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General Category => Grab Bag => Topic started by: Pooh on July 28, 2011, 08:07:06 AM

Title: I decided to start a diet
Post by: Pooh on July 28, 2011, 08:07:06 AM
Morning!  One month ago, my hubby and I were talking about how we had both been steadily gaining weight.  The story I'm blaming mine on is being happy in love and my meds.  Reality is although one of the meds they have me on does promote weight gain, it's more the potato skins, chocolate cake and ice cream I have been consuming.  I'm sticking to my original excuse though!   ;D

So I had the whole Hee Haw thing that next week and he was out of town working the next, so we made a pact to start the following week.  We actually started on Sunday July 17th, so I am almost through with the second week.  We decided to do a combination of low calorie/lower carbs. 

I found a website (and many of you may already know about it) that's free and tracks what you eat.  I logged for 3 days what I ate before starting this and I about fainted at the amount of calories I was eating a day!  I wanted to share it with you, as I have found being able to see what I am putting in my mouth in calories/carb/fiber/sugar/protein numbers has been very eye opening and making it much easier to stay on track.  I have lost 7 pounds since starting and hubby is down 4.

It's a great website, databases, friends (like fb) for support, forums with great advice and recipes and all kinds of things.   I will tell you that by planning out what I am eating all day and seeing when I go over, it has made me make wiser, healthier choices and I'm getting plenty to eat.  I can't diet when I'm hungry!  Most days now, I'm very full and actually under my goals.  It will calculate your goals for you based on current weight, goal weight, etc., and they are very realistic.

www.myfitnesspal.com
Title: Re: I decided to start a diet
Post by: Pooh on July 28, 2011, 08:36:02 AM
Lol...yeah me too.  I'm telling you though, I always knew what to do, but seeing it daily, in black and white, has really helped!  When you see that you can eat that pop-tart, but yet I can have 8 cups of broccoli and a sandwich to that one pop-tart...yeah...I'm choosing the eight cups!

I'm finding some great alternatives to things I really like.  I found a recipe for cornbread that is only 49 calories a muffin, so I don't feel deprived.  I also found sugar free creamsicles in the grocery freezer that are only 80 calories, and fudge pops for 40 calories, so I can still get my sweet tooth on!
Title: Re: I decided to start a diet
Post by: luise.volta on July 28, 2011, 08:38:34 AM
I'm signed up. Please add me as your Fitness Pal. OK? Here we go!!
Title: Re: I decided to start a diet
Post by: Pooh on July 28, 2011, 08:46:07 AM
Did you use the username Luise Volta?
Title: Re: I decided to start a diet
Post by: Pooh on July 28, 2011, 08:48:23 AM
Nevermind!  Found you!  Lol!  ;D
Title: Re: I decided to start a diet
Post by: luise.volta on July 28, 2011, 10:37:03 AM
I have started but always find a new cyber-program challenging. Wasn't able to figure out how to enter "My Foods"...so just entered the number of calories in my breakfast. That will probably work because it is not my meals that take me down...it is the craving for sugar between meals...at night and under pressure. It is my hope that if I have to list them daily, that might help me. When the craving hits...8 cups of broccoli isn't "it," unfortunately. If I get the low cal deserts you mentioned...they can all disappear in a nono-second...if I have them on hand. Changed my I.D. photo to show that I have a head. LOL!
Title: Re: I decided to start a diet
Post by: Pooh on July 28, 2011, 10:47:34 AM
Lol.  When you want to add a food, and the majority are in there in some shape form or fashion (there is a place you can add your own if not, but we'll get to that later), just click on the "add" button below which meal you are adding to...like breakfast, lunch, snack...

A search box will come up and type in what you are looking for.  You can put in generic words like "wheat bread" and it will bring up a list of all kinds of brands or some that just say generic.  Or you can key in the brand name like "Kraft" and it will bring up all the "Kraft" stuff.  When you find what you want, or something close, just click on it and say "add".  It will add it to that meal.  You do that for each thing, and you will find then that when you hit the "add" button, below the search box it will start building a list of things that you have eaten, so if you eat the same thing again, it will be right there in front of you to click on the box and just say "add".

It took me a day or two of rumbling around in it to get the hang of it, but once you do...it's easy.
Title: Re: I decided to start a diet
Post by: Pooh on July 28, 2011, 10:49:40 AM
Oh, forgot to add when you find the food you want and click on it, to the right it will ask you what serving size based on how someone loaded that in the database.  Like "1 cup, 4 oz., 1 slice".

Once it's in your list you can change the serving size so if you are eating 1 cup this time and last time you ate 2 cups, you just change the serving size in your box to the right and it will recalculate everything for you!
Title: Re: I decided to start a diet
Post by: luise.volta on July 28, 2011, 11:01:05 AM
I make my own protein health shake and they have nothing like it...(Kirk's recipe)...but I know the number of calories, 275. My other meals are Nurtisystem and I know the calories. I add fresh fruits and vegetables and know that I am staying within my 1200 cal. parenters ...so that is OK, too. The between meals, emotionaly-based, sugar hits that are the problem. I will watch those and post them on the site. I go unconscious about them and that's the issue. It's worth a try.
Title: Re: I decided to start a diet
Post by: Pooh on July 28, 2011, 11:20:41 AM
Ok, then do this to make it easier for you.  Click on the food tab at the top.  Underneath the food tab will now be a new set of tabs for food stuff.  Pick the 3rd one called "My Foods".  Now you have a green button that says "create food".  In brand or restaurant, just type "Generic".  Then name your protein shake whatever you want "Kirk's protein shake", and click continue.
It brings up the page where you enter all the nutritional info about it.  Fill in what you want, as in just the calories and the serving size part (it requires that I think) and go to the bottom and save it.  Now, it's available in your list whenever you want it.
Title: Re: I decided to start a diet
Post by: luise.volta on July 28, 2011, 11:37:21 AM
Thank you. I will print your post out and go from there. Nutrisystem has all the stuff your site does plus a lot more like unlimited, free interactions with dietitions and counselors, earning "Nutribears"...(cute little stuffed guys in different colors with the number of pounds you have lost embroidered on their chests and backs,) exercise programs, daily inspirational articles...the list goes on and on...but...I don't feel connected. Even when I talk with someone online or on the phone or by chat. It is too large, maybe? Or too much a businesss? I don't know.

I have done Overeater Anonymous and a score of other plans. I have lost all the weight I need to and have gotten down to a size 6 many times...but the sugar monster can't be held at bay forever. I have tried hypnosis, going to seminars...you name it. What I am looking at here...is doing it with a friend. And yes, you are a cyber-friend and I can have those at Nutrisystem...but you are part of my heart. Not my cyber-heart...my heart.  :)
Title: Re: I decided to start a diet
Post by: amflautist on July 28, 2011, 11:45:39 AM
I've lost this weight so many times I can't keep track.  I know all the rules for all the systems.  I know myself well enough to know that I only lose when I write down every bite.  I have calorie counters and little books for writing it all down, but they sit on the top shelf of the furthest left cupboard in my kitchen.  But I spend so many hours each day at my computer, maybe I can be successful at cyber-calorie-counting, and with that hope, I have just signed up. 
Title: Re: I decided to start a diet
Post by: Pooh on July 28, 2011, 11:48:57 AM
Awww....you're so sweet!  You're in my heart too!  I think it has been valuable to see "when" I eat the most.  The first few days I did it before trying to lose weight, it was easy to see that in mid-afternoon and late night, I tended to eat really bad stuff.  So I have substituted those for healthier snacks, and cut down on my pastas, bread and potatoes.   That has really made a big difference in my calorie counts.  If you look at my diary (click on my profile and view my diary) you can see what I have been eating the last couple of weeks.  I'm actually this week having more trouble getting up to my 1200 calories as I guess my stomach is shrinking.  Strange....but true!  And I'm not hungry because I'm eating plenty so that is my major plus!  I can not be hungry and be successful.

We got this!
Title: Re: I decided to start a diet
Post by: Pooh on July 28, 2011, 11:50:29 AM
Quote from: amflautist on July 28, 2011, 11:45:39 AM
I've lost this weight so many times I can't keep track.  I know all the rules for all the systems.  I know myself well enough to know that I only lose when I write down every bite.  I have calorie counters and little books for writing it all down, but they sit on the top shelf of the furthest left cupboard in my kitchen.  But I spend so many hours each day at my computer, maybe I can be successful at cyber-calorie-counting, and with that hope, I have just signed up.

Woo hoo!  It's easier to do it on the computer for me too because I like the computer!  Also, I didn't cheat.  When it asked for your goals in the beginning, I put "sedentary" and NO exercise!  (hangs her head in shame).
Title: Re: I decided to start a diet
Post by: amflautist on July 28, 2011, 12:03:28 PM
Quote from: Pooh on July 28, 2011, 11:50:29 AM
When it asked for your goals in the beginning, I put "sedentary" and NO exercise!  (hangs her head in shame).

Lol.  So did I.
Title: Re: I decided to start a diet
Post by: Rose799 on July 28, 2011, 01:19:46 PM
You girls are a hoot!  I may join you in a couple of weeks, after the mini trampoline that I just ordered today arrives.  How many calories do you think I can burn while sitting & bouncing for 10 mins?   :)
Title: Re: I decided to start a diet
Post by: Pooh on July 28, 2011, 01:26:24 PM
Depends on if you do it with or without holding a glass of water.....  ;)
Title: Re: I decided to start a diet
Post by: elsieshaye on July 28, 2011, 01:38:10 PM
I already like this site - I can adjust my nutrient goals to reflect the low-carbing I'm doing, rather than having it chastise me for eating too much protein and fat.  I've joined as elsieshaye, and Luise and Pooh, I've already sent you a request. 
Title: Re: I decided to start a diet
Post by: Pooh on July 28, 2011, 01:52:24 PM
Yes, that's why I liked it.  My hubby wanted to do low calorie, I prefer low carb.  So I was able to adjust it to what I wanted.  I also like that I can see if it makes a difference by tracking both!

Oooh ooh....I should have told everyone, Pooh was already taken so I had to do VelcroPooh!

Sorry elsieshaye...I've sent you one now!   You may have to delete the other Pooh if she excepts!  Sorry!
Title: Re: I decided to start a diet
Post by: Rose799 on July 28, 2011, 02:02:35 PM
 :) :) :)
Title: Re: I decided to start a diet
Post by: luise.volta on July 28, 2011, 02:14:03 PM
AF - Are doing it, too. If so please "friend" me. OK?
Title: Re: I decided to start a diet
Post by: elsieshaye on July 28, 2011, 02:47:23 PM
She'll probably think "who's that weirdo who just tried to friend me, and what the heck is WWU??" LOL
Title: Re: I decided to start a diet
Post by: luise.volta on July 28, 2011, 02:56:24 PM
Oh, dear!  :o
Title: Re: I decided to start a diet
Post by: elsieshaye on July 28, 2011, 02:59:51 PM
I'm sorry, Luise - that probably made no sense!  I meant that the "other Pooh" on the food website would probably wonder who I was, since I sent her a friend request that said "if you're the Pooh on WWU, this is elsieshaye". 
Title: Re: I decided to start a diet
Post by: Pooh on July 28, 2011, 03:20:48 PM
Ha ha ha.  Probably, looks like she hasn't done anything on there so hopefully she just signed up and abandoned it!
Title: Re: I decided to start a diet
Post by: luise.volta on July 28, 2011, 03:28:12 PM
Oh, funny! (Once it's explained to me.  ???
Title: Re: I decided to start a diet
Post by: Pooh on July 28, 2011, 03:28:56 PM
Ok...so Luise...elsieshaye went looking for me on MFP......
Title: Re: I decided to start a diet
Post by: luise.volta on July 28, 2011, 03:39:47 PM
I was responding to AF - amflautist, to see if she was there, too. (?)
Title: Re: I decided to start a diet
Post by: Smilesback@u on July 28, 2011, 04:28:10 PM
Quote from: Pooh on July 28, 2011, 08:07:06 AM
Morning!  One month ago, my hubby and I were talking about how we had both been steadily gaining weight.  The story I'm blaming mine on is being happy in love and my meds.  Reality is although one of the meds they have me on does promote weight gain, it's more the potato skins, chocolate cake and ice cream I have been consuming.  I'm sticking to my original excuse though!   ;D

So I had the whole Hee Haw thing that next week and he was out of town working the next, so we made a pact to start the following week.  We actually started on Sunday July 17th, so I am almost through with the second week.  We decided to do a combination of low calorie/lower carbs. 

I found a website (and many of you may already know about it) that's free and tracks what you eat.  I logged for 3 days what I ate before starting this and I about fainted at the amount of calories I was eating a day!  I wanted to share it with you, as I have found being able to see what I am putting in my mouth in calories/carb/fiber/sugar/protein numbers has been very eye opening and making it much easier to stay on track.  I have lost 7 pounds since starting and hubby is down 4.

It's a great website, databases, friends (like fb) for support, forums with great advice and recipes and all kinds of things.   I will tell you that by planning out what I am eating all day and seeing when I go over, it has made me make wiser, healthier choices and I'm getting plenty to eat.  I can't diet when I'm hungry!  Most days now, I'm very full and actually under my goals.  It will calculate your goals for you based on current weight, goal weight, etc., and they are very realistic.

www.myfitnesspal.com
Thanks Pooh, great idea to start a diet today!  I joined your website and added Weight Tracker here to WWU in my signature profile area.  Fun!  I actually re-committed this morning to get healthy and fit by following a healthier diet.  I am back from a vacation and needed to do something.  I actually have been working on losing weight for a couple years.  I am such a snail about it too.  Also, I am reading The Hacker's Diet which is online, and free.  I find it makes a lot of sense to me because if I eat extra calories they stay on as pounds.  I am 5'0" and cannot afford to eat much cuz I don't do much exercise.  All that will change over time if I try.  I didn't want to spend too much time now trying to figure out the perfect diet for me.  So I am pretty much simply going to follow a *calories in / calories out* approach to losing weight.  I set a mini goal today of 13 lbs.  The other book I am reading is about Hypereating.  It really bases alot on the fact that I respond to visual cues to eat.  So I have to change my thinking after I feel the urge to eat by telling myself something like, *I cannot eat one cookie, because then I will eat 20.*   Thanks again for your support and I will look to give you support too.  S
Title: Re: I decided to start a diet
Post by: cadagi101 on July 28, 2011, 05:59:22 PM
Quote from: Pooh on July 28, 2011, 10:47:34 AM
Lol.  When you want to add a food, and the majority are in there in some shape form or fashion (there is a place you can add your own if not, but we'll get to that later), just click on the "add" button below which meal you are adding to...like breakfast, lunch, snack...

A search box will come up and type in what you are looking for.  You can put in generic words like "wheat bread" and it will bring up a list of all kinds of brands or some that just say generic.  Or you can key in the brand name like "Kraft" and it will bring up all the "Kraft" stuff.  When you find what you want, or something close, just click on it and say "add".  It will add it to that meal.  You do that for each thing, and you will find then that when you hit the "add" button, below the search box it will start building a list of things that you have eaten, so
if you eat the same thing again, it will be right there in front of you to click on the box and just say "add".

It took me a day or two of rumbling around in it to get the hang of it, but once you do...it's easy.



Ok I have joined, I have added rolled oats to my breakfast yep it has it but I also have a banana and 2 teaspoons honey  where do I add that the extras
Title: Re: I decided to start a diet
Post by: luise.volta on July 28, 2011, 06:00:27 PM
SBAU: Would you "friend" me on the site? I haven't figured out to do it yet. And I don't know how to bring that icon over (pretty), so I will just report my weight loss here, too.
Title: Re: I decided to start a diet
Post by: cadagi101 on July 28, 2011, 06:03:38 PM
Quote from: Julia on July 28, 2011, 05:59:22 PM
Quote from: Pooh on July 28, 2011, 10:47:34 AM
Lol.  When you want to add a food, and the majority are in there in some shape form or fashion (there is a place you can add your own if not, but we'll get to that later), just click on the "add" button below which meal you are adding to...like breakfast, lunch, snack...

A search box will come up and type in what you are looking for.  You can put in generic words like "wheat bread" and it will bring up a list of all kinds of brands or some that just say generic.  Or you can key in the brand name like "Kraft" and it will bring up all the "Kraft" stuff.  When you find what you want, or something close, just click on it and say "add".  It will add it to that meal.  You do that for each thing, and you will find then that when you hit the "add" button, below the search box it will start building a list of things that you have eaten, so
if you eat the same thing again, it will be right there in front of you to click on the box and just say "add".

It took me a day or two of rumbling around in it to get the hang of it, but once you do...it's easy.



Ok I have joined, I have added rolled oats to my breakfast yep it has it but I also have a banana and 2 teaspoons honey  where do I add that the extras

Ive worked it out
Title: Re: I decided to start a diet
Post by: luise.volta on July 28, 2011, 06:07:36 PM
Great! Please "friend" me Julia! I will put up my stats from today when I finish eating.  ;)
Title: Re: I decided to start a diet
Post by: not like the movies on July 28, 2011, 06:10:02 PM
I thin I need to join sometime SOON LOL.....
Title: Re: I decided to start a diet
Post by: luise.volta on July 28, 2011, 06:11:56 PM
Yes, come play with us!  8)
Title: Re: I decided to start a diet
Post by: cadagi101 on July 28, 2011, 06:16:28 PM
Quote from: luise.volta on July 28, 2011, 06:07:36 PM
Great! Please "friend" me Julia! I will put up my stats from today when I finish eating.  ;)

I sure will as soon as I work out how....I'm sure it is there somewhere I just have to look..tommorrow
Title: Re: I decided to start a diet
Post by: Pooh on July 29, 2011, 05:28:43 AM
Oh this is great!  The more the merrier.  Let's face it, we tell each other all the time that we need to do something for ourselves and what better thing to do for ourselves, but to get healthy!!!  That's how I am looking at it right now.  Yes, I want to lose some weight, but even more is that I can actually see that I am putting better things in my body. 

I will tell you guys that I have had more energy and just feel better since starting this and I know it's because of two things.  1.  I'm eating better food  2.  I'm drinking more water (which is something I hate!)

SBU, I love the idea of putting it our signature.  Ladies, I also love that you don't have to create a ticker that shows your weight, but can...but also create one like SBU that just shows your weight loss goal.  I know some people don't want anyone to know what they weigh, so I am so glad they offered both options.

Ok, so 2 lessons this morning to help.

