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| Weight Loss | So happy to be overweight right now... | Jun 05 2009 16:37 (UTC) |
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REALLY, REALLY WELL DONE! All your hard work etc. has been worth it! You should be so pleased and proud of yourself for accomplishing your goal... you keep me inspired and motivated to achieve the same thing- I've been Calorie Counting a month now- I've lost 5.5 lbs so far and need to lose another 16.5 lbs to move from being 'obese' to 'overweight' - it is difficult, so all credit and praise to you!! I'm in total agreement with you- this is a WONDERFUL community- so supportive and freely offering advce- so I too would like to thank everyone who posts messages for making it what it is! All the very best with your next goal- I'm sure you will achieve it- you are a VERY SUCCESSFUL LADY! Love Jenny XX |
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| Motivation | I'm in total shock!!! | Jun 05 2009 10:27 (UTC) |
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Hi Lisarose 7! It's totally shocking isn't it when you do the sums!!! and it's just ONE change too- with me chocolate bars and you soda... I'm a scientist- I have a PhD in Chemistry, so like you I like numbers and charts... but I also like the visualise things and have mental pictures... and in your case- (sorry, I'm in the UK and work in litres not ounces) you were consuming (at least) 1.5 litres of soda a day (=50 ounces), times that by 145 days (the number of days you've been cold turkey and not drunk soda) ...and that equals 217.5 litres. A typical bath holds 80 litres- so if you had NOT CHANGED YOUR WAYS YOU WOULD HAVE DRUNK MORE THAN 2 AND A HALF BATH FULLS OF SODA!!!! can you imagine the bath full of soda ??!!!! times that by 2 and a half and you WOULD HAVE drunk all that....it is just SO scarey!!!! REALLY well done to you on quitting the soda!! All the very best, Jenny XX |
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| Motivation | I'm in total shock!!! | Jun 04 2009 14:57 (UTC) |
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Hi ktrichards87... and thank you for reading and replying to my post... Yes, it is VERY hard giving up- it requires a lot of will power, motivation and determination- but IT CAN BE DONE!! and I can testify cravings for bad stuff do go away -I'm actually now craving healthy stuff! and I feel so much better- full of energy- for not eating all the chocloate, cakes etc... If you are just starting and feel you really can't give up on fast food right now- like I say just take small steps, here are a few of my suggestions: 1. Why not order a kids meal rather than an adult one... 2. If you usually have say burger, fries and drink- why not just have the burger- ditch the fries and drink.... 3. I don't eat fast food so I'm not sure how many calories are in each meal, but what if you have one less fast food meal a week- replace that with something more healthy- times that by 4 weeks- you must be saving around 1,000 calories in the month! 1,000 for just ONE less!! 4. Why not just limit yourself to fast food on a specific day, all the other days eat healthy. Any small changes you can make to reduce the amount of fast food you eat WILL have a positive effect on your weight loss...and I found it snowballs from there- I've found I'm wanting to take more steps now. All the very best with your weight loss and battle against fast food!! Love Jenny XX |
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| Motivation | After Work Troubles! Help! | Jun 03 2009 17:02 (UTC) |
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Hello... Like you I am relatively new to Calorie Count- I too have been doing it 4 weeks now. Can I add a suggestion: I notice you are eating Weight Watchers meals...I too tried those, and also the supermarket's (Waitrose) own label slimming meals- I like the convenience of ready meals- just take them out of the box and re-heat, and I've always seen cooking as a chore not a pleasure. However, after a week of eating them I decided against them- they weren't satisfying me and filling me up and like you I then had terrible trouble with constant snacking during the evening. I'm not a brilliant cook, but I am learning and trying new things out- so now I've gone back to cooking the very traditional "MEAT AND TWO VEG" most evenings...tonight it's a chicken breast and last night it was a steak. If I take that little bit of extra effort to cook something then I definitely feel fuller and more satisfied and don't want to snack- I have DEFINITELY noticed a difference. I have also found a piece of lean meat and veg has a very similar calorie content as a Weight Watchers meal and it's a mental thing- I'm eating "normal" food not diet meals hence I feel like I'm NOT on a diet!! Hope this helps! Just thought I would share my experiences! Good Luck with your weight loss, Jenny XXX |
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| Foods | Strawberries... | Jun 01 2009 15:14 (UTC) |
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Yes, I like strawberries too (pineapple is my most favourite fruit) followed by strawberries. I was just wondering how do people eat their strawberries?? I just have them on their own or with a Muller Light Strawberry yoghurt- but I have heard people having them with black pepper and also balsamic vinegar- anybody tried this?? Also, I was shopping in Waitrose a few weeks ago and I came across something new- Strasberries- they are like a cross between a strawberry and a rasberry, they are really a wild strawberry. Has anybody tried them?? I wanted to try them but at £4 for a tiny punet- I decided they were too expensive. |
