) at 140 lb as I was at 120 lb years ago on weight watchers (correcting for size inflation, etc.). Both times I started at ~170, which I noticed is also near your starting weight.

[Susan Otcenas]

Trisk,

I don't have any recent pictures of myself. I'm planning to take one the day of the Shamrock Run, to use as a comparison to the "before" weight. I'll post the before and after then. :) It's definitely a noticeable change, even now. Many people that I haven't seen in a while (who didn't know I was trying to shed weight) have told me I look thinner. Yay!

Sizing is a very interesting thing. As far as cycling clothing goes - At 5'4" and 165 pounds, I was in an XL in just about everything. I can still wear all the jerseys, though they are noticeably roomier, especially in the waist/hip. I'm busty (I've dropped a cup size, from DD to D) so I still have a 38-39 inch bust circumference. A goodly number of my XL jerseys still don't look overly large in the bust. I should say, though, that I am not a super-form-fitting-jersey kind of girl. I prefer a semi-fit cut, so the fact that my XLs have gotten roomy is OK with me. But, undoubtedly, by the summer most of them should be simply too big (I'm hoping to be 130 by summer).

In shorts - just about all my shorts were XL, and I can wear L now. I could probably even wear some mediums, though I haven't actually tried any Ms on yet. I haven't given a whole lot of thought to which new pieces I want to acquire for the coming season, so I've not spent much time in the bathroom trying on bottoms. I *have* tried on a bunch of the new spring jerseys, though. I'm wavering between M & L in most of them. The Ls are roomy at the waist but are mostly good in the bust. I can wear some Ms if the fabrics have more give. But I'm still more comfortable in the Ls.

At 130, I'll probably be a solid medium in most things (I'm hoping to get my bust measurement down to a 34C. That would be heaven.) When I was 25, I was 133 pounds and wore M in pretty much all my cycling clothing. On the other hand, that was 15 years ago. With vanity sizing being as crazy as it is, who knows!

I have very little clothing labeled 6-8-10 etc so I probably can't really answer your sizing question. I buy my jeans from Chico's and they use a different scale (I am now a 1.5). Almost everything else I own is labeled s-m-l etc. I have no idea where I'll end up in "dress" sizes, though at 133 I was a size 8. But that was 15 years ago - with the shift in sizing, I'll likely be a 6 now.

It's interesting to me that you feel that the different weight loss methods had different effects on your body composition. Did you have the same exercise regimen each time? I wonder if a change in the type or frequency of exercise you did during your weight loss is responsible for some of that.

As for me, I've not been counting my fat/carb/protein ratios during my time on WW. I think I have a pretty good balance. Because carb-rich foods are calorie dense, I tend to eat them only in moderation. I haven't had pasta in 2months or so and only rarely have any potato. I eat wild rice 1-2 a week. Breakfast is usually carb-based (oatmeal, 10-grain cereal, muesli), but most of the rest of my meals are more reliant on veggies and lean proteins.

Susan

[Triskeliongirl]

When I was younger I ballooned up to 165 following my pregnancies. I am 5 ft 4.5" tall. I lost 50 lb on weight watchers, but felt really hungry all the time, and got down to clothes that were labeled small then and still fit me now (we can't compare the numbered clothes I know). When I look back at records of my body fat percent though, what I noticed was especially as those last 20 lb came off, it was mostly muscle. At 115 lb my bodyfat percent was 22, so that means my LBM was only 90lb. My exercise at the time was marathon training, and when that ended even though I continued running the weight slowly but surely crept back on. I also found the WW diet tough, felt like I was constantly fighting hunger and my body.

Fast-forward to a couple years ago when I discovered I had impaired glucose tolerance and had to eat a low carb high protein diet. At that point I was an avid cyclist, and at 175 fairly muscular. I was a solid L in most things, an occasional M. Sized items were a 10-12, but again with vanity sizing hard to interpret. While I am not a body builder, I visited boards where women discussed bodybuilding. In body building lingo, I viewed my weight gain as an 'intentional bulk' that is when you gain fat you also gain muscle to carry it around with. So when body builders want to gain muscle and lose fat, first they gain weight (like I did but on purpose), and then by dieting down on a high protein diet, try to selectively remove the fat. As long as you are eating enough protein, you shouldn't need to catabolize your body protein. This made sense to me as a biochemist, and since I had to eat a high protein low carb diet due to my insulin problem, I wondered if it would work that way. To my surprise. I got to that magic body fat percent of 22%, but this time at 140 lb instead of 120. That means now at 140 lb I have a LBM of 110 and can wear many of the same size S clothing items I purchased when I was 120 lb (so I am comparing the same garments, not a number that has varied over time)! I think that is why even though 140 is still on the high end of normal for a person of my height, I can now wear mostly smalls, with the occasional XS on the bottom, and am a 6 on top and 4 on the bottom (which even with vanity sizing seems small to me!). What was also different about it for me this time, is the weight loss felt very natural. I didn't feel like I was dieting as in feeling hungry or deprived. As long as I ate to normalize my blood sugars, I felt like my body weight was normalizing too. I was eating more calories than when I had gained my weight (although that is due to my insulin problem) but the weight just fell off me. The other thing that is different is how easy its been to maintain. While eating less doesn't get me below that magic 22 percent body fat (I've always been that way as a minimum) if I just listen to my body and feed it what it asks, and don't eat foods that ever let my blood sugar go higher than 120 (i.e. I eat mostly lean proteins and non-starchy veggies, but am not afraid of fat) my weight has been really stable for almost 2 years now. You did make a lot of money on me though, as I replaced stuff when I was a M, thinking I'd never be a S, and then had to buy everything all over again in S (although if you remember you let me return the still tagged unworn M apparel)!

I throw this out, cuz I think one thing I learned is how important it was for me to keep my protein high enough (~110g per day) to preserve lean body mass while slimming down. Even without weight lifting, it let me selectively lose fat, and be leaner at a higher body weight than I was when I lost weight on a more balanced diet. I don't know how much of this are my issues with carbs, but I also think that many women that struggle with their weight, even if they don't meet the medical definition of impaired glucose tolerance, may be more carb sensitivie than their leaner counterparts. But clearly you are doing well on a balanced WW plan, but I just wanted to throw out that as you continue to lose, be sure to eat enough protein to protect your LBM!

[Kelly728]

Oops, I forgot to post for Friday.. I am stuck at 152. Don't know what my deal is right now but I think I have been taking in too many carbs due to my increased running mileage. This week I'm going to really work on cutting that down.

[Triskeliongirl]

This made me think to add that if you are going to exercise on a low carb diet, be sure to still drink a protein rich drink with electrolytes on the bike.

[Susan Otcenas]

I throw this out, cuz I think one thing I learned is how important it was for me to keep my protein high enough (~110g per day) to preserve lean body mass while slimming down.

That works out to about 440 calories per day. Do you have any idea what this is as a % of your total daily caloric intake?

Susan

[tulip]

When I lost my weight (20 lbs) a few years ago, in addition to cutting out my 1000 calorie breakfast at Starbucks, I also increased my protein significantly. I had been almost a vegetarian since my then-husband was a vegetarian. When we split up, I started eating fish, chicken, and meat again. I had more energy and lost the weight in a few months, without trying. I didn't do any math or anything, and there were alot of factors that contributed to the weight loss (stress over the split, no more starbucks, more protein, more fresh fruit). I actually cut my exercise because when I moved, I ended up much closer to my office and lost my 28-mile RT bike commute (not that I recommend cutting exercise, that was just my situation).

Just thought I'd throw that out as an anecdote.

[Aggie_Ama]

147. DH did say yesterday I looked like I was getting lean in my bike clothes. I will take a slight weight gain, I feel damn good about my appearance.

[Triskeliongirl]

This is the typical breakdown of my food while dieting (and even during maintenance, I basically reached a percent body fat for which my body doesn't like to go below).

~1400 calories per day
110 g protein x 4= 440 cal
30 g CHO x 4= 120 cal
93 g fat x 9 = 837 cal

But Susan, don't think of the 110 g as a percentage of your total calories, the idea was to try to eat ~1 g of protein per lb of LBM. You can calculate your LBM from your body fat percentage. Subtract your body fat percentage from 100, and multiple that times your body weight to get your LBM.