1.  Find a Member:  Go to the "Community" tab and click it.  Underneath it will now show some different options.  Click "Find Members".  Now you get several options to search by: Gender, age, etc.  The last one says "Username or Email".  You can type in a members name there and search for them.  If you type in "VelcroPooh", it should bring me up!

2.  Click on the "Tools" tab.  Underneath that you will now see the word "Tickers". Click on that and it will walk you through all your options.  You can upload your own pic on one of the pages, choose to go by weight or lbs. lost and change color or the little marker thingy as you go through.  When you are done, it will give you the codes to add to your signature.  Just copy and paste it here in your signature and it should work.  (Use the one that says: BBcode for forum signatures).
Title: Re: I decided to start a diet
Post by: Pooh on July 29, 2011, 05:32:11 AM
SBU, I have been reading things too and everything says, and the people that are successful do swear by the calories in/calories out.  Seems to be the key!  If you click on the "Tools" tab and pick the BMR calculator, you can enter your age, height and weight and it will tell you how many calories your body uses daily, without doing anything.  They say to shoot for a goal of eating 200-300 calories less than that to lose weight the healthy way (1-2 lbs a week).    Mine comes out to 1484, so I have been shooting for 1200 calories a day.
Title: Re: I decided to start a diet
Post by: luise.volta on July 29, 2011, 08:12:24 AM
Thank you so much! I have trouble with copy and paste if I can't do it by highlighting.
Title: Re: I decided to start a diet
Post by: Pooh on July 29, 2011, 08:28:50 AM
When you click on it there, it will automatically highlight it for you.  I like to use "Ctrl C" to copy and "Ctrl V" to paste, but you can also right click on your mouse and select "copy" and then right click and hit "paste" when you get to your signature.
Title: Re: I decided to start a diet
Post by: luise.volta on July 29, 2011, 08:33:30 AM
Thanks. I use the same keys for my work on MomResponds so that should work. I haven't checked in over there yet this AM because I have been Banning Bad Guys. "There!  >:( Take that!" Poof!  ;D
Title: Re: I decided to start a diet
Post by: Pooh on July 29, 2011, 08:51:44 AM
You go girl!  Bam......Pow.......Clobber.........
Title: Re: I decided to start a diet
Post by: luise.volta on July 29, 2011, 09:10:33 AM
I did it!  8)
Title: Re: I decided to start a diet
Post by: Pooh on July 29, 2011, 11:01:19 AM
Woo Hoo!  I had complete confidence in you!
Title: Re: I decided to start a diet
Post by: Smilesback@u on July 29, 2011, 11:02:37 AM
Hi y'all, I would like to add you as friends on MyFitnessPal -- can't seem to locate you luise and not sure if I have pooh and Julia.  This will be fun getting and giving support to get healthy.  I am down 1 # today.  So the food logging is working.  SBU
Title: Re: I decided to start a diet
Post by: Pooh on July 29, 2011, 11:04:33 AM
Ok, I got your friend request!  Yay!  Good job on the 1 pound!  If you click on my profile now, you should find Luise and be able to click on her pic and then send her a friend request....I think....
Title: Re: I decided to start a diet
Post by: luise.volta on July 29, 2011, 12:10:13 PM
 ;D ;D ;D Thanks! stumble around and when I succeed, I don't know what I did!  ;D ;D  ;D
Title: Re: I decided to start a diet
Post by: luise.volta on July 29, 2011, 12:14:10 PM
I went in and checked out my BMR and % of body fat. Thanks. I have to lose 50 pounds to get to the top end of what is "normal" for me. So be it. That involves going from 186 to 136. Zero weight loss isn't all that bad. I have no way to go but up! ;D ;D ;D
Title: Re: I decided to start a diet
Post by: Pooh on July 29, 2011, 12:41:34 PM
The top end of mine was 164.  I'm 5'8" so that helps!  I would have to loose 8 pounds to hit it, but my target is 140 to be in the middle.
Title: Re: I decided to start a diet
Post by: Smilesback@u on July 29, 2011, 02:21:32 PM
Well, you both are brave so I did it too - I am *overweight* on BMI - which is improved since I have lost 13 lbs in the past 1.5 years.  My BMR was 1118 calories so you can tell that if I lay around and figure I can eat 1200 calories as "recommended", I will gain weight.  No surprise there.  So calories need to be below recommended, or I need to not rest all day long.  Wish I had the gumption to be a "go getter" and burn off calories.  But I do love me, as I am, and I am the hare that will have to get there by being consistent, keeping on the right track, getting back on track when I stray, and stay the course.  It is not fast to lose weight at my height unless I make time to do it.  That's my motivation goal - exercise 30 min every day.  Getting started is hard for me, is it you? 
Title: Re: I decided to start a diet
Post by: luise.volta on July 29, 2011, 02:58:22 PM
Yes, it is veery hard! I had enter my exercise at Curves today before I went...to be able to make it. Didn't want to have to erase it!   :-[
Title: Re: I decided to start a diet
Post by: Smilesback@u on July 29, 2011, 04:38:04 PM
hahahaha  good trick  -- I see that it worked to help you get going!  Good one!  I will do that too, SBU
Title: Re: I decided to start a diet
Post by: cadagi101 on July 29, 2011, 04:39:01 PM
Quote from: luise.volta on July 29, 2011, 02:58:22 PM
Yes, it is veery hard! I had enter my exercise at Curves today before I went...to be able to make it. Didn't want to have to erase it!   :-[

I tried to move your butterfly along and it wouldn't go..
Title: Re: I decided to start a diet
Post by: cadagi101 on July 29, 2011, 04:40:12 PM
Quote from: Smilesback@u on July 29, 2011, 04:38:04 PM
hahahaha  good trick  -- I see that it worked to help you get going!  Good one!  I will do that too, SBU

SBTU   you are of and running, don't you love it...
Title: Re: I decided to start a diet
Post by: Smilesback@u on July 29, 2011, 04:43:00 PM
hahahaha Julia, funny - try moving my runner, maybe it will work this time?  ;) 
Title: Re: I decided to start a diet
Post by: Smilesback@u on July 29, 2011, 04:44:56 PM
PS  I entered my meals as yesterday's -- for the same reason, to make me stick to it.  I already went in to change it -- for a good reason, as I deleted some of my breakfast.  We sure have to be a step ahead of ourselves don't we? 
Title: Re: I decided to start a diet
Post by: luise.volta on July 29, 2011, 05:49:44 PM
Julia - My little butterfly will only move when I lose some weight and I read in the suggestions to only weigh once a week. So, stay tuned. Thursdays will be the days I report in on my weight. (And if the butterfly doesn't move I will pick something else.  ;D ;D ;D )
Title: Re: I decided to start a diet
Post by: luise.volta on July 29, 2011, 06:52:53 PM
Pooh and Gang: I went to Curves and walked the dog at med. speed for 30 minutes today. The program figured out how many calories I had burned exercising (348) and they added those to my 1200 cal. diet...showing I needed to eat a total of 1548. (I only had two meals because I got a slow start this morning but they were large, 410 calories for lunch and 450 for dinner. On top of that I had two snacks totaling 220. Total for the day was 1080.

I have felt full and satisfied and strong all day but tonight they printed the following on my day's diary:

"Based on your total calories consumed for today, you are eating too few calories. Not only is it difficult to receive adequate nutrition at these calorie levels, but you could also be putting your body into starvation mode. Starvation mode lowers your metabolism and makes weight loss more difficult. We suggest increasing your calorie consumption to 1,200 calories per day minimum."

Any thoughts?
Title: Re: I decided to start a diet
Post by: Smilesback@u on July 29, 2011, 07:09:04 PM
I read that 72 hours of fasting when you start a diet is a good idea... because by lowering your calories drastically you are putting your metabolism on alert that you will be eating less calories.  After 72 hours, you are used to being hungry too and so upping your calories to 1200 or whatever you decide will be good for you to lose is easier to stick to.  Also it sure helps me to see the scale go down right away and then I feel more motivated to do more cuz it seems to be working.  Of course, if you see a plateau on your weight loss program and you are eating 1200 calories, they recommend intervals, a day of 1400 calories, a day of 1200, a day of 1600, a day of 1200 and so on, to shake it up.  A real plateau you know occurs when you are eating less, exercising daily 30 min and including weights.  Otherwise, it may be that you are eating too many calories.  That's what I have gleaned from my readings, and you are welcome to take it or leave it.  I am no expert or I would be lean and firm, which I am not.  I am working toward it, like you and open to learning more.   
Title: Re: I decided to start a diet
Post by: luise.volta on July 29, 2011, 07:58:49 PM
Thank you. I find all of that interesting. I know that fasting 72 hours would push me over the edge instead of giving me a good start...but that's just me. I'm 48 hours into it and I won't be weighing for 5 more days. I gotta tell you, I'm looking forward to that!  :D Sending love...
Title: Re: I decided to start a diet
Post by: Smilesback@u on July 29, 2011, 10:07:56 PM
love ya back  :)
Title: Re: I decided to start a diet
Post by: Pooh on July 30, 2011, 09:26:37 AM
I know they say the fasting is good for you, but mentally....I don't want to be hungry.  I would give in and binge eat.  Luise, the 1200 they recommend is for a loss of 1-2 pounds a week.  Also, I read on the forums from some healthy individuals, that they recommend eating all 1200 to keep the weight loss steady or like SBU said, "zigzag" the calories.  They said if you eat to far under that recommended amount, your body starts eating into the healthy stuff you need to keep, like muscle, thus the "prerecorded" message whenever you go under.

I was doing 800-900 calories some days this week and getting the same message.  Everything I read said that if you do that, your body will get used to that amount and stop losing after a few weeks.  I upped mine back to get closer, which actually kind of made me smile to know I could have more???  Seems backwards.  Also, everyone points out this is the "recommended" and it works different for everyone.  You have to do what it says for about a month and then start tweaking from there to fit your needs if it's not working.
Title: Re: I decided to start a diet
Post by: Pooh on July 30, 2011, 09:28:21 AM
My weigh in's are Saturdays, and yes, just once a week or as a female, you will drive yourself bonkers because our weight fluctuates daily.  I lost 1 more pound this week!  Yay.  I knew the first week would be big due to water weight loss, becaue I never drink water and so I knew it would make a difference.  But knowing I did this all week and lost another pound?  I'm estatic!!!!

Love you guys and we can do this!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Title: Re: I decided to start a diet
Post by: Smilesback@u on July 30, 2011, 11:52:01 AM
Good ONE for you Pooh!  I am down 0.4 lbs and weigh everyday -- I am used to the ups and downs and look at my trend.  I think my attitude now is to hungry before I eat cuz there is plenty of food everywhere.  I will not starve.  That works for me, as an example, on a 12 day cruise where the average weight GAIN is 14 lbs, I LOST one pound.  Just knowing I can eat a bite of something and not the whole thing, and that there is food available anytime I want it (and of course, having other things to do and think about besides food :)  really helps. 

So true that you have to come up with a program that works for you, and maybe not for everyone - calories in and calories out.  Keep it Simple Sweetie (KISS).   :-*
Title: Re: I decided to start a diet
Post by: luise.volta on July 30, 2011, 08:08:15 PM
Went to my first Zumba Gold class this AM...then out to lunch with friends from Arizona and out to dinner with Kirk's "Sandy." Ate wisely. OK, energy-wise but felt emotionally off balance from overstimulation. A lot more socializing in one day than I'm used to. Legal snacks in the early evening. Still made it within my parameters. Tired, now.

Love being part of this group. Feeling hopeful  :D

Will not weigh in until Thursday AM.
Title: Re: I decided to start a diet
Post by: Smilesback@u on July 30, 2011, 08:21:25 PM
Keep doing what works for you to lose weight, ok?  Eating when you are tired is a killer.  I heard if you  brush your teeth that deters eating when you are not hungry.  The results will show on the scale next Saturday.  I didn't work at it much today other than cutting calories.  It's all good.  good night, sleep well, "party" girl :)
Title: Re: I decided to start a diet
Post by: luise.volta on July 30, 2011, 08:36:26 PM
Thanks! We're actually doing it!  :o
Title: Re: I decided to start a diet
Post by: Smilesback@u on July 30, 2011, 08:40:23 PM
Yeah,  :P I wish we were there already  :P
Title: Re: I decided to start a diet
Post by: Pooh on July 31, 2011, 09:32:51 AM
My hubby and myself had made a pact when we started that we would take one day off a week.  We chose Saturdays to be our off day where we could eat whatever we wanted.  A nutritionist, a few years back told me that you needed to do this when you go on a diet.  He said it does two things: 1. Helps with cravings or feeling deprived because you know you can have it on your off day.  2.  I think it kind of goes with the zigzag theory.  He said it kind of shocks your body with the excess all of a sudden and keeps it guessing, so it helps you lose weight over the next 6 days.

So we went out to dnner at a mexican place we love last night, after seeing a movie.  I found that even though I could have no-no's, I was still eating them in moderation because I didn't want to totally blow it.  I ordered a chicken dish and ate it all but limited myself to only 10 nacho chips with the salsa.  I even had a margarita! Lol.  Surprisingly, when I logged everything last night, I was still under my goal! (with the added exercise I did).  I was actually shocked, but I also didn't eat lunch.  Not on purpose but because I wasn't hungry when I got up so I didn't eat my cereal until around 11:00 and then we went and saw a movie in the afternoon.

I was so stuffed from dinner, I never wanted a snack last night!  So on Saturdays, you guys will probably see my diaries flucuate! Lol.
Title: Re: I decided to start a diet
Post by: luise.volta on July 31, 2011, 09:52:52 AM
That is so supportive, since I went out to eat twice yesterday and ate up all of my allowed calories! Great idea! Thanks!
Title: Re: I decided to start a diet
Post by: Pooh on July 31, 2011, 09:59:46 AM
Sounds silly but it works!  If I decide during the week that I really want a big ole' piece of chocolate cake, I just go...."I am so having a piece on Saturday!"  When I got to Saturday, I really didn't want it anymore and wanted that chicken burrito!  Lol.  I didn't feel so bad about the cake knowing that it wasn't that I couldn't ever have it, I could do it Saturday!  I know it's a mental game, but it is working for me.

The rule is that you have to pick the same day every week.  If you choose Tuesday, then it's every Tuesday.  You can't flip the day around.  I chose Saturday because me and DH are off together, and with riding the motorcycle on Saturdays, that's when I will probably run into bad food choices more.
Title: Re: I decided to start a diet
Post by: Pen on July 31, 2011, 10:07:55 AM
Thanks for the post, Pooh. I have to play that mental game too...the food I think I want in the moment isn't going away forever, and I don't need to eat everything I crave right now (although margaritas are pretty hard to pass up, LOL.)
Title: Re: I decided to start a diet
Post by: Pooh on July 31, 2011, 11:45:52 AM
Specially when they are 2 for 1! Lol.  Lucky for me, they were only about 4oz. each but man they packed a whallop!
Title: Re: I decided to start a diet
Post by: Smilesback@u on July 31, 2011, 01:12:36 PM
I am to scared to do that.  I know I cannot do that yet, eat what I want on a designated day -- sorry for me.  If I have a splurge day like that it will take me several more days afterwards to get back to eating less calories in order to lose weight.  And I also will gain back whatever I have lost - sugar, salt, fat extra calories stay on my body and don't drop off by cutting back either.  Maybe once I am at my weight goal, then I can think it is reasonable for me to do something like a special eat anything day, because I will have learned to enjoy life without overeating.  Right now, I am into smaller portions, less eating when I am not hungry and I am starting to lose weight now.  So I think it is better that I don't lose any momentum I have.  For me, I don't have control over my overeating yet as it has only been 3 days on this diet.  Good job working on not feeling deprived.   
Title: Re: I decided to start a diet
Post by: luise.volta on July 31, 2011, 01:36:42 PM
Good for you for knowing what works and what doesn't...and seeing results already. I don't like showing no weight loss every day but I know weighing in once a week is best for me. We know ourselves.  8)
Title: Re: I decided to start a diet
Post by: Pooh on July 31, 2011, 04:17:08 PM
We do know ourselves best and you have to do what works for you!  I am so proud of all of us for doing this for ourselves!  We rock ladies!
Title: Re: I decided to start a diet
Post by: Smilesback@u on July 31, 2011, 04:33:02 PM
That's right...there are as many ways to get there as there are people.  It is an individual program we follow, and having supporters will help making the going there fun!
Title: Re: I decided to start a diet
Post by: luise.volta on July 31, 2011, 05:30:30 PM
This teaming up together makes all the difference  8)
Title: Re: I decided to start a diet
Post by: Pooh on August 01, 2011, 10:42:26 AM
Well I had to go buy a new scale! When I weighed in two weeks ago on my old one, it said 172 lbs. I thought that odd considering at the Doctor's a few days prior, I weighed 178 (before I started MFP). But I trudged on and on Saturday, I was down to 164. Last night my hubby was weighing in and it told him he had gained 10 pounds in 2 days! So I got on it and it went to 164 then 170, then 164....got the idea?

So I went out and bought a new one at lunch thinking this one was stuck and sure enough....170.4! Yay me! So at least the reflection of weight loss was accurate with the old one (8 pounds) but apparently not the actual weight!

Well dern it!  So now I have more weight to lose!!!!!  Lol.
Title: Re: I decided to start a diet
Post by: luise.volta on August 01, 2011, 10:51:31 AM
Good for you for doing the research and solving the issue. I, too, have learned that we have to have good tools to do this right. I will be climbing on the scale on Thursday. Stay tuned...  ;)
Title: Re: I decided to start a diet
Post by: Pen on August 01, 2011, 10:58:24 AM
"The truth shall set you free."

Or set you back, one or the other. (JK, Pooh, you're doing great!)
Title: Re: I decided to start a diet
Post by: Pooh on August 01, 2011, 11:02:14 AM
Lol!  I was just glad it didn't say "Please deposit .25"
Title: Re: I decided to start a diet
Post by: luise.volta on August 01, 2011, 11:04:50 AM
How tall are you, Pooh?

