New Weight Loss Challenge

[tulip]

When I lost alot of weight last year, I cut out my morning Starbucks stop. That was probably 1000 calories between the Grande Triple Latte and the "muffin," which is really just cake. I opted for tea and cereal with banana.

The other change I made was that I ADDED food--FRUIT! I added fruit to my lunch, and I made sure to eat an apple a day, usually during my mid-morning slump (which became less slumpish after I cut out the sugary stuff). Dinners pretty much remained the same, but they were pretty healthy anyways. I think adding fruit made a big difference.

I also upped my pilates intensity and frequency. It seemed to really make a difference in my shape.

[jesvetmed]

When I lost alot of weight last year, I cut out my morning Starbucks stop.

.........
That is SO drastic!!!!
I usually will only go as far as getting nonfat with no or sugar-free flavor. But GIVE IT UP!?!?!? Can't do it!

[tulip]

.........
That is SO drastic!!!!
I usually will only go as far as getting nonfat with no or sugar-free flavor. But GIVE IT UP!?!?!? Can't do it!

20 lbs., and $120 a month. Size 12 to size 6. Worth it.

I'm a very happy (and svelte) tea drinker now.

[firenze11]

Tulip, that's great that you made that change. And congrats on the weight loss accomplishment! I never would have thought I could give up caffeinated coffee, but slowly it just happened. And I feel better now without it.

For the past few months I've been experimenting with an intuitive eating approach. It hasn't helped me lose any weight but I've stayed almost exactly the same for quite awhile now. It's good, but frustrating because I want to be losing right now. I've played with counting calories but it hasn't stuck, yet. I think I'll have to be a bit more strict with what I eat for a bit to actually lose. And up my exercise.

[jesvetmed]

Tulip: Yes, congratulations! You really made it happen -- 6 dress sizes is amazing! You are so right about the cost and calories spent at the coffee shop. The very reason I've cut back. I admire those that don't need the caffeine. I use the excuse of the night work and trying to be "awake" at odd times. But the fact is, I REALLY enjoy the hot cup of joe! My doc said the same thing as Firenze: Some day you just won't need it any more. That will probably be true.

Firenze: It sounds like you are really taking the healthy choice way of eating. That is wonderful. It will pay off tremendously in many ways, and will eventually lead to the weight loss you want.

Everyone here at TE is truly amazing and excellent motivation us all. Keep up the good work.
Jes

[jesvetmed]

Attached is the updated chart for 3/14/08 weights. Way to go Motochik!!! You are in the lead for most % of body weight lost!
I sorted it by the total % lost. If I don't have a weight for you, I might have missed it or couldn't find one posted. You can let me know and I'll update it, or just weigh in at this week's ending.
THANKS ALL!!! Have a good rest of the week!
Jes


PS... Have to share.. I got on the scale this morning, and found that I have FINALLY hit 170!!!! That is a total of 11lb down since I started in January. Phew! Thought I'd never get there. My promise to myself was a Massage, so I am SO looking forward to collecting on that. AND.. I think I'm going to by a pair of jeans today. Mine are TOO BIG!!!!!

15 pounds to go! Thanks for all the motivation everyone!!!!!
Jes

[tulip]

I admire those that don't need the caffeine. I use the excuse of the night work and trying to be "awake" at odd times. But the fact is, I REALLY enjoy the hot cup of joe! My doc said the same thing as Firenze: Some day you just won't need it any more. That will probably be true.

I was a serious coffee drinker for years. I started drinking coffee when I was 4 years old (so that means I was a coffee drinker for 35 years)! Yes, that's right. In my south Louisiana family, kids got cafe au lait for breakfast. But your doc is right, one day I just lost my taste for it. Gone. I didn't even want it. I've had it a few times since 2006, and it really put me on edge. One time I was bad buzzed for the entire day, and I couldn't sleep that night. It was horrible!

I do drink tea, which does have caffeine, but it seems gentler. And if I don't have my tea in the morning for some reason, it's okay. I don't get psycho or headaches. And tea still has the ritual of coffee. I collect teapots!

Regarding weight loss, I know I wasn't honest with myself about the calories packed into my morning Starbucks ritual. I was commuting 28 mile round trip, but most of that was replaced with just my coffee and cake. So even with alot of exercise, I wasn't losing weight.

[firenze11]

One time I was bad buzzed for the entire day, and I couldn't sleep that night. It was horrible!

Same for me. When I drink caffeinated coffee now my stomach goes insane and I get headaches. It's not pleasant. Now I don't know how my stomach got used to it in the first place. The caffeine helped me survive university, though! The only thing I do miss is a really delicious cup of coffee. Some decaf tastes pretty good but I have yet to find one that I absolutely love.

On the weight loss front: I have to say I feel like I'm having a good week. I had a long trainer ride last night that made me feel really productive (despite the major pain my saddle caused me) and I've been eating well. Even if I don't lose this week I feel pretty good. But I hope I end up with a loss.