It may sound like a lot of fat, but I do use mostly monounsaturated fats, i.e. olive oil, but I do use full fat milk products like yogurt as they have less lactose, again due to my impaired glucose tolerance. Also, my triglycerides are very low, and all my blood lipids went down eating this way. Fat is only bad for you when combined with carbohydrates (gary taube's good calories bad calories is a great read).

On a day I do a long club ride, I would eat more in the form of protein shakes (Jay Robb Protein Powder, sweetened w stevia so no carbs, but protein and electrolytes). But if you don't have impaired glucose tolerance like me you might want to try a drink that is a blend of protein and carbs and electrolytes. My husband likes Cytomax I think its called.

I don't mean to push my low carb lifestyle on you guys. I have good medical reasons for needing to eat this way. But, I do think that for even a person with a normal metabolism, that keeping protein up while dieting is really important for selectively losing fat over muscle, which after all is the real goal. What bothered me about weight watchers, is they paid more attention to scale weight than body fat percentage. I did become a lifetime member, and while the diet did work for me when I was younger, I found maintenance tough if I wasn't marathon training too, and it didn't work anymore as my impaired glucose tolerance got worse. Now, while exercise is great, its not essential for maintenance. I just got back from a long trip to europe where all I did for exercise was walk, and even found I lost a few pounds.

[GLC1968]

My weight on Sat was 170.3 - so a slight gain. Not bad considering that I haven't been recording my intake at all (because I'm rebelling).

I'm working out some mental issues while I'm also working on increasing my activity. Ultimately, I'm changing the way I'm going about this as WW doesn't seem to be doing it for me. It's time to use what I know and lose weight the way I know it works for me.

Susan and Trisk - Your conversation of late is very interesting to me. Trisk - I know we've talked about this before. I am also 5'4", but I'm built very differently from both of you. At 170 lbs, I still wear smalls and mediums on top (not much chest here!) and a size 12 (vanity) jean. My bike shorts are still mediums, but I have relatively narrow hips and carry most of my weight in my legs. When I'm about 15 lbs lighter - I'm wearing smalls, so it's relative.

Anyway, I 100% agree with the protien concept that Trisk mentions. When I was at my thinnest (adult weight - about 4 years ago), I was 138 and wearing all 4's. I had a 19% BF. I was lifting HEAVY weights and using running and step aerobics as my primary cardio. This was right before I started biking - it's been all GAIN since then! Anyway, I was also eating a high protien diet. But, I was not low carb - for me, my carb ratio was more moderate and predominantly veggie/fruit related (with 1 whole grain serving per day). Overall, I was aiming for a 40% protien, 40% carb and 20% fat ratio at every meal, or at the very least, for my day totals. The weight just FELL off me. It's this ratio that I am going back to - I just have a hard time with my current lifestyle because we eat very little meat now. Additionally, I will not buy the large packs of 'industrial' chicken breasts that was a big staple of my diet back then. I will figure something out, though.

My point is that I totally agree that sufficient protien in your diet while losing weight defintely helps your body preserve the muscle and lose the fat. How else could I have been a 19% BF at 138 lbs?! I had a beautiful 6-pack and well defined arms and legs, then, too. 1 gram per lb of body weight is a good estimate. I like using my calories and figuring out 40% so that I ensure that I'm also getting the carbs I need for my cardio and the good fats my body needs for repair efforts.

Anyway, that's my 0.02...

[Triskeliongirl]

I agree with everything you have said Catherine. I think dropping carbs really low is only necessary for those with impaired glucose tolerance. However I think having adequate protein, and more fibrous sources of carbs is good for all.

I just hope what I posted is helpful for those of you that are even borderline carb intolerant. I have tested lots of people with my glucose meter, and see a real range, even amongst people who still test in the normal range. Catherine, perhaps you are one of those that while normal, would do better to somewhat restrict carbs, not as much as me, but focussing on the higher fiber less processed sources. But, if you are following WW and not losing, perhaps you do have some impaired glucose tolerance.

In terms of protein being boring, no I do not buy bags of frozen chicken breasts. We eat lots of fish (if you are a smart shopper you can try different cheaper varieties and find ones you like that are 'underappreciated'). I also like ground turkey (85% lean is tastiest) which we add seasonings to and make sausages, chili, burgers from. My favorite pre-ride breakfast is a couple of turkey sausages.

[martinkap]

154lbs.

I also find the discussion very interesting. When I start cycling (about 150miles per week at least - on a fixie) I was recommended to eat before long rides carbs but they just made me tired, sleepy and left me hungry.

Since being little, I hate taste of sugar, cannot stand chocolate and the only carbs I like are potatoes. Any form of sugar makes me feel really bad. I found that the best breakfast for me is egg, cheese and ham sandwich. It lasts me for a long time and gives me a lot of energy.

Lately I signed up for 30 days of Bikram yoga and half way through I was tired, stiff and totally exhausted. I read this thread and started to count the protein in my diet and realized that I am barely on 70g per day. I upped the protein (mainly Quinoa salads) and I am great again.

My question is - where and how do you get tested for impaired glucose tolerance?

Thanks,

Martina

[Susan Otcenas]

So, just for giggles I went and calculated all my ratios for yesterday and Thursday (I had a meal out both Friday and Saturday, so skipped those days because they are too hard to estimate with any accuracy.)

Yesterday:
1032 calories. 17g fat, 176g carb, 47.5g protein. (14.6%-67.2%-18.1%)
Thursday:
899 calories. 14.5g fat, 150g carb, 35.5 protein (13.8% fat, 63.7%, 22.5%)

Before anyone goes and beats me up on how few calories I'm eating...
I only get 19 WW points, which works out to around 950 calories. In fact, most days I end up eating more*, either because I'm hungry or because I'm exercising and need more fuel. Yesterday I ran for an hour, but I made surprisingly filling meals and wasn't really hungry until late in the evening. But as I say, normally on a running day I'll get closer to 25-27 points. On Thursday I didn't get any exercise, so I tried to stick to my points budget.

Anyway, I was surprised that my protein % was as low as it was on those 2 days. A few things pop into my mind: Yesterday was a completely vegetarian day for me. I had tempeh & beans and cottage cheese as my main protein sources. Cottage cheese and some feta were my only animal products. On Thursday, the only animal protein I had was 2 oz turkey breast @ lunch. No dairy. The rest of my protein came from black beans and oatmeal.

Tonight I'll probably go back and do a few other days, because I'm not really sure these two days are really representative. As I review them, I realize that both of these days are lower in animal products than is typical for me. For example, I often (most days) have yogurt for a snack. I eat 3-4 eggs per week. I also have animal protein (lean beef, lean pork or, fish) 4-5 nights per week (I was a non-meat eater for 10 years, but went back to it gradually about 6 months ago).

Nonetheless, what this tells me is I need to work on making a conscious effort to incorporate some more protein into my diet daily. I should probably be getting 1.5-2x what I'm getting now.

Susan

*(My last 7 days calories have worked out to roughly 1650, 1000, 1450, 900, 1500, 1400, 1000)

[Susan Otcenas]

One of the gals in my office teaches classes in nutrition at one of the local colleges. After I did all those calcs, I had a conversation with her about protein, etc. Here's an email she sent me on the subject.

"One thing to consider in increasing protein intake -
Pacific foods makes an "Ultra" soy milk - fortified with extra soy protein, calcium, and vitamin D.
Each serving is an extra 5 grams or so of protein compared to "regular" soymilk.
It tastes/feels a fair bit richer than regular-strength soymilk, too.
I've found it to be a very easy way to increase my calcium intake - important because osteoporosis is rampant in my mom's family.


At 145# and 25% bodyfat (I'd estimate 22-26%) you'd have a LBM of about 110#, and as an active person you'd want to have about 90 grams of protein per day.