I weigh the same as my Ex-SIL Bill but it looks so much better on someone 6' than it does on 5'2"! 
Title: Re: I decided to start a diet
Post by: Pooh on August 01, 2011, 11:10:38 AM
I am 5'8"
Title: Re: I decided to start a diet
Post by: luise.volta on August 01, 2011, 11:59:16 AM
Oh, lovely! Model material!  8)
Title: Re: I decided to start a diet
Post by: Pooh on August 01, 2011, 01:30:04 PM
Yeeeaaahhhh ooookkkkkk
Title: Re: I decided to start a diet
Post by: luise.volta on August 01, 2011, 07:18:09 PM
Well, I was focused on other things today...Curves, longer dog walk, laundry and missed lunch. Had a really nice supper and am still 200 cal. low. I thin I can add them with some string cheese and fresh-frozen blueberries. We'll see. Feel goo but it is all novelty and that's what is driving me. I know that.
Title: Re: I decided to start a diet
Post by: Pooh on August 02, 2011, 05:26:26 AM
It is novelty right now, but I'm hoping before the novelty wears off I am seeing such good results and feeling so much better (I already am) that it will sink into my pea brain that this is a lifestyle change and keeps driving me forward to do this for me!
Title: Re: I decided to start a diet
Post by: luise.volta on August 02, 2011, 05:58:48 AM
Amen! (I am getting sick of my "0" (as in Zero) Pounds Lost signature.)
Title: Re: I decided to start a diet
Post by: Smilesback@u on August 02, 2011, 06:12:18 AM
Good luck with moving that scale!  Keep doing What Works To Lose Weight and it will happen. 
Title: Re: I decided to start a diet
Post by: luise.volta on August 02, 2011, 06:20:33 AM
We can do it!  8)
Title: Re: I decided to start a diet
Post by: amflautist on August 02, 2011, 08:32:46 AM
Would it be too much to suggest that those weight meters be limited to this thread?  I find them so distracting elsewhere that -- even though I love WWU -- I have given up reading anything on this site.
Title: Re: I decided to start a diet
Post by: luise.volta on August 02, 2011, 09:21:48 AM
Yup, it would be too much. "Take what you want and leave the rest" is what works best on WWU.
Title: Re: I decided to start a diet
Post by: Smilesback@u on August 02, 2011, 02:56:45 PM
Following your lead  ;)
Title: Re: I decided to start a diet
Post by: amflautist on August 02, 2011, 03:00:17 PM
Six no-trump.
Title: Re: I decided to start a diet
Post by: luise.volta on August 02, 2011, 03:18:09 PM
I know this shows my ignorance but is that a Bridge bid? What does it mean? (Help me out here, AF/)
Title: Re: I decided to start a diet
Post by: amflautist on August 02, 2011, 03:55:03 PM
When smilesback said "Following your lead", it sounded just like we were in a bridge game.  I couldn't resist that great bid, both because I knew you couldn't make me show the cards and because I have never in my life had a hand that good.
Title: Re: I decided to start a diet
Post by: Smilesback@u on August 02, 2011, 04:04:55 PM
Just want to clarify that I am not playing any game here ...and I don't know how to play bridge anyways.  Maybe someday...  Anyways, what I meant was, I am new to WWU and do not know the rules, but I assume that luise is a leader and so the saying of following her lead.  That's all...peace.
Title: Re: I decided to start a diet
Post by: luise.volta on August 02, 2011, 04:13:02 PM
Well, I am following Pooh who has been on it since July 17th, if I remember right. What a great idea, Pooh, to buddy up this way. Have I said thanks, yet. If not...

Thanks!  ;D ;D ;D
Title: Re: I decided to start a diet
Post by: Smilesback@u on August 02, 2011, 04:16:56 PM
How did you do that? 
???
??? DId that do it? 
Title: Re: I decided to start a diet
Post by: Smilesback@u on August 02, 2011, 04:17:40 PM
??? ??? ??? ??? ??? ??? ???
Title: Re: I decided to start a diet
Post by: Smilesback@u on August 02, 2011, 04:18:02 PM
 ;)
Title: Re: I decided to start a diet
Post by: luise.volta on August 02, 2011, 04:25:04 PM
Fun! If you want to know if something worked...click on "Preview" before you post it. Lots of little tricks in this software. I don't know half of them.
Title: Re: I decided to start a diet
Post by: Smilesback@u on August 02, 2011, 04:27:48 PM
Whoops, sorry about that.  I used to live in Marysville btw, and now live in Pullman.  I know Stanwood -- and used to visit Lake Goodman for instance.  I lived close to Smokey Point.  We were neighbors and didn't know it? 
Title: Re: I decided to start a diet
Post by: luise.volta on August 02, 2011, 04:32:26 PM
Well, how about that!  8)
Title: Re: I decided to start a diet
Post by: Pooh on August 03, 2011, 06:21:58 AM
You are very welcome!  It totally makes a difference to have support and others doing it.  I have learned so many things since starting this, and I know it's a journey to figure out what makes my body tick.  What works for one doesn't necessarily work for all. 

Thank you guys for joining in!
Title: Re: I decided to start a diet
Post by: Pooh on August 04, 2011, 07:49:12 AM
It's Thursday and I'm rooting for you!
Title: Re: I decided to start a diet
Post by: luise.volta on August 04, 2011, 08:12:12 AM
Wheeeeeeee!!!
Title: Re: I decided to start a diet
Post by: Pooh on August 04, 2011, 08:31:17 AM
I am sooooooo proud of you!  You have made my day!  Congratulations Luise!
Title: Re: I decided to start a diet
Post by: elsieshaye on August 04, 2011, 08:48:14 AM
Go Luise!!!!  That's awesome!
Title: Re: I decided to start a diet
Post by: luise.volta on August 04, 2011, 08:52:32 AM
Thanks! I feel pretty good about it! I am at 179 pounds. I know that I look and feel so much better at 165. 145 is the lowest I would want to go even though they suggest 135. So, I see it in increments. 14 pounds to go to reach my goal...and another 20 if I want to go for the gold. :-)))

Thanks again for inspiring us all, Pooh!
Title: Re: I decided to start a diet
Post by: Pooh on August 04, 2011, 10:11:18 AM
You're welcome but you guys are my inspiration to keep on it!  Group effort! 
Title: Re: I decided to start a diet
Post by: Smilesback@u on August 04, 2011, 12:02:39 PM
Luise - So Happy for you!  Your weight loss program is really working good for you!  CONGRATS!  Keep up the good work.   :)
Title: Re: I decided to start a diet
Post by: elsieshaye on August 04, 2011, 12:16:20 PM
Smiles, just wanted to share with you what I went through, in case it helps.  I got diagnosed with diabetes 2 years ago, and (especially since my mother died of really bad complications of diabetes) you'd have thought that I would just get right on that weight loss and blood sugar control thing and stick with it, right? 

Yeah, not so much. 

I did really well for a little bit, and then I backslid and couldn't figure out how to get a handle on things.  It almost seemed that I was eating MORE once I decided I was going to lose weight and exercise than I did when I wasn't thinking about either at all.  It took me over a year past the backslide to get my head in the right place and start being consistent and effective. 

Don't get discouraged - just keep track of what's going on with you, and if you are struggling with consistency or self-sabotage, have gentle little talks with yourself.  Ask yourself what's going on with you, and really listen.  Sometimes it's a question of finding an approach that gets you excited.  Sometimes it's that there are some hidden beliefs or fears holding you back (like "I don't deserve to be healthy", etc.).  Be patient with yourself.
Title: Re: I decided to start a diet
Post by: Smilesback@u on August 04, 2011, 12:22:03 PM
Elsie, your thoughtfulness really touched me.  I had 2 days in a row of heavy eating...I know it is from my reaction to my Dad's email.  I certainly have conflicting feelings about being worth it right now.  And I will conquer them...I am starting off good today and weigh what I weighed when I joined you on MFP.  Back to square one with good intentions.   I go tomorrow to visit the GK and have similar conflicted feelings.  I go with open heart, and today I will work on staying focused on getting healthy.  Thanks so much for your support and insights.  I am working on my attitude and exercise will help that too.    :-\
Title: Re: I decided to start a diet
Post by: Pooh on August 04, 2011, 12:48:35 PM
Great support Elsieshaye.  I eat when I'm bored.  That's my biggest problem and I knew it when I started.  I vowed to myself that if I get bored, I will get my butt up and do something besides eat.  Sunday, I was bored at the house and was debating on eating something when I stopped myself and realized I wasn't really hungry, I just was bored.  So I tackled straightening out my pantry instead.  It worked. 

I think eating because of sadness, hurt and dealing with emotions is normal too.  It's ok.  It truly is just a bad habit we have created in order to satisfy ourselves.  It's going to happen and we have to break the habit.  It's not that it's wrong, but there is healthier habits we can do, in place of that.  Exercise, cleaning, gardening, painting....something you enjoy.

It took me years to stop biting my nails and I caved a few times.  Every time I caved, I was mad that I had lost my progress and vowed I was going to stop.  It finally became a habit NOT to bite my nails and now I love my manicures!  You can do this Smiles!  I have confidence in you. 
Title: Re: I decided to start a diet
Post by: Smilesback@u on August 04, 2011, 01:35:50 PM
Thanks Pooh -- manicures for a reward is good ideas.  This really is a journey I am on and I didn't realize I would make such great strides by joining WWU.  THANK YOU!  peace
Title: Re: I decided to start a diet
Post by: cadagi101 on August 04, 2011, 03:26:45 PM
well done girls,,,when having trouble eating when stressed or bored, if you are interested, you could try  EFT (Emotional Freedom Tapping)If  can find the tapping points (same as accupressure points without the needle)   internet is a  good resource.    eg...I will not eat today if I am bored or stressed  I may feel like i want to eat but it is because I am bored and/or stressed...(your reason)  I will not let (such and such ruin my efforts,)  I am going to lose weight because I deserve to be healthy.    I am a kind and compassionate person.   I have so much to give others and when I am healthier I have more energy and love within.    I will not succumb to my feelings of worthlessness, I am important and I love my life.    I accept who I am and what I want,   I will not eat because i am bored or stressed, repeat...

I use something similar but "I will get out of bed earlier because it is a new day and this 24 hours is for me".   I will accept what comes my way, I may not finish all I plan today, but I fully accept myself anyway..

EFT tapping  is a powerful tool.      I have read the agreement please don't take my thoughts the wrong way...

Julia
Title: Re: I decided to start a diet
Post by: luise.volta on August 04, 2011, 05:30:24 PM
You're kidding, right, Julia?  ;)
Title: Re: I decided to start a diet
Post by: cadagi101 on August 04, 2011, 08:00:14 PM
Quote from: luise.volta on August 04, 2011, 05:30:24 PM
You're kidding, right, Julia?  ;)

no I'm not kidding , I hope i haven't offended anyone,
Title: Re: I decided to start a diet
Post by: cadagi101 on August 04, 2011, 08:01:38 PM
Quote from: Julia on August 04, 2011, 08:00:14 PM
Quote from: luise.volta on August 04, 2011, 05:30:24 PM
You're kidding, right, Julia?  ;)

no I'm not kidding , I hope i haven't offended anyone,

Am I a little sensitive do you think??
Title: Re: I decided to start a diet
Post by: luise.volta on August 04, 2011, 08:05:17 PM
All I get is that you shared something with us that worked for you and found several others, including me, that have used it as well. That fits "Take what you want and leave the rest."  You are highly valued here and we are pulling for the Website. Sending love...
Title: Re: I decided to start a diet
Post by: Smilesback@u on August 04, 2011, 08:07:43 PM
I am struggling with my diet approach.  I go on vacation tomorrow to see GK and will do my best.  I will weigh in when I get back in 10 days - and will keep thinking about all of you, and wishing you the best too. 
Title: Re: I decided to start a diet
Post by: luise.volta on August 04, 2011, 08:23:29 PM
Smile - I know you are getting ready to leave but when you get back, remind me to share what I am doing with you. Since I only post the calories, there is nothing about it on our Board. It's the only thing that's worked for me in a long time and it may not interest you, but I will put it out there. I am never hungry and that is brand new to me. It's not hard and most of the time I don't think about it. That's new for me, too. A year ago I was up to 193 and in a year of heartbreak and failure, I only lost 6 pounds. I started this time at 187. I am vastly lazy unless something holds my interest and don't care much for cooking. I'm an emotional eater, numbing both the lows and the highs. A poor risk for this kind of thing, for sure...but it's working in spite of me. Hang in there. We're a team.
Title: Re: I decided to start a diet
Post by: cadagi101 on August 05, 2011, 04:48:39 AM
Quote from: luise.volta on August 04, 2011, 08:05:17 PM
All I get is that you shared something with us that worked for you and found several others, including me, that have used it as well. That fits "Take what you want and leave the rest."  You are highly valued here and we are pulling for the Website. Sending love...

thanks Luise, you are a terrific lot of girls
xxx
Title: Re: I decided to start a diet
Post by: Rose799 on August 05, 2011, 04:52:37 AM
I'm an emotional eater, too, Luise.  That's why it's been difficult to commit to any diet.  I'm getting closer though.  You lost 8 lbs in 1 week?!  Whoo-Hoo!!  That's terrific!
Title: Re: I decided to start a diet
Post by: Rose799 on August 05, 2011, 05:11:38 AM
Quote from: Smilesback@u on August 04, 2011, 08:07:43 PM
I am struggling with my diet approach.  I go on vacation tomorrow to see GK and will do my best.  I will weigh in when I get back in 10 days - and will keep thinking about all of you, and wishing you the best too.

Wishing you all the best on your vacation, Smiles.  I had a heart to heart discussion with dd recently.  Normally, I walk on eggshells so as to keep the peace, but that day, I simply spoke from my heart.  I don't know where it may lead, hopefully, to a better relationship, but if not, I feel at peace for having been true to myself.   As an added bonus, I haven't been hungry since...  :)  Enjoy the gc!

Title: Re: I decided to start a diet
Post by: Pooh on August 05, 2011, 07:23:59 AM
Julia, I am in no way offended!  You posted something about it the other day and I had no clue what it was so I went to youtube and watched some on it.  I found it very interesting and I could see where it would help.   I remember my Grandma pinching places on her body to get rid of pain, like the skin between her thumb and first finger.  I'm a big believer in pressure points in the body, because of my medical stuff, the doctor can hit one and I'll jump off the table.  The human body is amazing.

I will never get offended over someone sharing methods or things that work for them.  Even if I don't agree with them or use it, it's a source of information for me to learn something new.  Knowledge is power and thanks for sharing!
Title: Re: I decided to start a diet
Post by: cadagi101 on August 05, 2011, 04:03:21 PM
Quote from: Pooh on August 05, 2011, 07:23:59 AM
Julia, I am in no way offended!  You posted something about it the other day and I had no clue what it was so I went to youtube and watched some on it.  I found it very interesting and I could see where it would help.   I remember my Grandma pinching places on her body to get rid of pain, like the skin between her thumb and first finger.  I'm a big believer in pressure points in the body, because of my medical stuff, the doctor can hit one and I'll jump off the table.  The human body is amazing.

I will never get offended over someone sharing methods or things that work for them.  Even if I don't agree with them or use it, it's a source of information for me to learn something new.  Knowledge is power and thanks for sharing!

Thanks so much, sometimes I even question where things come from that "jump" into my head ::).    It can be hard to put things across sometimes and when we do "we I"  sometimes get the wrong end of the stick, you and Luise clarified it for me so thankyou :)
Title: Re: I decided to start a diet
Post by: cadagi101 on August 05, 2011, 04:11:43 PM
Quote from: Julia on August 05, 2011, 04:03:21 PM
Quote from: Pooh on August 05, 2011, 07:23:59 AM
Julia, I am in no way offended!  You posted something about it the other day and I had no clue what it was so I went to youtube and watched some on it.  I found it very interesting and I could see where it would help.   I remember my Grandma pinching places on her body to get rid of pain, like the skin between her thumb and first finger.  I'm a big believer in pressure points in the body, because of my medical stuff, the doctor can hit one and I'll jump off the table.  The human body is amazing.

I will never get offended over someone sharing methods or things that work for them.  Even if I don't agree with them or use it, it's a source of information for me to learn something new.  Knowledge is power and thanks for sharing!

Thanks so much, sometimes I even question where things come from that "jump" into my head ::).    It can be hard to put things across sometimes and when we do "we I"  sometimes get the wrong end of the stick, you and Luise clarified it for me so thankyou :)

I could have started a new thread but I didn't want to be to obvious...anyone who knows CBD and who can, may like to offer her a spot of encouragement...I have emailed her lately.  Life isn't that great for her at the moment she doesn't get onto WWU and doesn't read emails very often.   I don't think CBD would mind me posting this message to you, support goes such a long way
Title: Re: I decided to start a diet
Post by: Pooh on August 07, 2011, 09:48:43 AM
Don't know how I managed to do it, but somehow lost 3 more lbs this week!  Yay!  I'm on track as far as eating for 1-2 lbs a week.  I'm guessing because I started Zumba Thursday (at home DVD) maybe that contributed to the extra. 

I am loving the weight loss part, but I have to say, if I didn't lose another pound, I would keep doing this.  I feel 100% better.  More energy, not as many aches and pains and an in general better feeling. 

Julia, my thoughts and prayers to CBD.
Title: Re: I decided to start a diet
Post by: Pen on August 07, 2011, 09:52:11 AM
Julia, send my good wishes and thoughts to CBD as well. I've been thinking about her. You're a good friend.

Pooh, way to go!
Title: Re: I decided to start a diet
Post by: luise.volta on August 07, 2011, 08:43:57 PM
EXERCISE FOR PEOPLE OVER 60:
Begin with a 5-lb potato bag in each hand, extend your arms straight out from your sides and hold them there as long as you can.

Each day you'll find that you can hold this position for just a bit longer.
After a couple of weeks, move up to 10-lb potato bags.

Then try 50-lb potato bags and then eventually try to get to where you can lift a 100-lb potato bag in each hand . (I'm at this level.)

After you feel confident at that level, put a potato in each bag
Title: Re: I decided to start a diet
Post by: cadagi101 on August 07, 2011, 10:20:23 PM
Quote from: luise.volta on August 07, 2011, 08:43:57 PM
EXERCISE FOR PEOPLE OVER 60:
Begin with a 5-lb potato bag in each hand, extend your arms straight out from your sides and hold them there as long as you can.

Each day you'll find that you can hold this position for just a bit longer.
After a couple of weeks, move up to 10-lb potato bags.

Then try 50-lb potato bags and then eventually try to get to where you can lift a 100-lb potato bag in each hand . (I'm at this level.)

After you feel confident at that level, put a potato in each bag

Your'e kidding aren't you  ;) ;)
Title: Re: I decided to start a diet
Post by: luise.volta on August 07, 2011, 10:51:50 PM
;D ;D ;D ;D ;D 8) ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D
Title: Re: I decided to start a diet
Post by: Pooh on August 08, 2011, 05:29:24 AM
Hee hee!