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| Weight Loss | Why am I not losing any more weight? | Jun 01 2009 14:04 (UTC) |
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Hello xxana... Please stick with it...I am in a very similar situation to you... I've been doing this 'diet' and using this website almost 4 weeks now- my first week I lost 4 pounds and I was absolutely delighted, but then the next 2 weeks I didn't lose anything- in fact I'd put a pound on and then lose a pound- and I yo-yo-ed like that for 2 weeks- as you say very frustrating and down heartening, but I stuck with it and this week the weight loss has started again and I've lost another 2 pounds. I have definitely concluded that in my case, the time of the month plays a HUGE part in my weight loss- the week before and the week of my time of the month- my weight loss is very slow- in fact I might put a pound or two on. However, the week before (the week before my time of the month- I hope this makes sense!!) is the best time for my body to lose weight. So my plan is to be really good during this week- stick strictly to my calorie limit and maximise the weight I lose, and then relax a bit during my 'TOM fornight' when it is really difficult for me to lose weight. I would also definitely look at how many calories you should be eating. I eat 1200-1300 but I have a VERY sedantary lifestyle- I'm mainly sat behind a desk all day and I haven't been to the gym or done any exercise yet. Good luck!! Jenny XX |
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| Weight Loss | how often should I weigh myself | Jun 01 2009 13:41 (UTC) |
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Hello! and a big welcome to Calorie Count I've been doing this 'diet' and using this website for almost 4 weeks.... I don't know if it's the correct thing to do, but I have been weighing myself every day- when I first get up in a morning and go into the bathroom- I will just pop onto the scales...I would NOT describe myself as being obsessed with the scales... I guess I do it because I like the reassurance that my weight loss is still going in the right direction (I have lost 5lbs so far and although I know it's TOTALLY stupid- I'm worried that I'll wake up one morning and find I've put it all back on again!) Another reason, is I'm still trying to understand my body- for example I've discovered the week before my time of the month- my weight loss almost stops- in fact I might put on a pound or two, however, I found the week before this one is my best week to lose weight- so my plan is to be really good this week of the month (stick really strictly to my calorie limit) and maximise my weight loss and then relax a bit during the week before my time of the month and when it is my time of the month- when my weight loss is much slower and it's more difficult to lose weight. Very good luck with your weight loss, all the best Jenny XX |
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| Weight Loss | 10 things you need to know about losing weight | May 29 2009 11:08 (UTC) |
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Just to let you know.... I've checked on the BBC website and apparently the programme is going to be repeated on Saturday 6th June 2009, BBC ONE, 01:25am (except in Scotland). Yes! 01:25am -that late at night/early in a morning I shall be setting my recorder! |
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| Weight Loss | Can you suggest a good book on diet and nutrition?? | May 29 2009 10:01 (UTC) |
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Thanks everyone for your recommendations!- I have written them all down and will investigate them... Thanks also for reminding me about the local library- I'm not a member, I shall join and see what they have available. It has also given me another good idea- there is an awful lot of Charity Shops where I live- I shall check them out too- see if I can pick up a bargain. |
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| Foods | Poach egg | May 28 2009 10:43 (UTC) |
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I absolutely love poached eggs!! (I'm also a big fan of boiled eggs too). One of my favourite lunchtime meals is to have two slices of wholemeal toast- one with a poached egg on, the other slice with some Heinz baked beans on. Yummy!! only about 400 calories and it keeps me going all afternoon. I cook my poached egg exactly as described by other members- add a bit of vinegar, salt and pepper to the water, and swril the water.... Personally, I find it easier to add the egg to the water if I first break it into a small cup or saucer- and then slide it in that way. Love Jenny XX |
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| Weight Loss | 10 things you need to know about losing weight | May 28 2009 10:30 (UTC) |
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Hello... REALLY interesting stuff!! I live in the UK too but unfortunately I missed this programme- when was it on do you know if it is going to be repeated?? Could you let me know what's it called and I can probably watch it on BBC i-player. Many Thanks! Jenny |
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| Weight Loss | Worst thing someone can say about your weight? | May 26 2009 17:12 (UTC) |