Interestingly, the WHO would recommend a lower protein intake - 0.8 kcal per kg of bodyweight, which comes out to be about 55 g/day (i.e. about what you're taking in now). This is the figure that they believe to be barely adequate to maintain a person at rest or light activity, without compromising their immune system.

When you're in caloric deficit, you are going to burn protein as fuel. Any ship in a storm! Your body is EXTREMELY smart about protein, since it's the most expensive stuff to make. The metabolic pathways that make protein try to not compete with the pathways that break it down - in other words, if you're breaking down protein as fuel, your body will eventually figure out that it's pretty senseless to be building so much body protein, so the protein-building pathways will shrink to just cover your minimum needs for digestive enzymes, blood, immune proteins, etc. If you provide more protein in your diet, you're doing two things: First, you're limiting the amount of body protein that's going to be broken down - breaking down protein for fuel is a SLOW process relative to fat or carbs, and if there's a dietary source it will be used first. Second, abundant protein entering your system will make more protein synthesis happen by a phenomenon known as "mass action" - if you swamp the available protein-building enzymes with proteins, more protein gets synthesized.

Going too far overboard with protein intake will not help, but WILL stress your kidneys. And going to too high of a protein intake on a restricted calorie diet means that it's hard to get everything you need.
On a 1300-kcal diet, you'd be looking at 25-30% protein as a good target. Allowing 20% fat, that means your carbs would be 50-55% of your intake. 160 g/d of carbs is going to be barely sufficient when you're working out, and may not be enough to insure topped-off glycogen stores - in other words, in the last week or so before the Shamrock, you may perform better if you bring your energy intake up a bit - more like a maintenance, rather than weight-loss, diet. "


Obviously, I have some work to do to more appropriately balance my diet.

As always, thanks for the fantastic conversation, ladies!

Susan

[GLC1968]

Trisk - I do think I'm very carb sensitive. When I have too many, I don't lose. And more importantly, the more I have, the more I crave, which is how I let my weight get out of control. This applies mainly to starchy carbs, of course. I have never over eaten broccoli or spinach! :p

My issue isn't that WW doesn't work when I follow it, it's just that I am not even slightly motivated to stick to it. I hate the 'points' thing - I always have and I don't know why I thought this time might be different. I like REAL numbers that I can sink my teeth into and that mean something to me in the long run. WW has a great website, great tools, and a lot going for it...it just doesn't do it for me. Go figure. I've always been a numbers geek, so I don't know why I thought that simplifying that was going to be motivating for me...quite the opposite, actually. Eh.

Susan - great job at mixing up those daily calorie levels! Way to keep your body guessing!

[Triskeliongirl]

In response to the query how to measure your glucose tolerance, here is something I put together for another website I frequent.

Also Susan, I do teach biochemistry to medical students, and in particular amino acid metabolism. What I stress is that while there may be standard recommendations for 'normal' folks, when you deal with people that have metabolic disorders, one needs to modify those. Just like you wouldn't recommend a high protein diet for someone with kidney damage, for someone with impaired glucose tolerance its just the ticket. Also, in the range I am talking about, 1 g protein/ lb of LBM, should not stress the kidneys of a person with normal kidney function.

MEASURING GLUCOSE TOLERANCE: Here is a blurb I wrote up before and modified slightly for you guys (some of which was copied from wiki) on how to measure your glucose tolerance. Notice the info. on the home test which is what many of you may want to start with unless you can convince your docs to run one in a lab for you:

This is how an OGTT (oral glucose tolerance test) works in a lab (from wiki):

The patient should have been fasting for the previous 8-14 hours (water is allowed).
Usually the OGTT is scheduled to begin in the morning (0700-0800) as glucose tolerance exhibits a diurnal rhythm with a significant decrease in the afternoon. A zero time (baseline) blood sample is drawn.

The patient is then given a glucose solution to drink. The standard dose since the late 1970s has been 1.75 grams of glucose per kilogram of body weight, to a maximum dose of 75 g. It should be drunk within 5 minutes. Prior to 1975 a dose of 100 g was often used.

Blood is drawn at intervals for measurement of glucose (blood sugar), and sometimes insulin levels. The intervals and number of samples vary according to the purpose of the test. For simple diabetes screening, the most important sample is the 2 hour sample and the 0 and 2 hour samples may be the only ones collected. In research settings, samples may be taken on many different time schedules.

To do an OGTT test at home, it is good to take additional time points, especially to check for reactive hypoglycemia. If you are not sure of your technique, you may even want to take duplicate measurements, especially at the 60 and 120 minute points, and remember to wash your hands before each measurement:

You can order a very good glucose monitor here for only $20 (uses small sample volumes and has excellent accuracy): http://shopcart.shopmash.com/manu/1000004/TSI70725/product.aspx
The test strips are expensive, but if you get your doctor to write a prescription they are cheaper. The meter will come with 10 to get you started. You can also order the strips from the same supplier.

This is the test. Don't eat after you evening meal. Next morning, measure you blood glucose per the instructions with the meter. Then drink 75g of pure glucose (you can use cycling gels, usually they have 25 g of carbs in the form of maltodextrin which is essentially glucose so you would take 3, or how ever many add up to 75g of the brand of your choice, you can rinse them down with water). DO NOT EAT AGAIN UNTIL AFTER THE TEST IS OVER ALTHOUGH YOU CAN DRINK PLAIN WATER. Call t=0 when you first started eating the glucose. Measure the values at the following points: 30 min., 60 min, 120 min, and hourly thereafter until it comes to a value less than 100 (6-8 hours). The 1 hour reading should be less than 200, and the 2 hour reading should be less than 140 if you are 'normal'.

While I have given this test to lots of people, I have seen there is a huge range in the responses. Some folks never go above 120 at the 1 hour point, while others can be anywhere between 120 and 200. While these folks don’t meet the medical definition of impaired glucose tolerance, they definitely have less glucose tolerance than folks that never go over 120, and they often tend to take too long for the glucose load to clear. These folks often benefit greatly from a low carb diet. When you are feeling bad on the bike (if this happens to you after a high carb pre-ride meal), take a measurement as well. Also record how you are feeling.

So, what I (and my doctor) think is even more important for optimum health (not exposing your body to high blood sugar levels which harms your organs) is finding out how you react to diff. foods/combinations of foods, and only eat foods that keep your blood sugar under 120 after 1 hour (after the first bite) and under 100 after 2 hours (after the first bite). Exercise can be used to raise glucose tolerance. So, while you may find that your blood sugar goes high if you eat fruit pre-ride it may be fine post-ride.

Interpretation of OGTT results (from: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Glucose_tolerance_test )
Fasting plasma glucose should be below 6.1 mmol/l (110 mg/dl). Fasting levels between 6.1 and 7.0 mmol/l (110 and 126 mg/dl) are borderline ("impaired fasting glycaemia"), and fasting levels repeatedly at or above 7.0 mmol/l (126 mg/dl) are diagnostic of diabetes.

The 2 hour glucose level should be below 7.8 mmol/l (140 mg/dl). Levels between this and 11.1 mmol/l (200 mg/dl) indicate "impaired glucose tolerance." Glucose levels above 11.1 mmol/l (200 mg/dl) at 2 hours confirms a diagnosis of diabetes.

Here is a More detailed way to look at your values From the National Library of Medicine http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/003466.htm#Normal%20Values:

Normal blood values for a 75-gram oral glucose tolerance test used to check for type 2 diabetes:

Fasting: 60 to 100 mg/dL
1 hour: less than 200 mg/dL
2 hours: less than 140 mg/dL. Between 140-200 mg/dL is considered impaired glucose tolerance or pre-diabetes. This group is at increased risk for developing diabetes. Greater than 200 mg/dL is diagnostic of diabetes mellitus


What next?

If you have impaired glucose tolerance, follow the diet in this book, Dr. Bernstein's Diabetes Solution. You can also order it from amazon, etc. http://www.diabetes-normalsugars.com/ (although I do eat tomatoes, carrots, etc. which he doesn't recommend, depends on how severe your impaired glucose tolerance is). I also supplement with no carb protein shakes and almonds during exercise (Jay Robb Whey Protein which they sell at HEB Central Market, also contain electrolytes: http://www.jayrobb.com/cat_proteinWheyAll.asp), and am careful to eat plenty of protein to fuel activity. The amino acids are deaminated to carbon skeletons which can be burned for energy via the TCA cycle, and also used to do gluconeogenesis, but making glucose at a slower rate than consuming carbs on the bike. I have also trained myself to run on a high ratio of fat to glucose.