This girl posted the other day on MFP, "XXXXX has lost 193 lbs. this week!"  Everyone was writing below it things like, "What?  How in the world?"  "Honey, I think you put in a wrong number somewhere..." etc.

She finally commented and said "No it's right.  I finally dumped his sorry, lazy, irresponsible, selfish butt!"

I couldn't help but laugh at her tenaciousness!
Title: Re: I decided to start a diet
Post by: Pooh on August 08, 2011, 05:33:33 AM
I wanted to tell you Luise that I think your butterfly makes a beautiful bow tie! Ha ha ha ha ha ha...
Title: Re: I decided to start a diet
Post by: luise.volta on August 08, 2011, 08:23:30 AM
Oh, that's cute! I didn't even notice it (More like a cervical neck support!  ;D ;D)
Title: Re: I decided to start a diet
Post by: cadagi101 on August 08, 2011, 03:24:33 PM
That is so cute Luise,  Pooh that story is an absolute hoot... ;D ;D
Title: Re: I decided to start a diet
Post by: Pooh on August 12, 2011, 06:44:22 AM
So I try not to do anything (vacation, my medical stuff, buy a camera, etc.) without doing research.  I am a fanatic about researching, looking at reviews and trying to educate myself on anything I want to do or have or buy.  I've always been this way, so I have approached this the same way.  I want to know why it put me on 1200 calories after entering my height, weight, goal weight and age....was that my lucky number for the day?  I want to know why it says if I eat under that, that I am in starvation mode?  I'm not hungry...I'm eating...I'm not starving.  I want to know why I am losing weight although I seem to be eating more times a day than I ever have?

So you get the idea?  I'm nosey!   ;D  I want to educate myself on what I am doing to my body, and why this is working.

I posted in MFP that now I was having trouble eating enough calories!  I know that sounds like "Well...umm....you're worried about that?  Isn't that your goal?  Isn't that kind of backwards because we are trying to lose weight?"  So I'm going to share what I have learned and that I believe.  Is it right?  From everything I can find on the internet, it is the general consensus of most major nutrition foundations and the medical field.

Yes, it's bad for me.  If I laid on the couch all day, never moving for 24 hrs, my body would automatically burn 1463 calories just to do it's normal bodily things.  So MFP has built in an automatic deficit of 263 calories a day for me to lose 1ish lbs a week.  That's the most healthy way to do it.  Slowly and still providing my body with plenty of nutrients.  Add in the calories I am earning for exercise, 200-300ish a day and that means my body is burning 1763 calories + anything else I do that we are not adding in (making the bed, walking to my car, getting dressed).  You can add another 300-400 calories a day into what my body is burning just for doing normal, every day things.  So add my 1463 (body function calories), + 300 (exercise calories), + 400 (everyday chore, living calories) and I'm burning 2163 calories a day now.  That is why they advocate eating your exercise calories back and add them to your calories allowed when you log in the exercise.  They want you to eat them back.  If I don't eat them back, then instead of a 263 a day calorie deficit, I have now created a 963 calorie deficit.  I'm not giving my body what I need to function at that level and lose weight the healthy way.

So now enter what I have done the last two days.  I haven't even hit 1200.  I hit 874 and 794.  I added another deficit of around 400.  Bad...bad..bad.  I am not giving my body the fuel it needs to function at the level it needs to.  If I continue to do that, the body will adapt.  The body is smart and intelligent and when we do something to it, it will try to fix it.  So what will happen is that it will say "Ok, I can't function at this calorie level so I need to stop burning so many calories."  It will slow down my metabolism and starting eating muscle mass to make up the extra.  Then it will get used to that level of calories and I would have to make sure I ate 700 calories every day to lose any more weight.  Uh, yeah....that's not a lifestyle I want to live.

So I have to get back to eating 1200-1400 calories a day.  I am going to have to add some more calories in order to lose weight!  Isn't that backwards!  Plus, once I get to my goal weight and don't want to lose any longer, I will get to up my calorie intake to around 1700-1800 to maintain that weight!  Now that's a lifestyle I can live with!  Plenty of food and more goodies!

I hope all that made sense and helps clear up the whole why 1200 for me? (Or whatever your calorie goal came out to).

Our bodies are magnificent creatures that are smarter than we are. 
Title: Re: I decided to start a diet
Post by: Pen on August 12, 2011, 07:54:50 AM
Thanks for the info, it's very enlightening and extremely interesting not to mention helpful. I see your retirement career looming - fitness and nutrition coach!

But I have the same problem - I'm not sure I can eat any more w/o eating stuff I don't like (I'm not a big sweets person.) I seem to hit the goal in fats just by eating 4 oz. of meat, but my carbs are usually low. I don't feel good when I eat lots of carbs; my joints ache and I get brain fog :(
Title: Re: I decided to start a diet
Post by: Pooh on August 12, 2011, 07:58:51 AM
I'm keeping my carbs relatively low and doing well with my sodium and such.  It's the calories now that have dropped.  Got to find higher calorie stuff that is still good on everything else!  We will get there...it's a learning process!
Title: Re: I decided to start a diet
Post by: luise.volta on August 12, 2011, 09:20:09 AM
Thank you so much, Pooh. I really appreciate what you've researched and provided here.

I have read this stuff before but have discounted it because calories have come to look like enemies. Yes, of course we need fuel to run the engine but...at 5'2 and 178 pounds, I see the fuel as lethal.

I, too, started at 1200 calories on MFP. Do you suppose we all do? That doesn't make sense since we are all so different.

I get that I need to change my mindset. The few times I have come out "even" at the end of the day on MFP by burning the number of calories allotted, I have been racked with guilt. I'm serious! All I seem to know is denial (which I can never sustain) and endulge (which is where I live most of the time) and frankly using the number of calories allotted feels like indulgence. It doesn't compute with my desire to lose 35 pounds.

And, no, I do not want to lose muscle mass.

What is so hard for me and what I hope to find in our MFP "fellowship" (that's a primary factor) because of its clarity and simplicity is the middle ground. The place between denial and indulgence where people who don't overeat seem to live. I am into sugar as my drug of choice. It brings me down from highs and up from lows...and is a "quick fix" when I don't want to cook. I think the reason I'm feeling so much better, over and above the exercise endorphins, is that I am eating less carbs and more protein. Not swinging too far but finding a better balance.

I notice that the operational word seems to be balance for me. I either try too hard with this food thing or I give up and don't try at all. The pendulum in my closet swings from size 6 to size 22. And yes, I have read about yo-yo dieting and having an "accordion" body. Still I have refused to give up.

My hope here is to move from excess to a change in lifestyle where I can stay on MYP and stay conscious. A new cyber-home of health and support in establishing and maintaining it.
Title: Re: I decided to start a diet
Post by: Pooh on August 12, 2011, 09:42:32 AM
Our entires lives are about balance aren't they?

The calorie thing I posted, when I finally got the concept was very eye opening.  I was thinking, well if I don't have that bowl of ice cream tonight I will be way under and that's good!  Just like you, on the days I was at 1200 or above that...EEK!  It didn't matter that I still technically wasn't over because I had 300 exercise calories.  I couldn't wrap my brain around that I needed to go ahead and eat that ice cream (sugar free/low fat) and not feel guilty because it was the right thing to do!

It's sinking in and with that, the guilt is diminishing.  Had a 100 calorie ice cream bar last night with chocolate! Had baked cheetos this morning! Yum!

The 1200?  I'm several inches taller than you so maybe because of that?  Not sure on that one unless we, as women, pretty much burn the same amount at total rest no matter what you weigh?  My DH got put at 1400.

The It's all about moderation, balance, portion control and realizing that I can still have goodies and not feel guilty as long as I am doing it right!
Title: Re: I decided to start a diet
Post by: luise.volta on August 12, 2011, 09:47:15 AM
Well, I'm going to try. I can't even spell modderrattion!  :o
Title: Re: I decided to start a diet
Post by: Pooh on August 12, 2011, 09:49:47 AM
Yes you can!  I know because the last three events you have attended over the last week, you have rocked!!!   ;D

On a side note since we don't seem to have men on this site that chime in if they are here.  My DH has lost 7lbs so far too.
Title: Re: I decided to start a diet
Post by: luise.volta on August 12, 2011, 10:12:32 AM
Tell DH congrats for all of us!  8)

I have two more events coming up...brunch out tomorrow and lunch out Sunday. Lovely visits from extended family members. I find eating out hard to calculate.  I know I used to eat 2,000 calories without a thought when I was "celebrating" anything at all. No more!
Title: Re: I decided to start a diet
Post by: Smilesback@u on August 12, 2011, 10:22:33 AM
The restaurants here in NY are showing calories....and it makes a huge difference in picking what to eat, having a very conscious approach to calorie counting helps. 
Title: Re: I decided to start a diet
Post by: elsieshaye on August 12, 2011, 10:32:39 AM
Quote from: Pooh on August 12, 2011, 09:42:32 AMThe 1200?  I'm several inches taller than you so maybe because of that?  Not sure on that one unless we, as women, pretty much burn the same amount at total rest no matter what you weigh?  My DH got put at 1400.

Nope - the more we weigh, the more calories we need just to sit there.  Mine was 1900.
Title: Re: I decided to start a diet
Post by: luise.volta on August 12, 2011, 10:36:52 AM
Wonderful to hear from you, Smiles! And thanks for the clarification, E. Sending love...
Title: Re: I decided to start a diet
Post by: Pooh on August 12, 2011, 10:46:59 AM
Quote from: elsieshaye on August 12, 2011, 10:32:39 AM
Quote from: Pooh on August 12, 2011, 09:42:32 AMThe 1200?  I'm several inches taller than you so maybe because of that?  Not sure on that one unless we, as women, pretty much burn the same amount at total rest no matter what you weigh?  My DH got put at 1400.

Nope - the more we weigh, the more calories we need just to sit there.  Mine was 1900.

Cool!  Thanks!  So does that mean as your weight goes down your calories will go down?
Title: Re: I decided to start a diet
Post by: luise.volta on August 12, 2011, 07:28:13 PM
Disaster: Well, I went tripping off into my day...happy as a lark that I should exercises less and eat more to meet my daily quota. I had a extra large lunch and decided to skip my stint at Curves. Then when I went over to nursing to visit Val, I ate two (not one, two) high cal. M & M cookies...220 each. Do you see where this is going? Well, good for you, I didn't.

I came home from nursing and logged everything into MFP and yup, I had 168 calories left for dinner. I knew that would send me into feeling deprived and overeating...so off I trudged in the heat of the afternoon to Curves (it was all the way up to 72 degrees here and sweltering.) I do Curves in the mornings when it is cool and I am still fresh. Neither was the case.

I finished the day with only 54 calories left. (I know you guys are ROTFL! I just know it!)

When am I ever going to learn to spell Modderrattion?
Title: Re: I decided to start a diet
Post by: Pen on August 12, 2011, 08:49:35 PM
Mmmm...Cooookkkkieeesss!
Title: Re: I decided to start a diet
Post by: sesamejane on August 12, 2011, 08:58:33 PM
me too!!

mmmmmm twix!
Title: Re: I decided to start a diet
Post by: Pooh on August 13, 2011, 05:48:28 AM
Oh Lol!  I said you are supposed to eat UP TO your goal and exercise calories!  I went back and looked and nowhere did I say "FREE FOR ALLLLLLLLLLLLLL!"

Ha ha ha...you still did great Luise because you went back and exercised because you are aware now!  I did the same thing last night.  We went to my fav restaurant and I WANTED THOSE CHEESEY GARLIC BISCUITS!!!!!  (Insert satanic voice there...)

So I made DH take me to the mall afterwards so I could walk a couple of extra miles!  :)  We're human. 

Ok, headed out for the day but I wanted to check in.  I lost .8 more lbs this week but more excited about the inches!  I didn't measure until last week but I was 42-38-42-25 (thigh).  This week 40-37-41-23!  So I'm definately losing inches with the exercising!  Woop Woop!
Title: Re: I decided to start a diet
Post by: luise.volta on August 13, 2011, 08:18:46 AM
Well, Pooh, my mind said..."humm...intersting and useful information" and my personality said, "Whee!"

Is there a way Sesamejane can be "friended" into our group on MFP, Pooh? And can you help her with her signature here on WWU?

I am off to Zumba and then out to lunch with my ex-daughter in law's ex husband. (I keep 'em all!)
I hope I don't go "out to lunch" when I am out to lunch!  ;D :o >:(
Title: Re: I decided to start a diet
Post by: elsieshaye on August 13, 2011, 10:57:07 AM
Quote from: Pooh on August 12, 2011, 10:46:59 AM
Cool!  Thanks!  So does that mean as your weight goes down your calories will go down?

Yes.  Using the calories in / calories out model, you have to adjust the max calories per day downward as you continue to lose weight, because you're burning less.  I think the software does it automatically.
Title: Re: I decided to start a diet
Post by: luise.volta on August 13, 2011, 01:17:53 PM
Surprising Research: I was looking up the calories in breakfasts...(before I got picked up for brunch.) I am not going to list the foods because I think it can sometimes be defeating for others to read about, but the jist of it is that I thought I'd look up a "healthy" breakfast. Well, my favorite one was 690 and the "healthy" one was 835! Lots to learn.

I'm grateful that today is Zumba day! Whew!
Title: Re: I decided to start a diet
Post by: luise.volta on August 13, 2011, 08:38:10 PM
Pooh, Sesamejane, here on WWU, has joined us on MFP. How do we get here into out friends list? And can you help her get her signature so it show. (It's in code, now.)
Title: Re: I decided to start a diet
Post by: Pooh on August 14, 2011, 09:09:13 AM
We need to know what she signed up for as a user name on MFP.  Did she use Sesamejane there too!  If I know what she used, I'll find her and then you guys can go to my friends list and get her from there.

I'm going to go look at her code now to see what's up.
Title: Re: I decided to start a diet
Post by: Pooh on August 14, 2011, 09:19:41 AM
Nevermind, I found her and sent her a friend request.  Sesamejane...you should have a friend request showing as a "red" message now on your "home" page.  Click on the "red" message and it should take you to where you can see my friend request and accept it.

The code doesn't look like the right one to me.  It looks different than mine.  Jane, on MFP, from you home page, look across the top tabs and you should see "Tools".  Click on it and then it should show now under your tools a tab that says "Tickers" and click it.  To the right hand side of your page you should see the box with the pictures of the tickers that says "Weight Loss Tickers".  Click on that and follow the instructions and customize what you want your ticker to look like.  When you are done, it will give you two codes.  You want the one that says: BBcode.  Copy the entire code and then paste it into your "Signature" box here under your profile.  (Click on profile here, select forum profile and scroll down until you see the signature box, paste it there and save).

Try that and we'll go from there if it doesn't work.
Title: Re: I decided to start a diet
Post by: Pooh on August 15, 2011, 07:00:47 AM
Jane accepted my friend request so if you guys go to my profile now, you should see her in my friend's list.

I also changed my ticker to reflect my weight loss instead of how much more I needed to do!  I found this much more motivational for me to see it's working rather than looking out in the future!  Lol...I'm so weird.
Title: Re: I decided to start a diet
Post by: luise.volta on August 15, 2011, 09:51:12 AM
I think the same thing...to look to the win...and keep going from there.

I will see if i can "friend" Jane, too...
Title: Re: I decided to start a diet
Post by: Smilesback@u on August 15, 2011, 11:07:40 AM
I am down nearly a pound after my vacation - TADAHH!  I moved around a lot with the 2 preschoolers.  BOY! It was a lot of fun.  But I also ate out and indulged so that was a good vacation (Stuff and Guzzle vacation).  My weight loss plan is restarted today and I am going to get it right today!  When I quit smoking it took a lot of tries, and losing weight is sorta the same thing.  Just keep getting back to the point of wanting to get fit, clothes fitting better, not feeling stuffed and feeling proud of myself.  love you all for your support too - the visit went well.  No expectations, and yet we do have feelings.  Just let it go, in order to see the GC.  I want the parents to go on a longer vacation next time :)
Title: Re: I decided to start a diet
Post by: luise.volta on August 15, 2011, 11:48:35 AM
I really missed you. What a great report! How we go....!  ;D ;D ;D
Title: Re: I decided to start a diet
Post by: Smilesback@u on August 15, 2011, 12:28:12 PM
Love ya too Luise> :-*
:-*[move] :-*[move] :-*[move]
Title: Re: I decided to start a diet
Post by: Smilesback@u on August 15, 2011, 12:29:07 PM
I logged my foods so far today, baby steps getting back on track :)  :D
Title: Re: I decided to start a diet
Post by: Pooh on August 15, 2011, 04:03:11 PM
So glad everything went well and excited that you went on vacation and still lost!  Wow...you are the bomb!  Welcome back girl!
Title: Re: I decided to start a diet
Post by: Pen on August 15, 2011, 05:01:05 PM
Good for you, Smiles! It's good to have you back.
Title: Re: I decided to start a diet
Post by: Smilesback@u on August 15, 2011, 05:05:00 PM
Good for you all to lose weight - I have a measly *1*, but I am going to catch up some day to you all.  Great JOB!  and thanks for making me feel welcome -- I really do not take it for granted at all  ;D
Title: Re: I decided to start a diet
Post by: cadagi101 on August 16, 2011, 03:01:53 AM
Hi everyone,
CBD has asked me to ask you girls if you do pray to pray for her.    Her cancer has returned, she is very unwell and very very sad.
Title: Re: I decided to start a diet
Post by: Rose799 on August 16, 2011, 06:08:42 AM
Thank you, Julia, I had thoughts of cdb just yesterday.  Please let cdb know that I'm sending loving thoughts her way & praying for her recovery... 
Title: Re: I decided to start a diet
Post by: FAFE on August 16, 2011, 06:28:41 AM
OK, I may be dumb (in fact I know I am) but does this website give menus too or just track what you put down?  Congrats to all of you who are on the right track.  I hope to be on the losing end too.  BTW, I'm Peachymj on the site.
Title: Re: I decided to start a diet
Post by: Pen on August 16, 2011, 06:55:35 AM
Quote from: Julia on August 16, 2011, 03:01:53 AM
Hi everyone,
CBD has asked me to ask you girls if you do pray to pray for her.    Her cancer has returned, she is very unwell and very very sad.

I'm so very sorry to hear this. Please give her my best and let her know she is in my thoughts and prayers.
Title: Re: I decided to start a diet
Post by: Pooh on August 16, 2011, 07:06:57 AM
Quote from: Julia on August 16, 2011, 03:01:53 AM
Hi everyone,
CBD has asked me to ask you girls if you do pray to pray for her.    Her cancer has returned, she is very unwell and very very sad.