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Two things stick in my mind: 1. When I was abot 14 I guess my Dad said to me- "You're as big as your mother and she has had 2 kids!!" Thanks Dad!! 2. I was having a horrible argument with my boyfriend- I said I was going to finish it- and he replied- "well you're going to have to lose some weight if you're going to get another boyfriend" Ouch!!! especially #2!!! Both comments really stung- as if they had slapped me hard across the face!!! Keep up all your hard work ladies (and guys too!) -well done everybody for taking positive steps to change themselves!! Love Jenny XX |
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| Weight Loss | Too much too soon?? | May 26 2009 16:56 (UTC) |
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I just wanted to say "Hello"... I sound very similar to you- I started with Calorie Counting 6th May -a couple of days after you and I was 191 lbs when I started (I'm 5ft 3")...in my first week I lost 4lbs which I was absolutely delighted with, however the following 2 weeks I didn't lose any weight (my time of the month did occur in this time- so I'm not sure if that's the reason why ??) ...but I think it's like madamq has said it is common to have a big weight loss at the start and then it slow down... Yes, I was the same as you- until I started logging everything I ate on this website I didn't realise just how many calories I was consuming- I shocked myself!! I was really bad with cakes, buns, biscuits, and chocolate...so as I starting point I decided to completely cut these out of my diet -still eat my regular meals. I can easily stay in 1200 calories a day and not feel hungry. I however have not done any exercise yet and although I work full time it's mainly sat behind a desk at a computer most of the day- so although I am very happy with 1200 calories I am not a very active person. I MUST start going to the gym like you! I think you have to experiment a bit and find a daily calorie limit that suits you personally- a limit at which you don't feel hungry or that you are depriving yourself but one which gives you a steady weight loss. Also, have an odd day where you go over your limit. For example, I live in the UK and it was Bank Holiday yesterday- so I treated myself to a small Domino's Cheese and Tomato Pizza with a Garlic & Herb dip- so my calorie intake yesterday was just over 2,000 -by far the biggest since I started Calorie Count (previously I think my biggest daily calorie intake was 1,500)- but I weighed myself this morning and I've put no weight on. So I think you are allowed a treat every now and then....perhaps after your great inital success you can allow yourself a treat. Also, I have been looking in the supermarket for 'little treats' that are about 100 calories- I've love Rice Krispies Squares, Milky Ways, Jacob's Iced Gems, and Weight Watcher Mousses (especially Limited Edition Passion Fruit and Mango)...so perhaps you could add a "little treat" into your daily diet when you go to the gym for example. Anyway, MANY, MANY CONGRATULATIONS ON YOUR ABSOLUTELY FANTASIC START!!! REALLY WELL DONE!!! and if your weight loss does slow down/ plateau for a couple of weeks- don't lose heart- stick with it- carry on what you are doing- just think about the great progress you've already made. Love Jenny XX
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| Weight Loss | Is there any point in me trying to lose weight? | May 22 2009 17:03 (UTC) |
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I just wanted to say and 'hello' and tell you not to stress or worry too much about things... you are a really strong and courageous person battling against cancer. I'm sure if you wanted to lose weight and set your mind to it you could. I'm just wondering- are you on any medication or could your treatment have casued you to gain some weight ?? Due to your recent health problems I would maybe consult with your doctor or nurse before starting a diet- if you are still recovering (you say it was only in February, yes??) you might need a certain number of calories a day to keep your strength up and aid your recovery ?? I don't know- it's probably best to check it out. I wouldn't say that you are too overweight...for the next month- 6 weeks while the exams are on I wouldn't bother about dieting- I would just concentrate on eating healthy and staying well. Then if you want to lose weight- do it after the exams have finished and can also concentrate more time on it. A bit of excercise and fresh air will do you the world of good- you have to have study breaks- why don't you take a short walk "around the block" during them. You seem to be feeling really low because of your illness and on top of that very stressed over your exams- I think it might help if you talked to somebody- does your school have a counselor or could you have a proper conservation with your parents?? I got really stressed over my exams- worrying about having to achieve high grades/ worrying that I would be a failure -and looking back it would have helped me to talk to somebody- I should have used the University counselling service. Are the exam boards and Universities you applied to aware of your illness??- if not, then enquire with your school how you should go about informing them. In my opinion, I am a member of staff within the Chemistry Department, University of Southampton, they should be informed- they might be able to give you special consideration considering your circumstances- we are very understanding and caring people!! Don't worry too much about your friends- it's probably like you say- they're not too sure what to say to you, etc... I didn't have too many friends at school- for another reason- I was bullied- but when I started University that all changed- I made hundreds of new good friends- and you'll do the same trust me. Freshers Week (the first week of the new term) everybody is in the same boat- new to the University and the city and not knowing anybody- so everybody is really friendly- that's the time to go out and make friends and have fun!! You might also find your diet changes when you go to University- especially if you live in a hall of residence where you have to cater for yourself- you will be with people from all around the world- I'm sure you'll discover new and interesting foods- I certainly did!! I just want to wish you well with everything! All the best Love Jenny XX |