General info. on how to eat higher protein lower carb can be found in Protein Power by the Eades, although it is less based on glucose readings and allows fruits that raise my blood sugar too high. Another good book is good calories/bad calories by Gary Taubes. Even if you don't have impaired glucose tolerance, I believe it is a healthier way to eat although you would not be as restrictive as a person with impaired glucose tolerance. My husband doesn't have impaired glucose tolerance, but he eats the same as me although he sometimes supplements w carbs (like fruit, sometimes bread). But on the bike, he prefers a shake that contains carbs and protein to a pure carb one (cytomax, also has electrolytes which is key). I think its important to select a diet based on how it makes you feel. If you feel better by shifting the balance away from carbs and towards protein then you should do it regardless of what the test results show. I also think the carbs in veggies and fruits are then better for you than the carbs in wheat, sugar, rice, and processed foods. Protein is also more satiating so you'll be able to reduce meal frequency more easily, and even restrict calories more easily, if that is desirable. I lost 35 lb eating this way and never felt like I was on a 'diet' or excessively hungry, just like my weight 'normalized' as my blood sugars and hormones 'normalized'. But I don't think about myself as a sick person. While my endo labeled me a diabetic a colleague of mine who is a diabetologist said I am not a diabetic based on my blood sugar levels on my regular diet. Now, if I ate a different diet, my blood sugars would be high and I would be a diabetic. But, as long as I feed myself the foods I can metabolize correctly, my blood sugars are normal.

Having impaired glucose tolerance does not mean that you are insulin resistant. Impaired glucose tolerance can be caused by either insulin resistance, or insufficient insulin secretion. To find out, you need to get your doctor to monitor both insulin and glucose during an OGTT. From the ratio of glucose to insulin, it can be inferred how responsive your body is to insulin.

My problem is that I undersecrete insulin. The first clue was that my fasting insulin levels are below range although my fasting glucose was only marginally, if at all, elevated.. When I eat carbs (except small amounts of non starchy carbs from veggies), they make me sleepy, lethargic, and depress my body temperature. They also make my blood sugar go too high and stay too high for too long.

[Triskeliongirl]

What does this all have to do with weight loss?

Well, when we eat carbs, we put our bodies in a hormonal state where insulin>glucagon. In simple language, insulin is a fat storage hormone while glucagon is a fat accessing hormone. If someone has really good glucose tolerance, then the time they spend in this state is small, so it shouldn't effect weight loss. But the more impaired your glucose tolerance is, the more time you spend in this state of insulin>glucagon. For me it meant I felt like I was starving on the bike, despite having glucose coarsing through my veins and fat stored all over my body And I was, cuz I still didn't secrete enough insulin to get the glucose into my cells, but as long as I was making a little insulin it kept glucagon down so I also couldn't access stored body fat either (and I was symptomatically hypoglycemic but when I would measure my BS I found out I was hyperglycemic when I felt this way). That is how I gained weight eating 1200 cal a day and biking 100 miles a week!

Like you Catherine this also happened as I cycled more. I think it was cuz I thought I needed to eat more carbs to cycle. It also happened cuz coincidentally our son's GF was eating with us a lot, and vegetarian, so we started to eat more pasta and dishes with a higher proportion of carbs to protein. I finally made the connection when I passed out after eating a plate of pasta and having my body temp plummet to 96! With the help of a very good endocrinologist we sorted it all out.

Another observation I've made is when I was heavier and rode with heavier women, they ate carbs constantly on the bike. As I leaned out and rode with leaner, faster, folks, I noticed they ate a lot less (both in terms of amount and frequency). Many also consume protein/carb combo drinks. I forgot to say that in addition to my protein drinks I eat almonds on long rides.

[Triskeliongirl]

154lbs.

I also find the discussion very interesting. When I start cycling (about 150miles per week at least - on a fixie) I was recommended to eat before long rides carbs but they just made me tired, sleepy and left me hungry.

Martina

FYI, those are symptoms of hyperglycemia.

I am not bashing carbs as a good source of energy for cyclists with normal metabolisms. But I have found that many women, especially athletic ones that think they are doing everything right, yet are still struggling with their weight, often have issues with glucose tolerance.

[Possegal]

Sorry for the delay folks, I was out of town. My new fridge comes tomorrow and I can't wait to get back to eating at least semi-normally, which I've not been able to do as long as the fridge was luke warm at best. UGH.

http://spreadsheets.google.com/ccc?key=pun9UgArTpm8CAodYUC3EPw

[martinkap]

FYI, those are symptoms of hyperglycemia.

I am not bashing carbs as a good source of energy for cyclists with normal metabolisms. But I have found that many women, especially athletic ones that think they are doing everything right, yet are still struggling with their weight, often have issues with glucose tolerance.

Triske, hyperglycemia after eating sugars or carbs could suggest impaired glucose tolerance. Or am I completely confused?

Martina

P.S. I find your posts extremely educational and helpful. It makes huge sense to me. Thank you for taking the time and writing it up.

[Triskeliongirl]

Triske, hyperglycemia after eating sugars or carbs could suggest impaired glucose tolerance. Or am I completely confused?

Martina

P.S. I find your posts extremely educational and helpful. It makes huge sense to me. Thank you for taking the time and writing it up.

ABSOLUTELY! In fact, in addition to taking the home OGTT, you can then test how you respond to different combinations of food and exercise. The rule of thumb I have is to not eat any meal that lets my blood sugar go higher than 120 at t=60 min and higher than 100 at t=120 min.

In the end for me it meant giving up everything but non-starchy veggies most of the time. But for some of you, it might just be shifting the balance, that is instead of eating a pure carb breakfast, choosing a slower acting carb and then combining it with protein and fat which would further delay the rate at which it turns to glucose in your body. This is where a blood sugar meter can really be your friend. Remember your glucose tolerance always improves in the 1-2 hour window after exercise too, so this is when I get to eat strawberries!

Much of this is missed by docs who won't give you an OGTT if you have a normal fasting blood sugar. But despite my low insulin levels, I also have unusually good insulin sensitivity, so I can maintain glucose homeostasis when not challenged with carbs. So, for me the problem was only picked up following a glucose challenge. Then I had a colleague willing to do a research study on me who took frequent measurements of both my glucose and insulin in a research lab setting to quantify both the kinetics of my insulin response as well as my insulin sensitivity. I think he did it cuz he didn't believe I had the problem I had for the reasons I had it. He assumed I would be insulin resistance like most adult onset diabetics, but his data let us firmly establish what is going on which was already indicated in the less rigourous clinical lab tests.

I worried I gave you guys too much info., so I am glad it helped. It only took me 50 years to figure out!

[Susan Otcenas]

I ran my ratios on today's meals. Here's what I came up with.

1065 calories. 14.5g fat, 164g carb, 80.5g protein. (11.8%, 59.1%, 29%)

This amount of protein seems more typical for me, based on my normal diet.

Susan

[jesvetmed]

Forgot to report in! Actually forgot to weigh in! So this afternoon (which is MY morning :rolleyes:) I was 171.6. Sorry to be so late!

[3for3]

I forgot to send in my update. 128.8. grrrrr. I was insatiably hungry last week which probably accounts for that. But the last two days I'm finding most foods totally unappetizing. No morning sickness, just aversions to foods.

[solobiker]

Trisk - I do think I'm very carb sensitive. When I have too many, I don't lose. And more importantly, the more I have, the more I crave, which is how I let my weight get out of control. This applies mainly to starchy carbs, of course. I have never over eaten broccoli or spinach! :p

My issue isn't that WW doesn't work when I follow it, it's just that I am not even slightly motivated to stick to it. I hate the 'points' thing - I always have and I don't know why I thought this time might be different. I like REAL numbers that I can sink my teeth into and that mean something to me in the long run. WW has a great website, great tools, and a lot going for it...it just doesn't do it for me. Go figure. I've always been a numbers geek, so I don't know why I thought that simplifying that was going to be motivating for me...quite the opposite, actually. Eh.