Oh I hate that!  Please send my best wishes to her and tell her I'm praying for her.
Title: Re: I decided to start a diet
Post by: Pooh on August 16, 2011, 07:14:23 AM
Quote from: FAFE on August 16, 2011, 06:28:41 AM
OK, I may be dumb (in fact I know I am) but does this website give menus too or just track what you put down?  Congrats to all of you who are on the right track.  I hope to be on the losing end too.  BTW, I'm Peachymj on the site.

It just tracks what you put in.  There is a section (recipes) where you can enter all the ingredients for your own recipes and it will give you the nutritional info (calories, sodium, fat, carbs, etc.)  You can then write down those numbers and then go into "My Foods" and enter a "new food", where you name it, put in all the nutrional info and add it to the database.  Then when you have that meal again, it's already in there for you.  The recipe will also remain in your (recipe) file for future reference.  I have used this alot when I am creating a new low calorie recipe for myself.

The website will not tell you what to eat, it just gives you the totals on what you need to eat to lose weight, maintain or gain by staying within your calorie range.  The idea is to learn to eat better without telling you that you can't have something.  It makes you aware of what is going into your body and how to eat beater by tracking what you are eating and how to gain calories from exercise.  It's totally up to you what you eat.

Does that help explain it?

(P.S.  Going to find you and send you a friend request)
Title: Re: I decided to start a diet
Post by: Smilesback@u on August 16, 2011, 07:48:08 AM
I am working on losing weight today too.  I like that I am down a pound and working on not thinking all the time about food.  When I do think about food, now I am thinking vegys, fruits and boosting my morale with thoughts of getting lean.  Thanks for all your work as you are inspiring me :)
Title: Re: I decided to start a diet
Post by: Pooh on August 16, 2011, 07:59:12 AM
Ha!  That's a 2 on that ticker now!  Great job!
Title: Re: I decided to start a diet
Post by: elsieshaye on August 16, 2011, 08:17:52 AM
Smiles, half a pound to a pound a week is recommended as a good, safe healthy rate of weight loss, so you're right on track!  I definitely understand what you mean about not thinking about food all the time.  In the beginning, that's just how it's gonna be - you're having to plan more and learn to eat differently, so you're going to be thinking about it more anyway.  But that does get better over time, and the hunger gets less noisy and intrusive, lol.  I'm noticing that for me it's changed from "FOOD!!!!!  NOW!!!!!!" bellowed in an Incredible Hulk voice to "Hmm, I should probably eat something." kind of muttered in passing.
Title: Re: I decided to start a diet
Post by: FAFE on August 16, 2011, 08:41:05 AM
Pooh, thanks.  Seems like the light bulb came on!
Title: Re: I decided to start a diet
Post by: Smilesback@u on August 16, 2011, 08:43:12 AM
Elsie, thank you -  that is real hopeful to me to get a grip on my hunger machine.  Thanks!  I just don't want to quit, you know, even now already in my head I am planning my next indulgence (seems just thinking I am to eat less makes me want to cheat? What the heck?).  I will be good as long as I can -- helps to see the scale move down.  Then, I will have ready healthy choices for the indulgence when I feel out of control.  For instance, oil-less popcorn can satisfy me when I sprinkle cayenne pepper on it, or Chinese 5-spice.  And apple slices with cinnamon help.  Gads, I guess it is pretty hard getting started here.  But I have no more celebrations until end of Oct for DH birthday.  I think it is best if I push it hard now to lose weight.  Do you have any suggestions to curb your urge?  :-\
Title: Re: I decided to start a diet
Post by: elsieshaye on August 16, 2011, 08:58:27 AM
Smiles, here's what has helped me:

- I drink lots of water, decaf (with cinnamon sprinkled on the grounds before I brew it), and herbal teas - keeps me hydrated (sometimes what feels like hunger is really thirst), physically full, has flavor, and satisfies the physical need to sip and hold something when I read or watch TV.
- Steamed veggies with spices (like your popcorn idea - I'm not a huge popcorn fan, so veggies serve the same function for me).
- A planned "treat day".  It actually ends up just being a "treat meal", usually on Friday nights.  That's when I will have a glass of wine and some dessert.  I usually tell myself I can eat whatever I want, and almost always end up getting something healthy to balance out the wine and dessert, lol, although sometimes I've gone totally off-plan on those meals and really eaten whatever sounded good regardless of the carb content.  Sometimes, if I'm having a hard week, I plot and plan where I'm going to go for my treat meal, and look up their menu online just to daydream, lol.  It seems to make it easier to ignore a craving for vending machine food if I have something really yummy to look forward to later in the week.
- Eating something every two hours.  Maybe not more than 100 calories, but something.  If I eat regularly, it keeps my blood sugar from getting too low, and I can stay in better control of what I do eat because I'm not starving by the time I get to my next meal. 
- Making sure breakfast is really substantial. 
- Chewing what I eat very carefully and thoroughly, mainly to make sure that it takes as long as possible to eat my portion.  I got in the habit of inhaling my food, and since it takes about 20 minutes for your brain to get the message that your stomach is full, it gives that time to happen.

(I got most of these ideas from a book by Pam Young called "The Mouth Trap:  The Butt Stops Here".  She's hilarious, and very kind.  It helped me look at the whole eating thing in a different way, and play around with different ideas until I found what works for me.  I highly recommend it.)
Title: Re: I decided to start a diet
Post by: elsieshaye on August 16, 2011, 09:04:15 AM
Oh, and bouillion was my bestest friend, back when I didn't have to watch my sodium as carefully.  I still keep some on hand for emergencies, lol.  The low sodium kind is ok too, but I find I need to add spices to it to make it more palatable.   Soups in general are really good to use as comfort food.  Back when I did Weight Watchers, they had a Zero Point Soup recipe that I made every week.  Basically, you take whatever veggies are in your freezer and crisper, add a can of diced tomatoes, spices and stock or boullion, let simmer for a while, and put into tupperware.  You can also add canned black beans or lentils if you aren't low-carbing, since the fiber helps you feel full longer.  It's well under a hundred calories per cup, especially if you don't add beans - in that case it's more like 25 calories a serving.
Title: Re: I decided to start a diet
Post by: Smilesback@u on August 16, 2011, 10:49:34 AM
Perfectly helpful Elsie - I love the soups too - just as you described them too.  Because vegy soup can be left out on the stove, I have been really happy with the idea that I could always grab a cup of soup if I was looking to eat.  Thanks again for all you do :)
Title: Re: I decided to start a diet
Post by: Pooh on August 16, 2011, 12:15:21 PM
Protein is a big factor in remaining full too.  Consuming protein rich foods (chicken, fish, beans) will keep you full longer.  Elsie is right about the carbs in beans, but I still try to consume some of them.  I have them on nights when I am having a low carb everything else. 
Title: Re: I decided to start a diet
Post by: elsieshaye on August 16, 2011, 12:59:31 PM
That's a good idea, Pooh.  I'm still learning, and not the most enthusiastic cook, so my food repertoire is pretty limited right now to things I know I can grab and eat without a lot of thought.  There are a lot of foods that have benefits to them independent of their carb level that I'm going to eventually slowly incorporate back into my diet.
Title: Re: I decided to start a diet
Post by: luise.volta on August 16, 2011, 04:29:14 PM
I hurt my left foot at Zumba on Sat. and have been "trying to work it out" since then. (That's what my generation does.) So, of course by today it's worse and as of right now I am having to face ice packs, limited and slow dog-walks and no Curves...plus wearing a brace. Will I ever learn? (DO NOT ANSWER THAT!)
Title: Re: I decided to start a diet
Post by: Smilesback@u on August 16, 2011, 04:41:29 PM
 :(  Aw, sorreee about your boo-boo luise.  Not always bad advice to walk it out, but it didn't work this time for you, huh? Ibuprofen is an antiinflammatory that you can take up to 12 tabs in a 24 hr period to help get rid of the swelling and soreness.  You really sound like you will miss your exercise too, huh?  (excuse my baby talk as I am coming off of 9 days with GC -- they are so cute when they talk like that...boo boo and all -- just doesn't seem that cute on adults anyways :-[ )

I agree with protein helping me more on a diet than carbs to keep from being hungry.  And I also agree that a meatless meal will run less in calories so it is good to have beans for a meal now and then.  Too much protein can make me fat too. 

My weight loss challenge (not problem) is to get into eating a balance of nutrition, eating in moderation and eating smaller portions.  I am really working on getting it all together.  Not quite there with exercise, but I am just getting back from vacation.  I might just go to eating Lean Cuisines for lunch and dinner as it really will signal the END OF THE MEAL when the food in that little itty-bitty tray is gone.  Then I could have sliced apples with cinnamon or some 100 calorie food wonder to call it a night.   Today seems like a rough day alright.   
Title: Re: I decided to start a diet
Post by: luise.volta on August 16, 2011, 05:47:02 PM
I need that kind of control. A year and a half ago, when I was soaring (for the third time) toward 200 pounds, I went on Nutrisystem. They provide the entrees and you provide the fresh vegetables and fruit and string cheese. When I started this plan, I looked to see what I could find that was frozen, (not in sealed packages, unfrozen.) I was amazed at where Lean Cuisine has gone. Wonderful meals with no preservatives...carefully marked so you can stay in whatever calorie range you need. I'm really impressed at the changes they've made. I am saving shipping and handling and am getting better food.
Title: Re: I decided to start a diet
Post by: elsieshaye on August 17, 2011, 06:49:41 AM
When I first started reining myself in back in December and January (although I didn't really get serious until February), I started having one day a week where I measured everything I ate.  Didn't change the portions necessarily (although of course, once I know I'm eating 6 cups of something I tend to take less of it next time, lol), but at least I knew what I was putting in my mouth and that knowledge affected how I ate the rest of the week. 

I also had one day a week where I only ate packaged food - a low-carb bar for breakfast, Lean Cuisine for lunch and dinner, and two apples and a couple pieces of string cheese for snacks.  Once the food in my bag was gone, I had to stop eating.  Boy, was that an eye opener as to how much I'd been eating before, especially if it was all gone by noon!  It was really nice to not have to cook, weigh or measure on those days, too. 

Ha - now I know how I'll make my first million dollars:  I'll start a low-carb pre-packaged frozen meal line! (Everything that's available in the grocery store is based on rice, pasta or potatoes, and all tends to be low-fat.)
Title: Re: I decided to start a diet
Post by: luise.volta on August 17, 2011, 06:59:01 AM
I will be your first customer!  :)
Title: Re: I decided to start a diet
Post by: Smilesback@u on August 17, 2011, 08:57:45 AM
Thanks luise and elsie for sharing your experience with weight loss.  Ten years ago I lost 40 lbs on a low carb diet.  Then 5 years ago I started eating a lot on a long commute and gained 30 lbs.  I tend to overeat carbs -- donuts, rice, bread, crackers, even peanut butter are triggers for bottomless eating spells for me.  So thanks for your tips on protein and using portioned foods.  You affirmed what I know will work for me.  It's a journey  :)   
Title: Re: I decided to start a diet
Post by: luise.volta on August 17, 2011, 09:00:50 AM
...and I love it that we are not alone! Thanks for being part of this supportive group.
Title: Re: I decided to start a diet
Post by: Pooh on August 17, 2011, 09:17:36 AM
I love all your wisdom!  It is nice to have others along for this to share our ups and downs!

I eat beans when I make fish or I have been making low-calorie chicken dishes and I'll throw a can of black beans in there.  When it's portioned out in a recipe, you are only eating about 1/2 cup of them.  I also made low-calorie fajitas the other night and I did the same thing.  Threw a can of black beans in the chicken mixture.  It's kind of a sneaky way to get extra protein.  Also, when we have steak (very low carb) it's a good side dish to add protein.

Luise, sorry your foot hurts.  You need to take it easy and let it heal if pushing through it isn't working.  Give it a couple of days.  Would you be able to manage laying on your bed and just doing exercises with your arms and lifting your legs?  That might be a way to get some exercise in without putting weight on your foot?
Title: Re: I decided to start a diet
Post by: Smilesback@u on August 17, 2011, 09:25:16 AM
Pooh, You might have something there -- for Luise for exercise using upper body only.  Luise, you will feel good about doing something albeit a reduced program, but it is something.  I am not one to talk, though, as I have not started exercising.  Just back from vacation and still getting organized which is a good excuse for a couple days.  I also have a physical with MD this morning and I am going to walk to the doctor's.  Luise, if you wanted to do something upper body, how about partial sit ups? I love not going this alone Team :) 
Title: Re: I decided to start a diet
Post by: luise.volta on August 17, 2011, 12:23:19 PM
I'm down for the count today. I posted my exercise in first thing like I do every day to give me incentive, but I had to remove it. Best I can do is the necessary dog walks short and slow. I love this team of ours.
Title: Re: I decided to start a diet
Post by: Smilesback@u on August 17, 2011, 12:34:11 PM
Yes, you know what your body is telling you, and to take it easy today is wise.  We are the Wise Women after all.  I went to my doctor's fasting and they said there was a mix-up.  So had a late breakfast.  Sending you healthy thoughts. 
Title: Re: I decided to start a diet
Post by: luise.volta on August 17, 2011, 12:39:35 PM
And right back atcha! Thanks.
Title: Re: I decided to start a diet
Post by: luise.volta on August 18, 2011, 07:03:25 AM
Well, my new/old signature tells all. I'm back to where i was two weeks ago.
Title: Re: I decided to start a diet
Post by: Pooh on August 18, 2011, 07:16:41 AM
It's ok.  You know why.  You haven't been able to walk as fast as you were because you hurt your foot.  So no more double Curves.  Every day is a new day and a new chance for us to do something for ourselves. 
Title: Re: I decided to start a diet
Post by: Pooh on August 18, 2011, 07:17:20 AM
I also still see "7 lbs lost"   ;D
Title: Re: I decided to start a diet
Post by: elsieshaye on August 18, 2011, 07:23:22 AM
There are going to be some ups and downs - you're taking good care of yourself by easing back after your injury, and when you're healed you'll start up again.  I know it feels frustrating right now, but you're doing exactly what you need to be doing.  (A motivational fitness speaker I listen to, Jonathan Roche, always says not to say or think "Yeah, I lost X pounds, but gained back Y of them, so now I'm at Z pounds" because it feels defeating.  He encourages people to say, with some pride, "Yeah, I lost Z pounds!" because the ups and downs are normal and what really counts is staying in the game.)  Hang in there, Luise!
Title: Re: I decided to start a diet
Post by: luise.volta on August 18, 2011, 07:36:14 AM
It was about taking on the grief of someone dear who came to see Val and he didn't know her...and then watching him have back pain that they can't seem to get under control and not being able to bear it...and then sitting on top of all of my feelings. Then when I let them up, they knocked me over. I did overdo it at Zumba and had to pull back because I hurt my foot but I was down the tubes by then. I didn't see it as clearly when I was going through it, of course. My drug of choice is sugar and it's like a runaway train.

So...

I went out and got myself a new MFP signature! Isn't my little frog cute? And my rainbow? And the frog is hopping out of the rain (187 pounds) and toward the rainbow (145)!
Title: Re: I decided to start a diet
Post by: Pooh on August 18, 2011, 07:39:37 AM
That a girl!  And cut yourself some slack.  You went through some very upsetting stuff the last week or so.  Ok, so you did it, you recognize it and today...you are trying again.  Winning is not always about having a bad week, it's about not giving up!

I like the frog and rainbow anology!
Title: Re: I decided to start a diet
Post by: elsieshaye on August 18, 2011, 07:42:28 AM
I love your froggy!

And, what Pooh said.  You turned a bad week into a point of learning rather than an excuse to give up.  Go, Luise!!

Title: Re: I decided to start a diet
Post by: luise.volta on August 18, 2011, 07:58:32 AM
Oh, you guys! That's why I'm here...to hear all of that made my day!
Title: Re: I decided to start a diet
Post by: Rose799 on August 18, 2011, 08:40:26 AM
I'm sitting it out along with you, Luise.  I've got a knee issue that flares up from time to time, like now.  We'll get to that finish line...  The tortoise won the race, you know!   : )
Title: Re: I decided to start a diet
Post by: Pooh on August 18, 2011, 08:47:00 AM
You can do it too Rose.  I have faith in you.  We have to learn to listen to our bodies and do what we can.  I'm lifting 3 lb weights with my arms.  My bad arm is screaming but I know it is helping.  I am being very careful to feel the difference between I'm screaming because you haven't used me and I'm sore versus I'm screaming because you are hurting me.  We have to know our limits and work within them.  So maybe we have to lose slower...maybe it will take months instead of weeks.  I still say the benefit of feeling better outweighs the weight loss!
Title: Re: I decided to start a diet
Post by: luise.volta on August 18, 2011, 09:20:26 AM
Thanks! And the frog leaps and then rests.  ;D ;D ;D
Title: Re: I decided to start a diet
Post by: Rose799 on August 18, 2011, 09:43:09 AM
One day at a time; one meal at a time if necessary...   :)
Title: Re: I decided to start a diet
Post by: Smilesback@u on August 18, 2011, 10:10:18 AM
Hey luise, hope you realize your strength lies in you; and even though a physical limitation is happening, you will get through this too, a little stronger.  TLC to you today. 
Title: Re: I decided to start a diet
Post by: luise.volta on August 18, 2011, 10:21:41 AM
Aren't we somethin'?  8)
Title: Re: I decided to start a diet
Post by: Smilesback@u on August 18, 2011, 03:58:00 PM
Hope your day is going good.  I am frustrated with dieting.  How did I manage to only have 388 calories left for today?  I still plan to eat a healthy dinner - spinach salad with vegys, little dressing, roasted skinless boneless chicken breast - and cut out dessert.  But geesh, I am still HUNGRY?  Are you kidding me?  MFP is not my pal today.  I guess I think too much about food.  I have been overeating at dinner - doing great in the day.  Time to focus on dinner and after dinner time eating.  I am improving in my step count, though because yesterday I hit my target of 10,000 steps.  Maybe that is why I get hungry - cuz I exercise more.  Hmph, no satisfaction in understanding hunger. 
Title: Re: I decided to start a diet
Post by: luise.volta on August 18, 2011, 04:04:53 PM
Bummer! If you step more you are supposed to get to eat more, right?

I have the night-time-willies. When I go to bed I am content and I read but then my appetite attacks me and I go nuts.