Susan - great job at mixing up those daily calorie levels! Way to keep your body guessing!

I too have not had sucess with WW. I have tried 2x, each time for 6 weeks. I know when I increased my protien and decreased sugars my weight decreased a bit. I have tried to do this again and it does not seem to work. I am getting rather frustrated at the whole situation. For those on a higher protien diet/eating plan, what do you have for breakfast. I dont like eggs so that is out. I would love to hear any suggestions. thanks

[Triskeliongirl]

My typical breakfast are turkey sausages. I buy ones flavored with cheese and jalapeno peppers.

Another one I like is plain full fat yogurt flavored with stevia and unsweetened cocoa powder, or if you are less carb sens than me fresh fruit.

I noticed Susan eats very little fat and very few calories on her WW plan. I would feel awful if I ate that way. I feel terrible if I don't eat enough protein, fat and salt!

I know you said you don't like eggs, but for others that do, our 'Jim's' Restaurant serves a low carb omellete that is a veggie omelet served with bacon and sliced tomates. You could try grilled tomatoes to complement the sausages too.

[Susan Otcenas]

I noticed Susan eats very little fat and very few calories on her WW plan. I would feel awful if I ate that way. I feel terrible if I don't eat enough protein, fat and salt!



I don't feel awful at all. Sometimes I'm hungry, but then I try to eat something sensible to fill the void.

I'm all about food VOLUME. I love to eat. I want LOTS of it. :D So, I make choices that give me lots of volume without lots of WW points. By default, that rules out most fatty foods, as they are dense (read: small). Believe it or not, I am not purposely following a low fat diet. I'm following a high volume, low calorie diet, which has *naturally* resulted in a low fat diet. I eat heaps of veggies and salad along with my dinner. Sometimes so much that I can't eat it all. Gimme volume, baby.

One of my favorite snacks is plain hot air popped corn. I get that satisfying hand-to-bowl-to-mouth over and over again for very few calories.

[solobiker]

Thanks so much for your reply, I will try the turkey sausage and the yougurt..not together of course:p I too would not feel very well on the limited amount that Susan eats. Please, don't take offense Susan as I do not mean anything against you at all. And if it works for you that is totally awesome and great. Congrats on your weight loss.

[solobiker]

I could probably try eggs again, it is just hard for me because I get up at 5am and leave by about 520 to get to work. I honestly have not tried a hard boiled egg. Not sure if I would like it.

[Susan Otcenas]

I too would not feel very well on the limited amount that Susan eats. Please, don't take offense Susan as I do not mean anything against you at all. And if it works for you that is totally awesome and great. Congrats on your weight loss.

Oh my goodness, I don't take offense at all!! We're all so different. What works for one might never work for another. I love all the give and take here - ideas, feedback, etc. It's so wonderful to hear what works, even if I personally couldn't see myself go down the same path.

Just last night I used something in my dinner that I read about in a previous post. It wouldn't have occurred to me to do it otherwise, and it turned out perfectly. How cool is that?? :D

[tulip]

Solo, do you like yogurt or peanut butter (or almond butter given the PB scares of late) on toast? I like oatmeal okay, but I have to put alot of brown sugar on it, which is probably not so good. But it fills me up and makes me feel good. I don't like nuts or nutbutters. I wish I did. If you do, try toast with nut butter and banana.

I like yogurt with fruit. Frozen berries in the winter, and fresh fruit in the summer. You can cut up the fruit the night before. I also really like FlaxPlus toaster waffles with yogurt and fruit.

I love egg sandwiches, too, but for that early in the morning, I'd be more apt to go with something I didn't have to cook.

[Triskeliongirl]

I didn't mean to offend either, and I don't think Susan took it that way. I agree it is really interesting to see how different we are. Obviously Susan is doing great (look at her fantastic weight loss!) so what is key I think is that we all listen to our bodies. Eat food based on how it makes us *feel*.

If I ate the carbs Susan eats I'd be in a hyperglycemic coma. I find protein and fat so satiating, its easy to keep the quantities down, *for me*. I too love food, but if the food agrees with me it doesn't take a lot to satisfy me. I think the biggest mistake people make is to have a one diet suits all mentality. We all have very different genetic makeups, and its key to learn what fuels we feel best and perform best on.

I am also really enjoying this exchange. I know folks were just posting their 'numbers' here, but I find sharing this kind of info. much more interesting.

Thanks again Susan for creating this great community, and for your terrrific participation. Its always such an inspiration to see someone achieving their goals.

[Susan Otcenas]

I like oatmeal okay, but I have to put alot of brown sugar on it, which is probably not so good. But it fills me up and makes me feel good.

Here's something to try in place of the brown sugar.

If you like dried fruit, try cooking some oatmeal with the dried fruit right in the pot. Sometimes I dice up 2-3 dried apricots and toss them right in the pot with the oatmeal & water. As the oatmeal cooks, the dried fruit softens up and imparts its sweet flavor to the whole pot of oatmeal. YUMMY! I like nuts, so I might toss a few toasted almonds on top too.

[solobiker]

Trisk, I agree with you. For me it is fun and interesting to read other posts and have learned a lot and have gotten a lot of great ideas. From my past experience I know my body works better with more protien then carbs. There were several times where my husband and I would have a carb heavy meal (noodles with sauce) then about 2 hours later I would try to go for a run and I would feel so weak and bogged down. If I had a protien heavy meal, no problem with the run. Looks like I may have to start cooking 2 different dinners. Oh well.

[solobiker]

Solo, do you like yogurt or peanut butter (or almond butter given the PB scares of late) on toast? I like oatmeal okay, but I have to put alot of brown sugar on it, which is probably not so good. But it fills me up and makes me feel good. I don't like nuts or nutbutters. I wish I did. If you do, try toast with nut butter and banana.

I like yogurt with fruit. Frozen berries in the winter, and fresh fruit in the summer. You can cut up the fruit the night before. I also really like FlaxPlus toaster waffles with yogurt and fruit.

I love egg sandwiches, too, but for that early in the morning, I'd be more apt to go with something I didn't have to cook.

I will eat yogurt occasionally and have mixed PB in it, not too bad tasting. I used to love oatmeal and it used to keep me full but lately about 1.5-2hours later I am hungery again.

[Triskeliongirl]

Trisk, I agree with you. For me it is fun and interesting to read other posts and have learned a lot and have gotten a lot of great ideas. From my past experience I know my body works better with more protien then carbs. There were several times where my husband and I would have a carb heavy meal (noodles with sauce) then about 2 hours later I would try to go for a run and I would feel so weak and bogged down. If I had a protien heavy meal, no problem with the run. Looks like I may have to start cooking 2 different dinners. Oh well.

Maybe not. Since my husband isn't glucose intolerant, we'll eat the same basic meal, i.e. protein and non-starchy veggie, but then if he feels like it he supplements with fruit and bread. He uses restaurant meals to get his pasta and pizza fix.

[Crankin]

Solo, I eat an egg white omelette several times a week. I buy the stuff that comes in a carton, so I only use my real eggs for times when i am well, eating the whole egg. You could scramble some up ahead of time and make a sandwich on whole wheat bread.
I second the turkey sausages, turkey bacon, and plain yogurt. I put fresh fruit in the plain yogurt and often eat it with a slice of thin whole wheat bread and soy nut butter.
Sometimes I eat tuna for breakfast, in a cooked whole red pepper. I try to load up on the protein at breakfast, and it stops me from the voracious hunger that I get if I don't do this. I don't think I have the same issue as Trisk, but I do tend to one who needs more protein and i need to eat frequently. I lived on a high carb/low fat diet for years. It was fine in my 30s, when I was teaching 7 aerobic classes a week. As I got older and and decreased my exercise a bit, I gained. Then I started cycling and lost the weight, but it's a struggle for me to maintain, even though I am thin. Eating more protein has helped a lot. I stopped eating "bad carbs" i.e high glycemic about 5 years ago. No more white potatoes in this house.
I do tend to be one that likes to eat a lot when I ride. Maybe I should try the almonds? I was using Accelerade, because of the protein, but it's got the most calories. Then I went to pure electrolytes, using food for the energy (Luna Bars, etc., some real food). I don't know, when I am in the middle of a long ride, all I want is a whole wheat bagel!

[GLC1968]

Solobiker - try putting that PB in your oatmeal! It sweetens it a little and it definitely gives it good 'staying power'. And I used to really enjoy cold chicken sandwiches or just chicken with fruit for breakfast. Or, you can scramble eggs ahead of time and then just reheat in the morning in just seconds in the microwave. Throw it on some toast with a slice of tomato and you are good to go!

I used to live on calories like Susan's - in fact, when I was thin, that was the only way I could get there! And to be honest, when I was eating that little in terms of calories, the VOLUME of food was enormous. Seriously, my H used to give me a hard time because I was *always* eating. It's extremely difficult to eat 1000 calories of predominantly veggies!

In fact, if I had a good local source for massive veggie volume this winter, I'd be doing that right now! ;-)

[solobiker]

Thanks for all of your great replies. I do love PB, I will try it with oatmeal. Sounds great. I definately need to eat more veggies. That will be my focus as the only ones I eat are: carrots, celery, and peppers. I am not a fan of cooked veggies. What kind of yogurt do you all like?

[Susan Otcenas]

Possegal, I'm going to be out of town for 4 days, with no access to a scale. Today was my WW weigh-in day, so please use it for my weight for the challenge for this week. 145.0

The next 4 days are going to be very challenging. I'm taking Jeff to Bend for a long weekend. Saturday is his birthday, so we decided to get out of Dodge. I'm bringing my running shoes so that I don't miss my scheduled Friday and Sunday morning runs. I also have us booked on a snowshoe trip on Saturday, and we'll likely do a day hike on Friday. Nonetheless, 3.5 days of eating out is going to be challenging!! I'll need to stick to my eating plan very carefully, and try to order the lightest thing on the menu. It's so hard to stay focused with a menu full of yummy items staring back at me!! :o

Susan

[GLC1968]

Good luck, Susan...and have a GREAT time!

My birthday is next Tuesday and I told my H that I want a birthday cake (or, at the very least, a piece for us to share) but other than that, I'm sticking to my plan! :)

[Susan Otcenas]

Happy Birthday!! Do you have anything special planned?

I'm making Jeff this cake for his birthday:
http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/Sara-Janes-Oatmeal-Cake/Detail.aspx

I'm pretty sure I've made this recipe before. He loved it. My strategy will be to eat a very small piece at lunch (we always celebrate birthdays in the office with cake). We're leaving the office directly after cake, and I'll leave it here for the staff to polish off. That way, I don't have to worry about having more than one piece!

""I told my H that I want a birthday cake (or, at the very least, a piece for us to share) ""

That's a very good plan. We did that for my birthday in the fall. Jeff took me out to PF Changs. We took a slice to go (They have an amazing chocolate cake there). I ate just a little bit, and he finished it off. Worked like a charm!

[solobiker]

Have a great time Susan and enjoy yourself. GLC Happy Birthday to you. Mine is at the end of the month. I usually don't ask for or get a cake. That is the last thing I need:p

[Over50Newbie]

140.0 :D

Sooo close to sneaking into a new decade. Next week for sure!

Lynette

[Hill Slug]

192.2, going in the right direction now....:)

[3for3]

128.6 Susan, have a great trip! And GLC1968 Happy birthday!!

[Aggie_Ama]

Wrong way... 148.

[GLC1968]

Thanks for the birthday wishes, all!

Susan - we have no plans, really. I did take the day off work (since everyone here is forced to take 10 days of PTO in the first quarter anyway), so I'll at least get to sleep in. :) I'm thinking that it would be a good day to finally get my Oregon DL, actually.

That cake recipe sounds delicious! I might just send it to my husband as a suggestion for next Tuesday. Contrary to his own belief, he's a good cook!

Today's weight: 168.5 Moving in the right direction again! :D

[solobiker]

Back down to 151, now it is time to keep it going down.

[martinkap]

152.5 lbs.

I feel I live a new life since I read all the Triske posts! I uped my protein, decreased carbs and I am a new person! I have sooo much energy, I am not hungry and I finally can eat what I always felt was right for me. No more sugar which I just cannot even taste and carbs which made me more tired than energetic.

I still did not do the test but I will. Thanks again.

[deedolce]

118 lbs

...down, but only because I'm recovering from my crash last weekend, and got hit with nausea mid-week. :( Yes, I went to the doctor, who only reassured me that my brain wasn't bleeding or swelling to enormous proportions, even though the headaches and odd symptoms like all my food tasting bitter, and a seeming head cold without actually having a head cold oddities!! :mad:

So I've dropped weight. Won't be able to ride for at least a couple weeks, so I suppose if I can manage not to regain it, then slowly work back up in my training, it may not be a terrible thing. Sigh.

[jesvetmed]

I'm at 171.0 today. Baby steps, but they are forward!

Martinkap, I'm glad you are feeling better with the change in nutrition! Great job.

GLC HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

Hope all goes better for you, Deedocle!
Jes

[derailed]

Back down to 189! I expect another blip before I stay in the 180s.

[kjay]

181

and still not able to exercise because of this bad back. Have cut calories even further so that I can break out of the 180s one of these days.

[Kelly728]

149.5 !!!!!!!!

This is the first time that I can remember being under 150. I was even overweight through high school so it was probably 8th/9th grade that I was this "small". I really think that watching the carbs a bit and uping my protein really helped. I'm going to go crazy and think OMG NO CARBS since I know my body needs them, but this is progress that I really want to maintain. It feels good. :D

[Possegal]

Excellent week for many folks! I lost a couple but could be due to some stomach issues. But I have my new fridge and I just stocked it with veggies and healthy stuff. So I'm hoping that this week I can start getting back to eating well and working out. It is gorgeous out today, but I'm still not 100% so I may take one more day of lounging around. To be warmer even tomorrow, so I'm hoping to go for a walk or a very light ride by then.

http://spreadsheets.google.com/ccc?key=pun9UgArTpm8CAodYUC3EPw

[channlluv]

245 for me. Headed down, thank goodness, but not fast enough to lose ten more in three weeks. Not without some major changes, which I can probably do if I just get off my fanny and do them.

I had a trip the Urgent Care a couple of weeks ago which sidetracked me, again. My blood pressure went through the roof and subsequent blood tests showed my kidneys have begun to break down, most likely due to high blood pressure going untreated for a year or so. Several medication changes later, I'm back to feeling close to normal. I was on doctor-ordered exercise restriction and still am - I'm not supposed to get my hr over 150, not until we know this new medication will work. I've got a follow-up with her next week. We'll see.

Meanwhile, I'm limited to walking and slow rides. Alas.

Roxy

[channlluv]

Oh, that was wild. After I posted a moment ago, I clicked on the link above for the spreadsheet so I could see how everyone else was doing, and just as I was thinking I wish I could update my numbers, I saw the 245 added in....and yes, I'll admit that it took me a few seconds to realize that I was watching Possegal update my numbers and that it wasn't the next generation of telepathic Google technology. Ha!


Thank you, Possegal, for being right on top of tracking all of us! I hope you feel better soon!

Roxy

[kjay]

channlluv, you and I have a bit of the same situation. I need to lose ten pounds in 3 weeks, but for me it will be next to impossible because I hurt my back and can't exercise. It's the pits! Also went to Urgent Care and am taking Motrin. I'm trying to cut back on calories but am really possessed when the evenings arrive; can't seem to squash my nightly cravings for sweets.

Good luck in normalizing your BP!

Thanks, Possegal, for the chart update.

[Triskeliongirl]

152.5 lbs.

I feel I live a new life since I read all the Triske posts! I uped my protein, decreased carbs and I am a new person! I have sooo much energy, I am not hungry and I finally can eat what I always felt was right for me. No more sugar which I just cannot even taste and carbs which made me more tired than energetic.