We are sure an interesting group!
Title: Re: I decided to start a diet
Post by: Smilesback@u on August 18, 2011, 04:21:24 PM
Yes we are -- such a lovable group I find.   :-* I am going to have to consciously choose to not eat too much cuz I am definitely running the show here, aren't I?  Thanks luise :) 
Title: Re: I decided to start a diet
Post by: luise.volta on August 18, 2011, 05:51:23 PM
:) ;) :)
Title: Re: I decided to start a diet
Post by: Rose799 on August 18, 2011, 07:57:35 PM
My dd shared some great advice on how to get a chocolate fix without all the calories.  It's Lindt's Excellence 85% cocoa bar.  Just a small 1" square is enough to satisfy my craving...  It's delicious!
Title: Re: I decided to start a diet
Post by: Rose799 on August 18, 2011, 08:09:59 PM
I envy you getting in those 10,000 steps, Smiles!  That's awesome!  Maybe you can change the settings from being sedentary to more active.  Wouldn't that allow for more calories? 
Title: Re: I decided to start a diet
Post by: Smilesback@u on August 18, 2011, 10:32:26 PM
I definitely would like to change my lifestyle to a more active one --- hard to overcome the lazy gene  ::)
Title: Re: I decided to start a diet
Post by: luise.volta on August 19, 2011, 06:13:05 AM
Smiles - Long ago I realized that I wasn't lazy. I am just not driven to discipline myself where my interests don't lie. When I get my teeth into something, I'm tireless and consistant and all of that other good stuff. To exercise...I joined Curves so I could interact in a community...even if it is just exchanging smiles. And I also got a young dog that needs regular walks and keeps me company on them. You are fine the way you are! Just honor your uniqueness and work with it in ways that express self-love.
Title: Re: I decided to start a diet
Post by: Rose799 on August 19, 2011, 06:44:38 AM
Listen to Keys Girl's song that was mentioned a couple of posts back, Smiles.  I wasn't familiar with it so I looked on YouTube.  It got me moving...  Thanks Keys!!!   :D ;D ;D

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3qFIaI1M5kU

Title: Re: I decided to start a diet
Post by: Pooh on August 19, 2011, 06:45:24 AM
Rose, you do get to up your calories once your reach your goal weight to just maintain, you also get to eat back any calories you burn during exercise now, but to lose, you still have to eat at a level that is below what you are burning without exercise, thus the 200-300 calorie deficit we are on now. 

I am at 1200 calories a day right now, without any exercise to lose 1ish lbs a week.  That's an automatic deficit from my 1400ish calories that my body naturally burns doing nothing.  If I exercise and burn 300 calories, I get to eat those too, but I still have to start from my 1200 to have that deficit.  So I would get to eat 1500 with the exercise but my body would burn my 1400ish + my 300 I burned from exercise.  So I eat 1500 and burned 1700 still keeping the deficit to lose.  Once I reach my goal weight, then I get to eat 1400ish + my exercise calories to remain even.  Does that make sense?  Also, I will have to look into that chocolate!  Thanks.

Luise, I am learning that this is more of a mental game than anything.  It's like quitting smoking (by the way, that's my next plan after I reach my goal weight).  I know I am addicted to nicotine, but I know also that it's 99% mental.   
Title: Re: I decided to start a diet
Post by: Rose799 on August 19, 2011, 07:03:03 AM
Yes, it does make sense, thanks Pooh.  It seems most everything about life has to do with mental attitude & determination.  As for quitting smoking, I opened a book at the library & read that majority of people who backslide do so within the first year.  So, I set one year as my goal, determined that if I wasn't happy, I'd go back to smoking.  One year later, there was no way, no how I'd go through that a second time!!!  It's really only the first week that's rough Pooh.  Once the poison's out of your system, it's more about changing your habits & patterns.  Just as you have a craving for a certain food, it will go away if you do something else for a few minutes, like get up & move around after having a meal rather than sit, go for walks, go places where smoking isn't allowed, like shopping at the mall or a movie, & if all else fails, take a shower.  :)  You just have to wait it out a few minutes...   I never would have dreamed it, but there actually does come a day that you forget you were ever a smoker.  Imagine that!   ;D ;D ;D
Title: Re: I decided to start a diet
Post by: Pooh on August 19, 2011, 07:56:47 AM
That's what everyone keeps telling me...Lol.  I honestly have never tried to quit.  I started smoking after my second Son was born.  My MD upon looking at my chest Xray remarked that if I had never told them, he would never guess I smoke even after 21 years.  I have never smoked inside a house and I have never exceeded 1 pack a day.  Most of the time, I'm about 3/4 pack and 75% of the time, I only smoke about half of a cigarette and end up putting it out.  Here's the other weird thing.  I have never been a lung smoker...Lol.  I don't inhale it deep into my lungs.  I guess that's helped my lungs never get bad like others that smoke do.  People ask me all the time, why do you even bother?  I don't know...it's a bad habit I acquired??? and it's mostly mental with me?  My MD stays after me for it and keeps saying that I should have an easier time than others because of the way I do smoke.   Thanks for telling me I will have an easy time you non-smoking Doc!  I know...he's right but I also know I can't do it until I decide to. 

Since I am feeling better with the food I'm eating, and I'm exercising more, I know that quitting is the next kind thing I can do for myself.  I also know it will help improve my lung function and allow me to go longer exercising.  I know it. I just have to do it.  I decided there was no way I could overload myself with lifestyle changes.  My diet and exercise is a huge lifestyle change for me and I still have to think about it.  I'm hoping, that once it sinks in and I am not having to think about it constantly and just doing it because it becomes natural, that I can tackle the smoking. 

I applaud you Rose for quitting and staying quit!  I know that it had to take great willpower on your part!
Title: Re: I decided to start a diet
Post by: Smilesback@u on August 19, 2011, 10:53:10 AM
I am just not driven to discipline myself where my interests don't lie.  When I get my teeth into something, I'm tireless and consistant and all of that other good stuff.  You are fine the way you are! Just honor your uniqueness and work with it in ways that express self-love.  This meant so much to me so I thought I should repeat it and sit with it.  Thank you luise. 
Title: Re: I decided to start a diet
Post by: Smilesback@u on August 19, 2011, 10:55:49 AM
Thanks for the upbeat Rose - definitely mellow music, not to stress about life, but enjoy it.  Working on letting stuff go lately and this song struck a chord ( :P).  Hugs,
Title: Re: I decided to start a diet
Post by: Smilesback@u on August 19, 2011, 11:21:00 AM
Pooh, ya gotta quit smoking dear heart.  Even if you are not ready, you can be willing to be ready, and do the behavior first.  Your attitude will follow.  It IS one of the best things you can do for yourself.  Your number of pack-years is what is important -- so smoking one pack a day multiply by number of years you have smoked will equal your pack-years.  (1 pack x 20 years = 20-pack-years).  I imagine being a reformed anything is a pain in the butt for others.  Nevertheless, in all due respect and consideration of your feelings - I would say GO For IT!  I quit smoking and agree with Rose - that also I would add that quitting smoking, is a lot like quitting alcohol - you get on the proverbial *bandwagon*, fall off, get back on, fall off, get back on.  It takes a lot of getting back-on's to finally say "that's enough."  TIPS TO QUIT:  I chewed on straws, sucked air through straws, sucked on hard candies, chewed gum.  And, the most useful thing I did was to count the hours in between lighting up -- and the goal is to get that number up high, past 72 hours to be exact, in order to detoxify your body, then the rest is a mental thing...played out in your head of how you really don't need to pay for cigarettes, they are a ball and chain, having to remember cigs and lighter etc.  Good luck there Pooh with quitting -- you don't have to feel you are ready, you can have the IDEA to quit and start working on it.  hugs
Title: Re: I decided to start a diet
Post by: Rose799 on August 19, 2011, 12:59:06 PM
Oh my gosh, Smiles, I forgot about the gum!  What I gave up in cigarettes, I made up for in gum.  :o  I thought my jaws would never recover.  I started at 15, Pooh, & db taught me how to properly inhale.  I grew up with the Marlboro man.  Dm said I ate cigarettes rather than smoked them & said if I could quit, anyone could.  She was right.  After 15 yrs, I was closing in on 2 packs a day.  I could balance an ashtray on my head while vacuuming.  Willpower?  I don't know that it was so much willpower as being fed up with myself for starting over & over again.  Hence, never ever will I do that again.  But really, dieting is also hard.  You can give up cigarettes & alcohol, but you have to eat.  :-\   One thing dh said stuck with me & was a reminder each time I felt like giving up.  Remember this, Pooh...   "You will quit.  It's just a matter of quitting before or after you get lung cancer."  Too, every time you cave in, whether you've made it 2 weeks or 6 mos, you'll have to start all over again from DAY 1, as though those 2 weeks or 6 mos meant nothing.  "You can do this, Pooh."   ;D ;D ;D
Title: Re: I decided to start a diet
Post by: Rose799 on August 19, 2011, 01:07:21 PM
Quote from: Smilesback@u on August 19, 2011, 10:55:49 AM
Thanks for the upbeat Rose - definitely mellow music, not to stress about life, but enjoy it.  Working on letting stuff go lately and this song struck a chord ( :P).  Hugs,

You & me both, Smiles...  I keep thinking about Keys Girl saying she's wearing her big girl panties...  ;D
Title: Re: I decided to start a diet
Post by: Smilesback@u on August 19, 2011, 01:14:36 PM
Pooh you know reformed smokers are the worst, take what you want and leave the rest, ok?
Title: Re: I decided to start a diet
Post by: Rose799 on August 19, 2011, 01:17:54 PM
Quote from: Smilesback@u on August 19, 2011, 01:14:36 PM
Pooh you know reformed smokers are the worst, take what you want and leave the rest, ok?

:) :) :)
Title: Re: I decided to start a diet
Post by: Rose799 on August 19, 2011, 01:19:10 PM

I keep thinking about Keys Girl saying she's wearing her big girl panties...  ;D
[/quote]

I meant to add, I think I'll give mine a whirl...  :)
Title: Re: I decided to start a diet
Post by: Smilesback@u on August 19, 2011, 01:24:14 PM
Yup, the big girl panties --- let's do this thing and shake it up a bit.  Off I go....
Title: Re: I decided to start a diet
Post by: Pooh on August 19, 2011, 01:55:35 PM
Oh Lol....I'm not mad...they do make me work every once in a while!   ;D

You guys are not telling me anything that upsets me.  I appreciate the advice and encouragement.  I will get there eventually.
Title: Re: I decided to start a diet
Post by: Rose799 on August 19, 2011, 02:29:05 PM
I'm no expert, by any means, Pooh, I took the long route to get there.   :D
Title: Re: I decided to start a diet
Post by: Pooh on August 20, 2011, 06:31:22 AM
I like the long routes...gives me time to enjoy the view   ;)

Well High School Reunions and calorie deficit don't mix! Lol.  I went over yesterday.  Had to leave straight after work so no time to exercise and didn't get in til 1:30 a.m.  I didn't do horrible but a light bulb did go off that what I ended the day with would be around my maintainence calories later.  Instead of beating myself up, I realized that yesterday wouldn't make me lose weight, but it wouldn't make me gain weight either :)  It also made me realize once I reach my goal weight, it wasn't going to be too bad to go out, have fun and still remain at my calories then.

Got to change our attitudes ladies!  Without looking at the positives, all we have is negatives.  I can either pout and say "I went over" or I can grin and say "Not too bad for night out" which only happens once a week and as long as I try the rest of the week, it's not going to hurt me.  The power is in our hands.

Tonight, I have the big event with lots of food, but this time there is dancing involved so I will burn some calories! Yay.  I ended up losing 3.2 lbs this week (I have a feeling those couple of nausea days I couldn't eat much caused that one).  I measured and lost another inch everywhere except my hips, which stayed the same.  I am going to end up losing all my bust at this rate!  I am at 38X36X41X22 now and tickled!  I really wished I had measured when I started.  Visually, this last couple of days, I can so see the difference in my thighs and that is better than the scale loss!

I'm expecting to stall out the next couple of weeks with the Prednisone which is notorious for weight gain.  My MD said if I would continue to eat like I have been, he doesn't expect me to gain with being on it for hopefully a short time, but not to be shocked if I didn't lose while I was on it.  He said it should even out the weight gain and my fitness plan to probably break even.  So my goal the next two weeks is to not gain!  I don't have to lose, but not gaining would be a win for me the next 2 weeks!
Title: Re: I decided to start a diet
Post by: luise.volta on August 20, 2011, 06:41:49 AM
Very positive, Pooh.  :)
Title: Re: I decided to start a diet
Post by: Pooh on August 21, 2011, 03:42:56 PM
I surprised myself and kept under my calories barely yesterday!  It helped to walk for 2 1/2 hours around the mall and some dancing last night or those fried buffet foods would have been the death of me!

My positive...I ended up at the mall because my jeans were all drooping in the waist!  I went jean shopping and I got to buy the next size down!  Took awhile because for some reason, everything was hip hugging acid wash or skinny leg sixteen year old jeans or had elastic!  What in the world?  Do they not realize that we know we are not 18 anymore but still want some good looking, classy jeans?

My reunion was a blast and it was so great seeing everyone.  I graduated with a class of 336 and even though we had a big class, we were always close.  It was like we were back in High School!  I renewed some old friendships and found out about 8 of the womenfolk have been meeting for "therapy" every Wednesday night at a local restaurant that's only about 30 minutes away, so they told me I had to start coming.  I'm going to do it!  How much fun!

Title: Re: I decided to start a diet
Post by: Smilesback@u on August 21, 2011, 04:07:54 PM
Hey Pooh you have been having some Fun times!  Droopy drawers and all  ::)  I like my Lee jeans so much...comfort waistband, boot cut and buy on sale/ clearance whenever I can.  Of course I know the college look will not fly on me either...so it takes me time to find clothes in my home (college) town too.  Good working on your diet and thanks again for giving us the incentive to get on board.  I am up a little bit this morning in weight from festival food, drinks -- and it is worth it!  I had fun too this weekend :) 
Title: Re: I decided to start a diet
Post by: luise.volta on August 21, 2011, 04:24:13 PM
Great report, Pooh! :-)
Title: Re: I decided to start a diet
Post by: sesamejane on August 21, 2011, 07:26:30 PM
I recently started a women's group, a "talking circle," that I absolutely love.  Go Pooh!!!  The group is having some growing pains because it is so new, but I love the women already.
Title: Re: I decided to start a diet
Post by: Pooh on August 22, 2011, 07:15:18 AM
I'm looking forward to it already.  I love my hubby to pieces and love spending time with him, but I miss "girl time".  Smiles, one thing I keep saying to myself about this is "look for the positives, not the negatives".  I want to be accountable for my actions, but not dwell on it.  We do enough of that in our personal situations and are trying hard to learn to not do that, so I dang sure am not doing that with something I can control! 

You may not be losing at the rate you want, and may get frustrated at times, but I still see a 1 lb weight loss on that ticker.  That means that you have not GAINED anything since starting! Yay!  I was gaining every month, so a NO gain is still a great job and 100% better than I was doing!
Title: Re: I decided to start a diet
Post by: Pooh on August 22, 2011, 07:15:44 AM
Quote from: sesamejane on August 21, 2011, 07:26:30 PM
I recently started a women's group, a "talking circle," that I absolutely love.  Go Pooh!!!  The group is having some growing pains because it is so new, but I love the women already.

Talking Circle...how cool is that!
Title: Re: I decided to start a diet
Post by: luise.volta on August 22, 2011, 10:21:12 AM
I have nothing to add. I just wanted to see my new signature...double digits!  8)
Title: Re: I decided to start a diet
Post by: Pooh on August 22, 2011, 11:12:04 AM
Ha ha ha!
Title: Re: I decided to start a diet
Post by: sesamejane on August 22, 2011, 11:28:50 AM



;D  ;D  ;D  ;)  ;D  ;D  ;D

        :)  :)  :)  :)  :)
Title: Re: I decided to start a diet
Post by: luise.volta on August 22, 2011, 04:51:23 PM
Can you believe it? I just got home from Curves?

Tomorrow is the family celebration of my grandson's 40th birthday. He is a big gun at a large computer games compnay and is in charge of all of the Design Directors. He was based in Paris for years but recently moved to the Home Office in Montreal. Fun!
Title: Re: I decided to start a diet
Post by: Pen on August 22, 2011, 05:03:07 PM
You're all so wonderful, I love reading these posts.
Title: Re: I decided to start a diet
Post by: luise.volta on August 22, 2011, 06:19:30 PM
We are quite a little "tribe", aren't we?  :)
Title: Re: I decided to start a diet
Post by: Pooh on August 23, 2011, 06:29:37 AM
How much fun are you going to have Luise! 
Title: Re: I decided to start a diet
Post by: luise.volta on August 23, 2011, 12:55:43 PM
Yup, it will be wonderful!  :D :D :D

Re: Weighing-in: I have tried weighing weekly and there is just too much of a focus on weigh-in day for me. I have tried weighing daily and reporting weekly and that is hard for me, too, if I have had a bad week. So, I am just going to weigh daily and report any changes when the occur. I know we are all different regarding what works...but that seems to be what works best for me. I'm down 11 pounds!  :)
Title: Re: I decided to start a diet
Post by: Smilesback@u on August 23, 2011, 01:17:57 PM
WOW!!!  11 pounds is great!  I agree with you finding a way to relate to the scale.  I like daily weighing because it gives me reality checks.  Good going for all of us to even care about working on our weight.  hugs
Title: Re: I decided to start a diet
Post by: Pooh on August 23, 2011, 01:51:59 PM
WTG Luise!  I agree.  You need to do what works for you.
Title: Re: I decided to start a diet
Post by: Rose799 on August 24, 2011, 08:23:14 AM
I was just thinking about you & Val, Luise.  I hope they got his pain under control.  I see you've moved down a couple of notches on the scale...   That's wonderful!  I'm bringing up the rear, but have discarded 5 so far.  : )  Have you returned to Zumba class?   ;D
Title: Re: I decided to start a diet
Post by: luise.volta on August 24, 2011, 11:29:26 AM
Thanks! Val is back to normal. He's amazing!

Rose, good for you!  :D Why not join us on www.MyFitnessPal.com? Pooh, can show you how. There are seven of us doing it as a team and for me that makes all the difference.
Title: Re: I decided to start a diet
Post by: Smilesback@u on August 24, 2011, 11:31:30 AM
Good invitation to MFP from me too!  I am enjoying the team approach to weight loss now.  You can see me trying :)  And I can see you trying - and that makes it seem respectable and do-able.  C - U , C - ME.
Title: Re: I decided to start a diet
Post by: Rose799 on August 24, 2011, 03:30:02 PM
Okay, I registered & just sent Pooh a message.  This will be fun & will also help me stay committed in seeing it through.  I thank you, Pooh for sharing MyFitnessPal with us~  Ya'll are doing great!