I still did not do the test but I will. Thanks again.

You are very welcome. I am *so glad* this is working for you. Everything you said about how carbs made you feel suggested to me you have some degree of impaired glucose tolerance. I am just so glad you are feeling better, and seeing it on the scale too!

What is amazing to me though, is how exercise can improve glucose tolerance. I am so sensitive that I even had to give up fruit. But yesterday and today I did long club rides, so during the post-ride window of improved glucose tolerance got to eat a wonderful bowl of berries after lunch. DH drizzled them with heavy cream, so that may have also slowed down their breakdown into sugar, but my blood sugar 1 hour after eating was only 88!! YAY for biking. The way he made them, it was like eating ice cream, something I have definitely had to forgo due to its effect on my blood sugar but still love and miss. He took frozen berries and drizzled them with heavy cream, and the cream froze when it contacted the partially frozen berries. Hmmm.

Congrats to all of you! So many here seem to have had a terrific week!

[Possegal]

I'm just that good...... :)
I do think you had just posted your results Channlluv as I was checking in, so I updated and voila. :-) Glad to be able to help and I'll gladly set it up for the next two months as well!

http://spreadsheets.google.com/ccc?key=pun9UgArTpm8CAodYUC3EPw&hl=en

[Lori81295]

My Feb 6 weight was 148.

[Susan Otcenas]

We had a fabulous time in Bend this weekend! Stayed at a great B&B. I went for a trail run, we went snowshoeing at Mt. Bachelor, hiking at Smith Rocks, lots of walking around town. And believe me, I needed all that activity to offset all the food we ate! :eek: I tried to make good choices, put my fork down when I was full, etc., but nonetheless it's really hard to be "good" when you eat out every meal for 4 full days.

But I must have done something right, because I was a half pound lighter this morning than I was last Wednesday. Yippee!!

Sounds like almost everyone else had a good week too!! Congrats!

My sympathies go out to those of you who are injured. Please know that we are all rooting for you.

Susan

[Mistie]

Sorry! I forgot to post last Friday. I am 150 still. THANKS!

[Over50Newbie]

I am SO STOKED!:):)

My weight this morning was 139.2 - YIPPEE!!! A new decade for me!!! I am so committed to doing this! Here is my new daily motivator. I say this to myself every morning!

"Exercise sensibly and eat right always are the rules of engagement. Keep it simple and make it a joy are the codes of performance. We are knee deep in winter. Button up, buckle down, breathe deep and barrel ahead. The challenge now is to not let go and lose momentum."

- Dave Draper

BRING IT ON!!

Lynette

[Aggie_Ama]

Back on the right track! 146 I do not think I will make my goal for this challenge but I am feeling lean. If I could just avoid the Gummy Bears (my latest weakness). :rolleyes:

[Lori81295]

149. pms....

[Susan Otcenas]

144 this morning. I keep plugging along at about a pound a week. This is good. Even if I slow down a bit, I'm hoping to make 130 by the last weekend in June (I'm signed up for the Pacific Crest Olympic Du that weekend.) That's 19 weeks to lose 14 pounds. Should be doable. (as she crosses her fingers, trying not to jinx it...)

Lynette, I am SOOOOO happy to see you so excited!! It's super motivating to see movement on the scale, isn't it?

Susan

[Over50Newbie]

Susan - yeah baby!! :D

You are my role model and inspiration.

Lynette

[ASammy1]

Hi Everyone! Posse was gracious enough to add me to chart even though I'm super duper late for the WL challenge.

So here's my story... I too started WW through my company's WW at work program last summer and had some pretty good success on it. I lost about 10 lbs in 3 months-good steady, slow progress. I got down to 205 (FYI... I was 250 in April 2007), but thats when it all changed... My Dr changed around my meds and between Oct and Feb I had gained 15 lbs back! So because of the rapid weight gain (I could NOT keep satisfied!) my Dr changed my meds back. I now have to get back on track and didn't want to wait for the March/April thread to start, so here I am! I would like to be down to 216 by the end of this wave.

Thanks!

[kjay]

Up one

:mad:

[Mistie]

148...new diet!

[solobiker]

My Dr has been messing with my thyroid medication and has decreased 2x since October. I am wondering if that is why my weight is the way it is. I eat fairly well and exercise quite a bit. Pretty frustrating. I am feeling better since she decreased, just bummed about my weight. Up to 153:(

[GLC1968]

169.

Ugh - I totally ate too much cake this week. Actually, the cake just opened the door for a lot of other crap. I'm back on track today and plan to have a really great (and active) next week.

[Hill Slug]

Up one to 193....damit Janet

[Kelly728]

149... So I am apparently playing this .5 at a time game now. Well, its better than up but this is going to be REALLY SLOW.

[deedolce]

I'm afraid to weigh myself. Chocolate has stalked me all week...:(

[martinkap]

152.5 lbs

no moving is better than going up, isn't it? I am having hard time figuring out the new structure of my meals. Where ever I look, there are carbohydrates. Triske, can I contact you through PM to ask some questions?

Martina

[Possegal]

Chocolate has been known to stalk me as well, I feel your pain! :)

I'm still at 174, the appetite is coming back, but the desire to work out has not yet. Bad combination.

http://spreadsheets.google.com/ccc?key=pun9UgArTpm8CAodYUC3EPw&hl=en

[Zen]

Monday's dental surgery has kept me out of the gym all week. My mouth still hurts and the antibiotics taste awful.

Why am I watching Jaques Pepin?

[Possegal]

Those who can't, watch? :)

I spent a month or so with my sister last winter after a failed surgical attempt to remove her cancer. I told our other sister that if I never watched another cooking show, it would be too soon. :) My sister is addicted to them. So much so that on her list of "to dos" when we went to Paris in October, was to eat at a cafe that the barefoot contessa frequents on her show. Here we are having our brunch and champagne!

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3386/3278789419_a289ef6147.jpg

Sorry about the dental surgery - sounds painful!

[ASammy1]

Great pic, Possegal!

[Triskeliongirl]

152.5 lbs

no moving is better than going up, isn't it? I am having hard time figuring out the new structure of my meals. Where ever I look, there are carbohydrates. Triske, can I contact you through PM to ask some questions?

Martina

sure. carbs in non-starchy veggies are OK, its the starches and sugars you need to watch for.

[deedolce]

Whew. Still 118. :rolleyes:

[Zen]

Whew. Still 118. :rolleyes:

Unless you're about 4'6", what are you worried about?

[ASammy1]

Unless you're about 4'6", what are you worried about?

Hee hee....

[channlluv]

Friday, 2/13 - 246
Saturday, 2/14 - 239
Monday, 2/16 - 240

Courtesy of a 24-hr intestinal squeegie I picked up at school, I think. I don't actually know where, since I don't hang with anyone who's been sick, but I do work in the library and every little sweetheart who returns a book brings a host of germs, too. It was ugly. Two full days later my ribs are still very bruised-feeling.

I also just ordered a new diet book, The Flat Belly Diet, which espouses eating healthy monounsaturated fats at every meal. I'll let you know if it helps reboot my system here.

Roxy

[Susan Otcenas]

channlluv,

I'm so sorry to hear you were ill.

That kind of drop is a classic sign of dehydration. Please be sure to drink enough water to re-hydrate yourself!! You will recover from your illness so much more quickly if you're hydrated.

I have several friends who've had nasty bugs of late, involving many many trips to the loo. I'm hoping I avoid it!

Susan

[Grits]

I'm afraid to weigh myself. Chocolate has stalked me all week...:(

Me too. I'll weigh in on Friday. :(

[channlluv]

channlluv,

I'm so sorry to hear you were ill.

That kind of drop is a classic sign of dehydration. Please be sure to drink enough water to re-hydrate yourself!! You will recover from your illness so much more quickly if you're hydrated.

I have several friends who've had nasty bugs of late, involving many many trips to the loo. I'm hoping I avoid it!

Susan

Thanks so much. I missed out on all the Valentines yummies AND 3rd-row tickets to Supercross here in San Diego Saturday night. D*H's nephew enjoyed my ticket, though. About an hour after they left, my fever spiked and I called my health program's nurse connection. After answering lots of questions, the RN told me to either get to the ER for monitoring and intravenous fluids, or get a neighbor to go buy me some Gatorade or Propel Water because in his opinion, I needed electrolytes and I needed them fast.

D*H used to drink a lot of Gatorade before I convinced him all that sugar was really bad for him and worse for our daughter. Darn it. None in the fridge. But when I went to make some hot tea with lemon - lemons have electrolytes, don't they? - I spotted his electrolyte powder that he uses for his century rides. Woohoo! It's this stuff he orders online at Infinit Nutrition. I mixed up some of that and I was feeling better pretty quick.

When they got home, I was asleep - up and down, really, all night - and we didn't get to talk until Sunday morning, where he made me "breakfast" in bed - a big glass of the electrolyte stuff. Romantic, huh?

Roxy

[Aggie_Ama]

Get better Roxy!

[Susan Otcenas]

Thanks so much. I missed out on all the Valentines yummies ........ where he made me "breakfast" in bed - a big glass of the electrolyte stuff. Romantic, huh?



Hey Roxy - Look at it this way. a) you weren't tempted by the treats! :D Treats are always a big danger zone for me. And b) isn't it wonderful to be taken care of so well? I think that's VERY romantic.

I'm glad you're feeling better. Take it easy for a few days. Your body is probably exhausted.

Susan

[Aggie_Ama]

This morning I pulled down my "wish pants". Ones I could wear a few years back I always felt good in. Size 6 but a big/stretchy size 6. A few weeks ago they fit just a bit not right. This morning they fit. The scale says the same-146 but the body says wear the pants! :D I feel pretty, oh so pretty!:p

[tulip]

This morning I pulled down my "wish pants". Ones I could wear a few years back I always felt good in. Size 6 but a big/stretchy size 6. A few weeks ago they fit just a bit not right. This morning they fit. The scale says the same-146 but the body says wear the pants! :D I feel pretty, oh so pretty!:p

Weight is so funny. This just goes to show that you cannot compare yourself to other people. When I weighed 146 I was a size 12. When you weigh 146 you are a size 6. Go figure!

What a great birthday present! Happy Birthday, Amanda!

[Aggie_Ama]

Weight is so funny. This just goes to show that you cannot compare yourself to other people. When I weighed 146 I was a size 12. When you weigh 146 you are a size 6. Go figure!

What a great birthday present! Happy Birthday, Amanda!

Sizing vs. weight has always baffled me, I carry a lot of weight in my thighs, chest and hips. But since these are wide leg women's pants with stretch they are the one 6 I can fit. I have a whole closet of 6s I can just dream about right now! My co-worker is a size 6 and probably weighs 120 and is only 5'4", it makes no sense.

When I was on WW before I got down to 125 was a size 4, I still have the tiniest bridesmaid dress that is a formal dress size 6! I was at the top of a recommended weight for someone who is 5'2". Honestly I looked like I needed a steak, some of my friends thought I looked great but I see pictures and think I look sickly!

[ASammy1]

AggieAma,

Yeah, size and weight is a really strange thing. At my smallest adult weight (128) I was a 2 or 4 at 5'4"! It seems we are built pretty similarly.

[jesvetmed]

Whoops! I forgot this weekend. 172.0 PMS/CARB HouND all week! :(
Maybe I'll do better this week!
J

[Possegal]

Updated so far

http://spreadsheets.google.com/ccc?key=pun9UgArTpm8CAodYUC3EPw

[Susan Otcenas]

I was just looking at the spreadsheet. Collectively, we have lost 47 pounds!!! Wow! Look at us go....

Susan

[Possegal]

I added that into the spreadsheet - great idea.

[kjay]

and YOU, Susan, are our frontrunner!

[Lori81295]

148....It doesn't look like I am going to make that 140 goal...but I am 2 lbs closer.

[Mistie]

I am 148. I think this 2 month is a bust. But, I will get back on it next time.

[derailed]

Not doing so well, still 191. Eating on the plan, getting lots of rest, but not a lot of riding time.

[Aggie_Ama]

145.5 Small victory but it is down!:D

[ASammy1]

218.5 - down 1.5 this week even with the arrival of Aunt Flo this morning...

[Susan Otcenas]

141, which is this period's goal for me.

I was very surprised by this week's numbers because it was quite a drop for me. Wednesday is my weigh day for WW, and I was down 2.5 from last Weds. I thought to myself - there's just no way I lost this much this week. I must be dehydrated. But it's held since Wednesday and I'm drinking plenty of water, so it must be accurate. I still can't help feeling skeptical though. Like it's too good to be true.

I had to go shopping last night for a formalwear dress for an event this weekend. First I had to try to find a nice bra, because I had to pitch most of my old bras, which no longer fit. I can get my hand inside most of them. This sounds great, but it's actually a little depressing. All the skin is still there, but it's very "loose", since there's not so much filling them up anymore. I always had nice cleavage as a DD, but now the skin is kinda wrinkly in a nice bra. I'm sorry, I realize I'm probably oversharing here, but I hadn't really considered that your skin doesn't shrink really so much as it needs to - so now I have no skin tone. In my early/mid 20s I dropped about 30 pounds, and my skin seemed to shrink pretty quickly as I lost the weight. Now, staring my 40th birthday in the face, I'm discovering that yes, I can lose the weight, but I'm never going to look as good as I did then. That's kinda depressing. IN my clothes I look fine, but OUT of them, not so much.

Sorry to be a party pooper. I really am happy about the weight loss and am grateful for what I've been able to accomplish.

ohmigod, am I a nut job or what. why can't I just be happy about this???

I'm going for a run. I'm sure I'll feel better when I get home....

[Susan Otcenas]

I'm back from my run. I needed that! Endorphins are a good thing. :) I feel much better now.

Judging from the calendar, I think my emotions this morning are mostly hormonal. So, during my run I decided to look on the bright side.... All the dresses that fit were a size 8. Yay! My shoulders feel much better now that they aren't holding up the weight of those DDs. Yay! I can run for 45 minutes without stopping. Yay! Bright side, Susie, bright side.

Sorry to be such a head case this morning.

Susan

[Over50Newbie]

Congratulations, Susan!

You have worked hard and deserve meeting your goal.

As I said before - you are my inspiration! :)

I am 139.2 - exactly the same as last week.

But that's okay, because I am still in my new decade.

One more week to go - I'm very pleased with my results so far.

Lynette

[Susan Otcenas]

Lynette - I'm so loving your "new decade" outlook. Watching that number flip to the next 10 down is so motivating, isn't it? You're doing great!

Susan

[ny biker]

I'm sorry, I realize I'm probably oversharing here....

I don't think there is such a thing as oversharing on this forum...

I'm really impressed by how dedicated you all are. Any time I try to stick to a weight-loss diet, I obsess about food so much that I wind up eating more than usual. So I just try to focus on portion control, along with a few simple rules like fruits/vegetables/whole grains = good, french fries = bad.

And I'm just now catching up on this thread, so I need to toss out a belated thank you to Amanda for the concept of building a fence and putting the bad behind it. That just might be the mental image I have needed for years to help me get past stuff. So thank you!

[Possegal]

I'm updating as we speak. I'm out of town this weekend so apologies if I'm a little later with it than I usually am. And I'll weigh in at home, don't want to use my sister's scale since I have no idea how it compares. Not that I think this will be a good weigh in, but you never know.

And congrats to Susan on making your goal, that is OUTSTANDING!!!

http://spreadsheets.google.com/ccc?key=pun9UgArTpm8CAodYUC3EPw

[ASammy1]

This is so exciting! As a group we've lost over 50 lbs so far and that isn't everyone recording yet for the week. Granted I've only contributed 1.5 lbs :rolleyes: but I think we are doing great!

[Zen]

218.5 - down 1.5 this week even with the arrival of Aunt Flo this morning...

You aunt hinders weight loss? What does she do, bring cake?

ohhhhh! You mean your menstrual period!