I'm happy to hear that Val's doing well, Luise~
Title: Re: I decided to start a diet
Post by: luise.volta on August 24, 2011, 03:50:12 PM
Great! What is your User Name. Mine is Weegi.  :)
Title: Re: I decided to start a diet
Post by: Rose799 on August 24, 2011, 04:58:53 PM
I'm wwrose, Luise, & I just sent you a message.  Thanks for the help, Pooh!  ;D ;D
Title: Re: I decided to start a diet
Post by: luise.volta on August 24, 2011, 06:43:43 PM
I got it. Thanks! Love your signature.  ;)
Title: Re: I decided to start a diet
Post by: Pooh on August 25, 2011, 06:04:13 AM
Anytime!  I see you got the ticker in!  Woot woot!  Great job!  Glad to have you join us.  Just like here, the support makes it easier to do and gives you incentive.  When you see Luise doing long walks, Curves, Zumba....it kind of takes all your excuses away from you! Lol.   ;D
Title: Re: I decided to start a diet
Post by: Pooh on August 25, 2011, 06:17:34 AM
So I am going on vacation in 15 days!  I'm soooo excited and looking forward to it.  Me and DH need a good break away.  We are going on another cruise!  Last year, we took our first one to the Bahamas.  This year, we are Mexico bound!  I love Mexican food, their colorful culture, their traditions and architecture.  The Mayan culture fasinates me. 

The great parts:  We found an excursion to take in Progreso.  Everyone said that there was not much to do around the port there, so to book one.  It as so hard to pick!  I wanted to go see the Mayan ruins, but all of those are pretty far away and that's all we would get to see if we do those.  I wanted to see more since we are only there for 9 hours and most of those are 7 hour tours (3 or more hours driving time).  So I found one that I have to say, although I will not get to see the ruins...I am stoked about.  It's called "Salsa & Salsa"...ha ha.  It's a guided tour to their oldest City that has a ancient cathedral in the center, a plaza, shops and the government palace that we get to tour.  Then we go to a restaurant where we get to learn to make 2 different salsa's and guacumole.  We get to make them and then eat them along with unlimited margaritas (ruh roh).  Then...they have a dance floor and they teach you to Salsa! Thank goodness I have been doing Zumba! Then back out for a couple of hours of shopping with the guide at the local stores.  That still will get us back to the port with a couple of hours to spare to look around there!  I'M EXCITED!!!!

The bad parts:  My diet is going to suffer!  I know it, I'm prepared for and that's ok....I'm hoping if I do some sensible eating and with all the walking, it will not be too bad.  I also want to be able to go and not fret over what I'm eating...so I'm not going to worry about it!  I'll keep it in mind and try to do better, but no worries if I want something.  I even decided since I will not be able to log on the internet, I'm not even keeping up with my food that week on MFP.  I will just start again the day we come back!  I am still learning every day about doing this.  It is a lifestyle change and I know that between holidays, vacations, etc. there will ALWAYS be challenges.  That's life and I can still make some better choices (more veggies, less fries and sweets) during these events and still be healthier!  The rest....is about living!
Title: Re: I decided to start a diet
Post by: Rose799 on August 25, 2011, 09:46:15 AM
Quote from: Pooh on August 25, 2011, 06:04:13 AM
Anytime!  I see you got the ticker in!  Woot woot!  Great job!  Glad to have you join us.  Just like here, the support makes it easier to do and gives you incentive.  When you see Luise doing long walks, Curves, Zumba....it kind of takes all your excuses away from you! Lol.   ;D

Yep, I see that I'm going to have to work hard to keep pace with Luise...  That's why I wasn't so antsy to join right away.   ::)
Title: Re: I decided to start a diet
Post by: Rose799 on August 25, 2011, 09:50:44 AM
Sounds like you & dh will have a great time, Pooh!  Zumba - Salsa?  There must be something in ya'lls water that I'm not getting!  :D
Title: Re: I decided to start a diet
Post by: luise.volta on August 25, 2011, 11:03:16 AM
You guys think you have a tough time keeping up with Luise?! Well, I have a terrible time keeping up with her! I do! At 84 who needs it? (Apparently I do...)

Pooh, you are right on about your cruise. Conscious about eating but not driven. Relax and have fun! We are all going along in your pocket!  ;)
Title: Re: I decided to start a diet
Post by: luise.volta on August 25, 2011, 07:26:34 PM
Well, today was huge win.  ;D ;D ;D

I took Sandy, Kirk's other half, to our favorite Thai restaurant. I won't say what I ate because I think descriptions of food are not supportive here (even though I have done it) but it was lot.

Later I looked up what I'd had and found everything online, which surprised me. Total: 1,000. Yup...

So, I took her home...came back and did a fast walk with my Rosa-pup and hit Curves 45 minutes before they closed. I have 441 calories left and I think I will probably have 1/2  a healthy smoothie this evening. That will still leave me with 300 calories left over.

There are a lot of things I like about MFP...the mutual support being #1 but I really also appreciate the way we can play with it. No two days are alike for most of us and I have never been able to do rigid food plans for that reason. I would eat too much...not know how much too much was and then just give up some days. I love the fact that there is no guess work here. I only did three dog walks again today because of the heat and it was so easy the recalculate my exercise. Same with my lunch out.

I just love this! Thanks, everyone for being there/here!
Title: Re: I decided to start a diet
Post by: Smilesback@u on August 25, 2011, 07:39:48 PM
Eating out you know will have more salt, sugar and fat -- that will drop right off as you return to your normal diet.  I wouldn't stress too much, esp since you thought correctly about going out for more calorie burn because of the added calories.  You really know your stuff luise :).  I didn't do too bad today either, calorie-wise.  I didn't do much exercise, but I am busy organizing my house.  Take heart, this is not a race...we will get there.  I love MFP because it has great tools, easy to play with like you said.   I will go log my food now too. 
Title: Re: I decided to start a diet
Post by: luise.volta on August 25, 2011, 07:42:00 PM
;D ;D
Title: Re: I decided to start a diet
Post by: Pooh on August 26, 2011, 05:57:49 AM
Great job Luise!  You did fabulous!  I love the support, the same thing you said (eat what I want, not a rigid diet of beets) and I AM RESPONSIBLE!  No excuses, no one else's fault and no one can make me do anything I don't want to do.  Total control on my part.  I can have a bad day, and start again the next and I'm still losing!

I have felt bad the last couple of days because I've started tapering down my dose like I was supposed to.  Funny, most people have a hard time on the high doses, I'm having a harder time coming off of it.  I'm having hot flashes, jittery as all get out and can't sit still.  My heart is racing and I feel like I need to get up and run! (Like that's gonna happen...).  So last night, I was 10 calories over...since I forced food and was sitting there going, "I can't get up and do any exercise.  Forget it!"  Then about 30 minutes later, I thought, "Ok, whiney-butt.  Yes you can.  Just 15 minutes and you don't have to go all out, just get some exercise!"  So I popped my Zumba in, and did 20 minutes.  I didn't jump around, just took it easy and before I knew it, 20 minutes had gone by and I had 250 calories left!  How easy-peasy was that after I got determined?  Ha!  All up to me.
Title: Re: I decided to start a diet
Post by: Rose799 on August 26, 2011, 07:38:31 AM
I'm so happy to have joined in with you gals.  I hate to admit it, but for a good while, I simply quit caring.  Now I'm having to make up for lost time & it's h.a.r.d.!  I'm in it for the long haul though. Thank you all for leading the way!   :)
Title: Re: I decided to start a diet
Post by: Pen on August 26, 2011, 09:07:08 AM
Rose799, for me it's just now starting to be what I do every day and I will continue to do forever. Unlike other "diets" where I kept a hungry eye on the day the diet would be over, this is starting to feel like my new normal. I'm so glad you're with us!
Title: Re: I decided to start a diet
Post by: Rose799 on August 26, 2011, 10:55:22 AM
Thanks Pen, I've always put myself last, but no more.  I am woman; hear me roar!!!   :)
Title: Re: I decided to start a diet
Post by: Pooh on August 26, 2011, 01:07:49 PM
RRRROOOOOOOAAAAAAAAARRRRRRRRRRRRRR!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Title: Re: I decided to start a diet
Post by: Rose799 on August 26, 2011, 03:18:56 PM
Wow, check out these tough cookies...  : )

http://www.thepostgame.com/features/201108/wrestling-sisters-take-down-hit-and-run-suspect
Title: Re: I decided to start a diet
Post by: Smilesback@u on August 26, 2011, 06:19:20 PM
You might like reading The Hacker's Diet online for free.  Makes a lot of sense to know your trend line, and why you gain weight while others don't. 
Title: Re: I decided to start a diet
Post by: luise.volta on August 26, 2011, 08:10:09 PM
My love to everyone. Not a good day for me because when I went over to nursing, Val didn't know me (for the first time.)

Title: Re: I decided to start a diet
Post by: Pen on August 26, 2011, 10:52:29 PM
I've been thinking of you all day, Luise. Please please please continue taking care of yourself even though your heart is aching. We've got you.
Title: Re: I decided to start a diet
Post by: Rose799 on August 26, 2011, 11:43:25 PM
Could pain meds have played some role, Luise?  You're both in my thoughts, as well, I love you, Luise~
Title: Re: I decided to start a diet
Post by: Pooh on August 27, 2011, 06:47:15 AM
My thoughts and huge hugs to you Luise.  Not going to be a good day for me either, so I am headed out on the bike all day.  I will catch you guys up tomorrow hopefully when I'm in a better state of mind to deal.  Hold down the fort ladies.
Title: Re: I decided to start a diet
Post by: luise.volta on August 27, 2011, 07:16:42 AM
Wow! 17 pounds lost, Pooh! Hope you have a better day today.

Thanks to all, for caring. As you know, Val will be 100 on October 4th.
Title: Re: I decided to start a diet
Post by: Smilesback@u on August 27, 2011, 11:52:09 AM
luise - sharing your surprise at Val not recognizing you.  I remember my Aunt Fran going through that too.  Tender Loving Care to you. hugs,
Title: Re: I decided to start a diet
Post by: Smilesback@u on August 27, 2011, 11:55:44 AM
Pooh you are just inspiring!  17 lbs lost and ready to fight the blues today.  Thanks for showing us the way :)  My sister's bday is today and I want to call her...but fighting the feeling.  We have not been close for years...her choice.  Our personalities are so different.  But I would like to call her and wish her Happy Bday cuz she is my one and only sibling and I love her.  Seems awkward since so many calls I made to her in the distant past, she would answer so abruptly to my How are you?  with "BUSY!"  that I got the message she doesn't want to be friends.  I certainly have my Family of Origin issues to get through and behind me.  Working on them, one at a time.  A good cup of courage for us all today, ladies. 
Title: I decided to start a diet
Post by: sesamejane on August 27, 2011, 06:52:16 PM
Here here!  yes, courage.

Someone I respect very much came to me today and asked me to listen and give advice.  What an honor...so I guess I'm not so bad.   :P

Anyway, I am feeling better today and back to watching what I am eating.  Last night I began to eat a wrapped cookie at a concert I was volunteering at (Alan Jackson). I took a bite and turned the package over to see how many calories - something I would never have done before!  360!!!!!!!!  Ach!  I wrapped it back up and threw it away.  It shocked me! 

Luise , I don't know who Val is but you are lovely to visit her.  Even if she/he does not recognize you, the word is that they still feel and will be comforted.  I'm sorry you are losing this person you obviously care about.
Title: Re: I decided to start a diet
Post by: luise.volta on August 27, 2011, 07:05:11 PM
Thank you, SJ/ Valdo (Walter in Italian) is my husband. He will be 100 years old on Oct. 4th.
Title: Re: I decided to start a diet
Post by: sesamejane on August 27, 2011, 07:14:00 PM
Oh I am so sorry but remember, even if he cannot visually recognize you, on some level he is benefiting from your presence.  You and he will be in my prayers tonight.
Title: Re: I decided to start a diet
Post by: luise.volta on August 27, 2011, 07:26:11 PM
(http://i1214.photobucket.com/albums/cc491/luisevolta/file-27.jpg)

Here's Val on his 98th birthday! Isn't he gorgeous?
Title: Re: I decided to start a diet
Post by: Pen on August 27, 2011, 09:41:13 PM
Yup, those Italian men....molto bello!
Title: Re: I decided to start a diet
Post by: Pooh on August 28, 2011, 06:30:59 AM
He is gorgeous as always!  Our Luise has a hottie!  Lol.  Ok, so DH took off today and we are going out again.  I will help again tomorrow, I promise.  I got a letter in the mail yesterday morning from my Dermatologist that I saw.  I think I told you while I was there a month ago to get the biopsy on my arms, they took a couple of moles off too that they didn't like the looks of.  The letter was informing me that the pathology report came back that they can cancerous cells in them and I have to call them to schedule more biopsies.  They want to do deeper ones on the ones they did to ensure they got it all, and do some more of the others.  I'm very pale skinned and have tons of little moles, always have.

So that's my blues right now.  I hit the "what next?" mood and I'm trying to shake it.  I'm tired of medical stuff and I know I have to do this, but dang it, I don't want to.  So I'm trying to get in a state of mind to deal with it when I get back from the cruise.  I'm not going with open sores and I also didn't like seeing the word cancer too much.  My brain knows this is very common, but my heart is not cooperating in having to do more treatment!  I guess the easy word for that is "stubborn!"

So I am ok, but my sweet DH knew I needed some down time, so bless his heart...we are heading out again.  I will be back on tomorrow.
Title: I decided to start a diet
Post by: sesamejane on August 28, 2011, 07:26:42 AM
Pooh, I am sorry you are having health problems and very glad you are taking care of yourself.  Great!  Have a good trip! :D
Title: Re: I decided to start a diet
Post by: luise.volta on August 28, 2011, 08:31:32 AM
I put that picture of Val up when asked who Val was. At 100, he is just all tired out but still wonderful.

Pooh, we are with you 100,000%! Ride on!
Title: Re: I decided to start a diet
Post by: Rose799 on August 28, 2011, 08:48:00 AM
Quote from: luise.volta on August 28, 2011, 08:31:32 AM
I put that picture of Val up when asked who Val was. At 100, he is just all tired out but still wonderful.

Pooh, we are with you 100,000%! Ride on!

How old is he in the picture, Luise?  He certainly doesn't look his age.  That's from clean living & the love of a good woman!   :)

If it has to be, Pooh, at least it was caught earlier rather than later.  That makes it a blessing...
Title: Re: I decided to start a diet
Post by: luise.volta on August 28, 2011, 09:07:41 AM
That picture was taken on his 98th birthday.
Title: Re: I decided to start a diet
Post by: Smilesback@u on August 28, 2011, 09:26:48 AM
You all are quickly becoming family to me and I love that :)  Life has many opportunities for us to share, and I appreciate getting to know you better every day.   Pooh, big hugs to you, you have the right to be angry - come on!   You are a strong lady.   Luise, Val is in your heart always as your love forever and then some.  SJ and Pen good luck with that diet.  I keep working on it too.   
Title: Re: I decided to start a diet
Post by: luise.volta on August 28, 2011, 09:31:25 AM
I agree about our cyber-family, S. I call you my WWU (pronounced woo) family. My biological and extended families all know who you are and how much you mean to me.  :)
Title: Re: I decided to start a diet
Post by: Smilesback@u on August 28, 2011, 09:36:13 AM
There is a lot of WooWoo going on luise.  Thanks for being proud of us - love it. 
Title: Re: I decided to start a diet
Post by: Rose799 on August 31, 2011, 12:32:03 PM
Quote from: Pooh on August 12, 2011, 06:44:22 AM
So I try not to do anything (vacation, my medical stuff, buy a camera, etc.) without doing research.  I am a fanatic about researching, looking at reviews and trying to educate myself on anything I want to do or have or buy.  I've always been this way, so I have approached this the same way.  I want to know why it put me on 1200 calories after entering my height, weight, goal weight and age....was that my lucky number for the day?  I want to know why it says if I eat under that, that I am in starvation mode?  I'm not hungry...I'm eating...I'm not starving.  I want to know why I am losing weight although I seem to be eating more times a day than I ever have?

So you get the idea?  I'm nosey!   ;D  I want to educate myself on what I am doing to my body, and why this is working.

I posted in MFP that now I was having trouble eating enough calories!  I know that sounds like "Well...umm....you're worried about that?  Isn't that your goal?  Isn't that kind of backwards because we are trying to lose weight?"  So I'm going to share what I have learned and that I believe.  Is it right?  From everything I can find on the internet, it is the general consensus of most major nutrition foundations and the medical field.

Yes, it's bad for me.  If I laid on the couch all day, never moving for 24 hrs, my body would automatically burn 1463 calories just to do it's normal bodily things.  So MFP has built in an automatic deficit of 263 calories a day for me to lose 1ish lbs a week.  That's the most healthy way to do it.  Slowly and still providing my body with plenty of nutrients.  Add in the calories I am earning for exercise, 200-300ish a day and that means my body is burning 1763 calories + anything else I do that we are not adding in (making the bed, walking to my car, getting dressed).  You can add another 300-400 calories a day into what my body is burning just for doing normal, every day things.  So add my 1463 (body function calories), + 300 (exercise calories), + 400 (everyday chore, living calories) and I'm burning 2163 calories a day now.  That is why they advocate eating your exercise calories back and add them to your calories allowed when you log in the exercise.  They want you to eat them back.  If I don't eat them back, then instead of a 263 a day calorie deficit, I have now created a 963 calorie deficit.  I'm not giving my body what I need to function at that level and lose weight the healthy way.

So now enter what I have done the last two days.  I haven't even hit 1200.  I hit 874 and 794.  I added another deficit of around 400.  Bad...bad..bad.  I am not giving my body the fuel it needs to function at the level it needs to.  If I continue to do that, the body will adapt.  The body is smart and intelligent and when we do something to it, it will try to fix it.  So what will happen is that it will say "Ok, I can't function at this calorie level so I need to stop burning so many calories."  It will slow down my metabolism and starting eating muscle mass to make up the extra.  Then it will get used to that level of calories and I would have to make sure I ate 700 calories every day to lose any more weight.  Uh, yeah....that's not a lifestyle I want to live.

So I have to get back to eating 1200-1400 calories a day.  I am going to have to add some more calories in order to lose weight!  Isn't that backwards!  Plus, once I get to my goal weight and don't want to lose any longer, I will get to up my calorie intake to around 1700-1800 to maintain that weight!  Now that's a lifestyle I can live with!  Plenty of food and more goodies!

I hope all that made sense and helps clear up the whole why 1200 for me? (Or whatever your calorie goal came out to).

Our bodies are magnificent creatures that are smarter than we are.

No comment; I'm just moving this to the front for future reference as it was 10 pages in...  Thanks Pooh!
Title: Re: I decided to start a diet
Post by: elsieshaye on August 31, 2011, 12:45:43 PM
Quote from: Pooh on August 12, 2011, 06:44:22 AM
Plus, once I get to my goal weight and don't want to lose any longer, I will get to up my calorie intake to around 1700-1800 to maintain that weight!  Now that's a lifestyle I can live with!  Plenty of food and more goodies!

Hon, if you're having trouble eating enough to make it to 1200 calories now, what's going to change when you're doing maintenance and you can eat 1700?  Maybe the answer to that might help you figure out how to be able to get up to 1200 now.
Title: Re: I decided to start a diet
Post by: luise.volta on August 31, 2011, 01:06:35 PM
I'm printing that out...Designated Researcher! Thanks!

So, wouldn't a natural solution, based on what you have found out...to cut back on your execise? Just curious!

I have taken off one dog walk...and Rosa hasn't seemed to notice.
Title: Re: I decided to start a diet
Post by: Rose799 on August 31, 2011, 01:15:53 PM
I was fine at 1200 daily calories, but thought it was a good thing not to eat up those burned doing exercise.  That may be my problem, but I think I can handle it. : )

Poor Rosa... : )
Title: Re: I decided to start a diet
Post by: luise.volta on August 31, 2011, 01:38:00 PM
Wee, Pooh, thanks to you I just had a 700 cal. lunch! :-)))
Title: Re: I decided to start a diet
Post by: Pooh on August 31, 2011, 02:00:03 PM
Yep Elsie, you are right.  I have been thinking about that and looking at what other people do.  Apparently, that is why many people add protein powder or power bars throughout the day.  They are 200-300 calories at a whack and full of good stuff.  I really am trying to eat more.  I'm not doing it on purpose.  I think after doing this for 5 weeks, my smaller portions and getting full sooner are getting the better of me.  Combined with the meds I've been on made me lose my appetite.  This is my last dose tonight of the prednisone, so I'm hoping that will go away.    I've done better the last couple of days by adding some higher calorie stuff to what I have been cooking.  Last night, instead of just green beans, I made them using a recipe that took them up about 70 calories by adding sour cream and cheese.  I fixed some potatoes, which I have been avoiding.  I'm still learning.

Luise, no you want to continue to exercise to keep things toned.  The exercise is important for strength and shape.

Rosa, everyone is saying to eat back the exercise calories and you will still lose weight with the already built in deficit at 1200.  I'm trying to get there.
Title: Re: I decided to start a diet
Post by: luise.volta on August 31, 2011, 02:11:02 PM
You are right...and exercise oxygenates all the cells of the body and aids in detoxing...thus increasing energy (I was just trying to find a way to weasel out of it...)
Title: Re: I decided to start a diet
Post by: Pooh on August 31, 2011, 04:24:32 PM
 ;D

Ok, so I took my own advice and stopped on the way home and got a protein bar.  I eated it!  Now, I'm fixing dinner but still looks like I have almost 300 calories left!  I give! Lol.
Title: Re: I decided to start a diet
Post by: luise.volta on August 31, 2011, 04:27:33 PM
Eat another one! :-)
Title: Re: I decided to start a diet
Post by: Pooh on September 01, 2011, 06:35:48 AM
Lol!  I couldn't eat another bite!  I did Zumba with an overstuffed belly as it was!  Bah! 
Title: Re: I decided to start a diet
Post by: luise.volta on September 01, 2011, 08:05:53 PM


(http://i1214.photobucket.com/albums/cc491/luisevolta/photo-1.jpg)
Title: Re: I decided to start a diet
Post by: luise.volta on September 01, 2011, 08:07:32 PM
Too big but I am not very adept at photo stuff or how to reduce it in size in Photobucket.
Title: Re: I decided to start a diet
Post by: Pen on September 01, 2011, 09:05:50 PM
What a great smile! You're looking good, Luise, and so is Rosa.

This quote was on MFP today: "If your dog is fat, you're not getting enough exercise."

Pooh and everyone, I'm having trouble eating all my calories too, and I don't get near the amount of exercise you guys do. I have added chocolate, Lara Bars, even had a rum & (diet) Coke this evening (rough day @ work.) Protein powder (shudder) sounds like the next step.

It makes me wonder how much I was eating before to make me gain all my weight??
Title: Re: I decided to start a diet
Post by: luise.volta on September 01, 2011, 09:31:56 PM
The same thing has occurred to me. Was I eating 4,000 calories a day? Sheesh...! None of us can gag down as many calories a day as we are supposed to. Isn't that a hoot?
Title: Re: I decided to start a diet
Post by: forever spring on September 02, 2011, 07:30:46 AM
Have started but can't get the ticker on this site. What to do?

a href="http://www.myfitnesspal.com"><img src="http://badges.myfitnesspal.com/badges/show/1080/2525/10802525.weight-lost-sm.gif" border="0"></a><p style="text-align: center;width:226px;"><small>MyFitnessPal - Free Calorie Counter (http://www.myfitnesspal.com)</small></p>
Title: Re: I decided to start a diet
Post by: Pooh on September 02, 2011, 07:39:15 AM
Chelms, after you create the ticker, it will give you a couple of codes.  You need to copy the BBcode one.  Then come here into your forum profile and paste it in your "signature" box.  That should make it work!
Title: Re: I decided to start a diet
Post by: forever spring on September 02, 2011, 07:55:24 AM
Here goes .... wish me luck!
Title: Re: I decided to start a diet
Post by: Pooh on September 02, 2011, 08:07:28 AM
Almost!  Lol.  Erase it all and do it again!  (I think there was still something left in there from the other).
Title: Re: I decided to start a diet
Post by: luise.volta on September 02, 2011, 08:17:22 AM
From a friend this morning:

WARNING: SHAMPOO

I just  discovered this important info.  Some of you won't need this but I have struggled with this issue for some time so please share with your friends that might need help. I  don't know WHY I didn't figure this out sooner!!!!! It's  the shampoo I use in the shower! When I  wash my hair, the shampoo gets on my whole body!  (duh!) Printed very clearly on the  shampoo label is this warning, "FOR  EXTRA VOLUME AND BODY." NO  wonder I have been gaining weight!!! Well! I have  gotten rid of that shampoo!!! I am going to start using Dawn dish soap instead. It's label reads, "DISSOLVES FAT THAT IS OTHERWISE DIFFICULT TO  REMOVE." If I don't answer the phone... I'll  be in the shower!
Title: Re: I decided to start a diet
Post by: Pooh on September 02, 2011, 08:18:38 AM
OH!  HA HA HA....ROLFL!  Oh that's hilarious!
Title: Re: I decided to start a diet
Post by: luise.volta on September 02, 2011, 08:19:14 AM
Welcome to our merry little MFP band, Chelms!
Title: Re: I decided to start a diet
Post by: Pen on September 02, 2011, 08:43:33 AM
Yes, welcome. Chelms, you may add me as a friend if you like.
Title: Re: I decided to start a diet
Post by: luise.volta on September 02, 2011, 08:50:55 AM
Me, too. Please add me as a friend.  8)
Title: Re: I decided to start a diet
Post by: luise.volta on September 02, 2011, 08:52:10 AM
Pooh - I knew that would appeal to your logical, researcher mind!  :o
Title: Re: I decided to start a diet
Post by: Pooh on September 02, 2011, 09:00:49 AM
It did and now i'm trying how to use the shampoo on my breasts and the dawn on my butt without mixing the two together.....
Title: Re: I decided to start a diet
Post by: luise.volta on September 02, 2011, 09:13:50 AM
OMG, Pooh, the stress!

(Kirk read about it and put some in my mouthwash, and now I can't talk because my tongue swelled up. He's thinking about marketing it!)  :-X
Title: Re: I decided to start a diet
Post by: Pooh on September 02, 2011, 09:21:24 AM
Better than duct tape...that stuff hurts when you pull it off...
Title: Re: I decided to start a diet
Post by: luise.volta on September 02, 2011, 10:06:16 AM
I could probably talk around duct tape if I had to. He's going for a trade mark "Mom-Be-Gone"... :o
Title: Re: I decided to start a diet
Post by: forever spring on September 02, 2011, 10:50:01 AM
Sorted now.

Ha ha, I thought it was lack of willpower when all the time it was the shampoo I was using! Thanks for this revealing info, will only use the 'grease buster' from now on.

Remember:
If you eat chocolates and cream cake when nobody is looking it hasn't got any calories!
Title: Re: I decided to start a diet
Post by: elsieshaye on September 02, 2011, 12:15:57 PM
Quote from: chelmsford36 on September 02, 2011, 10:50:01 AM
Remember:
If you eat chocolates and cream cake when nobody is looking it hasn't got any calories!

Ditto for anything you eat while driving.   ;)

Title: Re: I decided to start a diet
Post by: Pooh on September 02, 2011, 01:40:41 PM
And brown m & m's can be used as a replacement for any other food.  Brown is universal and may be considered green beans, carrots or any other food color.
Title: Re: I decided to start a diet
Post by: sesamejane on September 02, 2011, 10:57:38 PM
So if cake is the color of broccoli it is ok to eat?

Whew!  Laughing is goooood medicine!!

You can't punish yourself into change. You can't whip yourself into shape. But you can love yourself into well-being. - Susan Skye

Title: Re: I decided to start a diet
Post by: Rose799 on September 03, 2011, 06:53:41 AM
Interesting...

Habit makes bad food too easy to swallow

http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2011-09/uosc-hmb090111.php
Title: Re: I decided to start a diet
Post by: luise.volta on September 03, 2011, 02:05:11 PM
And anythingeaten after 9:00 PM is calorie-free!  ;)
Title: Re: I decided to start a diet
Post by: Pooh on September 04, 2011, 06:41:13 AM
What about if you can eat anything as long as you are drinking something diet, it cancels everything out.
Title: Re: I decided to start a diet
Post by: luise.volta on September 04, 2011, 11:53:07 AM
Oh, I like that. I am hung over today and I didn't even have a drink. That must be the problem.
Title: Re: I decided to start a diet
Post by: luise.volta on September 04, 2011, 05:33:46 PM
Requested Recipes:

ICE CREAM:

4 T. coconut butter (I use Artisana)
4 T. half and half
1/2 dropper liquid, flavored Stevia (no cal.) Brand - Sweet Leaf
2 C. plain yogurt ( I use Mountain High)

Warm cococut butter slightly in Micro in small bowl
Warm half and half slightly in Micro and add slowly to coconut butter
Add 1/2 dropper liquid Stevia natural sweetener (I like Chocolate Raspberry)
Warm yogurt slightly in Micro, than slowly add mixture and whip by hand
Pour into 5 very small Ziploc bowls with covers
Freeze if you like ice cream, refrigerate if you like pudding.

(I like to thaw ice cream in the Micro for 30 sec. before eating it)

Calories per serving: 144 (but double check me on that)

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

BREAKFAST HEALTH SHAKE:

Pour 16 OZ water into blender
Add 1/2 C. frozen blueberries
Add !/2 C. plain yogurt
Add 2 T. protein powder (I use Sunwarrior - Raw Vegan)
Add 1 T. green powder (I use Sunwarrior Ormus Supergreens, Raw and Organic)
Add 1 oz. liquid vitamins ( I use Natural Vitality Organic Life Vitamins)
Add 1 t. flaxseed oil (I use Barlean/s)
Add 1/4 t. Maca powder (work up to 1 t.)
Add 1/2 dropper, liquid Stevia (I like English Toffee)
Blend on high

340 cal. each (but double check me on that)

I get everything but the blueberries, yogurt and half and half. ..online.
Title: Re: I decided to start a diet
Post by: Rose799 on September 04, 2011, 08:12:43 PM
Thanks, Luise, the recipes sound good & healthy, too.  After you'd mentioned it, I Googled the health benefits of coconut oil.  Very interesting, thanks...

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/dr-mercola/coconut-oil-benefits_b_821453.html
Title: Re: I decided to start a diet
Post by: sesamejane on September 04, 2011, 08:20:43 PM
Thank you for the recipes Luise.  Just bought a blender too so look forward to the shake.  ;D
Title: Re: I decided to start a diet
Post by: Pooh on September 05, 2011, 08:06:21 AM
Oohh that ice cream sounds yummy!  I love coconut!
Title: Re: I decided to start a diet
Post by: sesamejane on September 05, 2011, 11:40:19 AM
Rose I just read that Huffington post article - great information!  I actually had a completely different idea about coconut oil - thought it was bad for me.  Thanks very much for posting.  And I love coconut too!
Title: Re: I decided to start a diet
Post by: luise.volta on September 05, 2011, 12:12:27 PM
Yer welcum!
Title: Re: I decided to start a diet
Post by: luise.volta on September 05, 2011, 08:47:35 PM
From a friend on Facebook today:


I have been to a lot of places, but I've never been in Cahoots. Apparently you can't go alone...you have to be in Cahoots with someone. I've also never been in Cognito. I hear no one recognizes you there. I have, however, been in Sane. They don't have an airport; you have to be driven there. I have made several trips over the years thanks to my friends and family. I would like to go to Conclusions, but you have to jump and I'm not much for physical activity. :)
Title: Re: I decided to start a diet
Post by: sesamejane on September 05, 2011, 09:00:50 PM
 ;D
Title: Re: I decided to start a diet
Post by: luise.volta on September 15, 2011, 08:22:58 PM
I have got to tell you guys...I miss Pooh somethin' awful... :'(
Title: Re: I decided to start a diet
Post by: sesamejane on September 15, 2011, 08:25:21 PM
Where is she? 
Title: Re: I decided to start a diet
Post by: Pen on September 16, 2011, 07:45:12 AM
Pooh is off galavanting. She took her skinny self on a cruise with her DH.
Title: Re: I decided to start a diet
Post by: Rose799 on September 16, 2011, 12:07:08 PM
I miss her too, Luise.  Privately though, I'm hoping she doesn't come back saying she completely blew her diet but still managed to lose umpteen lbs. : )  I got my Zumba DVD & tried it this morning. Ha!  I couldn't keep my arms up in the air for the duration of the instructional section!!! 
Title: Re: I decided to start a diet
Post by: Smilesback@u on September 16, 2011, 12:12:50 PM
Hope Pooh is having the time of her life! 
Title: Re: I decided to start a diet
Post by: luise.volta on September 16, 2011, 12:44:27 PM
I found out that there are numerous Zumba videos online. Some they hardly move and some look like they are animals! Pick and choose.

If Pooh is true to form...she will have so much fun she will use up the calories!! :\ 8)
Title: Re: I decided to start a diet
Post by: Rose799 on September 16, 2011, 12:48:13 PM
Bet you're right, Luise.  She'll be ready to rock 'n roll when she gets back, too.  : )
Title: Re: I decided to start a diet
Post by: Rose799 on September 16, 2011, 12:49:43 PM
Believe I can guess which one I got.  I'll hand that one down to dd's...  Jane Fonda & I just had a good time though.  : )
Title: Re: I decided to start a diet
Post by: luise.volta on September 16, 2011, 12:52:46 PM
Good for you!!  ;D ;D ;D My live Zumba class at Curves is called Zumba Gold and is for seniors but it really stretches me. Conversely, I have seen some Senior Zumba videos I could do and sleep through.
Title: Re: I decided to start a diet
Post by: Rose799 on September 16, 2011, 01:03:44 PM
You're doing really, really well, Luise.  Once I've warmed up, it feels good to stretch, but with fibromyalgia, my muscles & tendons are tight.  It's about like limbering up jerky.  Sure feels good afterward though~  : ) 
Title: Re: I decided to start a diet
Post by: lancaster lady on September 16, 2011, 01:43:48 PM
I wondered where my Pooh had gone ....boo hoo ...and she didn't take me !!
Title: Re: I decided to start a diet
Post by: luise.volta on September 16, 2011, 02:27:35 PM
She seemed totally delighted to leave us behind!  ;D
Title: Re: I decided to start a diet
Post by: elizabeth on September 18, 2011, 04:08:36 AM
Hi,

I do Yoga, Chi Gong and quite a lot of walking.
We dont have a car which enables us to enjoy walking our dog twice daily plus walk to the open market mornings for
fresh vegi and fruit and errands. There is also a fresh fish market everyday.

I lost 60 pounds between 2005 and 2009.
I had added some when I quit smoking and then more
with menopause, so it felt good to release those pounds!
Maintaining is not as easy as I thot it would be, but so far so good !

congratulations on all your weight losses and fitness efforts.

Title: Re: I decided to start a diet
Post by: luise.volta on September 18, 2011, 09:19:52 AM
Welcome - E,  please feel free to join www.MyFitnessPal.com with the rest of us if you think it might help with your maintenance. You sound like a real trooper! Congratulations!
Title: Re: I decided to start a diet
Post by: Pooh on September 18, 2011, 10:01:34 AM
Awww...I missed you guys too!  We had the time of our lives and NO, I didn't behave one bit! Lol.  I weighed in this morning, and I gained 4 lbs! Seriously, I expected it after everything I ate and drank.  I actually figured it would be more.  I ate desserts, ice cream, bread, fried foods, you name it....I ate it!  We did walk bunches and bunches, but I can tell I didn't do my Zumba!

I don't think I ever consumed over 3 glasses a water a day and I would be willing to bet I ate enough sodium for 5 people!  I was awful!  But I had so much fun!  I loved Mexico and the Salsa tour was the bomb!  We really had a great time.

So time to get back on it!
Title: Re: I decided to start a diet
Post by: Smilesback@u on September 18, 2011, 10:12:56 AM
Any margaritas?  Then, You got your liquids.  Always looking on the bright side, right?  WELCOME BACK POOH!
Title: Re: I decided to start a diet
Post by: Pooh on September 18, 2011, 10:21:41 AM
Well if that's the case, then I got PLENTY of water!   ;)
Title: Re: I decided to start a diet
Post by: luise.volta on September 18, 2011, 01:04:31 PM
I just love your "report." You did it for all of us! Big responsibility!!!!