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| Weight Loss | weird weight loss | May 22 2009 15:25 (UTC) |
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Hello... Sorry, I'm no expert- I've only been on a Calorie Counting diet and using this site just over a fortnight.... I was wondering if you had changed what you ate- for example, I have been experimenting with what I eat and I 'think' I've found that still eating the same number of calories but eating a slightly higher percentage of protein in my diet (and hence slightly lowering the carbohydrate and fat percentages) that my weight loss has speeded up a little bit ... Like I say, I've only been doing if just over a fortnight so I'm not 100% sure if this is true yet over the long term. I guess just experiement with foods like me- and see what effect they have on your weight loss- but by the sounds of it the last few days you have found the magical combination that works for you!! Keep up the good work and all the best with your weight loss! Jenny XX |
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| Weight Loss | cc v. weight watcher. Those who have done or are on ww come in pls. | May 22 2009 14:35 (UTC) |
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Hi dolphinclick... I did Slimming World a few years ago (sorry I've not tried Weight Watchers) but I just wanted to say that I am so with you regarding "weighing in" at slimming group meetings. I too hated it, on the day of the weigh in I would literally starve myself- I would hardly eat anything during the day- then after the meeting I was so starving hungry that on my way home I would go and get a massive portion of fish and chips or a Domino's Pizza- this couldn't have been good for me! and as you say, I was paying somebody £5 a week to tell me that I had "maintained" (stayed the same) or put a pound or two on because it was that time of the month- what a waste of money!!! I too weigh myself every morning- and I am not obessed- it's just that I've only been doing Calorie Counting just over a fortnight and I want to try and understand my body- i.e. natural weight changes during the month etc... I also like to chart every pound lost- it gives me motivation- another small step towards my goal. Also, I'm not sure how Weight Watchers points system works but with Slimming World they gave food "syn" values and I found it TOTALLY frustrating when I couldn't find a syn value for something I had ate!!! How was I to record my food diary properly and know that I was on tract??!! - this really bugged me!!! At least when you are actually counting calories- everything you buy comes with a nutrient label and you know exactly what you are consuming- no converting to silly "syn" values!! I'm loving Calorie Counting!! -I love the "diet plan" and the people on these forums to provide support and information are just fantastic! |
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| Weight Loss | tired of my weight problems! | May 21 2009 16:43 (UTC) |
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Hello! and a big welcome to Calorie Count!! Please don't feel down and fed up- you've come to a great place!! I totally agree with Jane. Basically, I was told about 3 weeks ago by my nurse that I HAD to lose weight. So I "Googled" diets- I was desperate to join a slimming club- I thought that was the ONLY way I would lose weight, however after researching them all- Weight Watchers, Slimming World, Tesco Diets etc... they all wanted me to pay up front anything from £50 + -in some case £75 or more. I just could NOT afford to join at these prices- I was feeling really low- I thought I was never going to lose weight without the help of a diet plan and slimming group for support from leaders and members...then after about 3 hours of " Googling" I happen to come across this website and I am absolutely delighted to have done so- it has changed my life! -and that is not an exaggeration!!! I couldn't wish for a better diet plan, website, or supportive members- and it hasn't cost me a single penny!! I did Slimming World diet about 3 yeras ago and I never really took to that - hence I didn't have massive success with it. On that diet- you would have red days and green days- i.e. vegetable days and meat days- which I couldn't really get the hang of- I like a mixture of both during the day- I found it very hard just predominately eating either vegatables or meat. Also, they gave foods "syn" values and I food it very frustrating when I couldn't find a syn value for something I ate. This diet is REALLY SIMPLE AND STRAIGHT FORWARD !!! You eat whatever you want when you want- just keeping an eye on your calorie intake. Work out how many calories you burn and if you want to lose weight then eat less than what you burn- i.e. you have a calorie intake deficit- how simple could that be!! Plus, as everything you buy from the supermarket now as a nutrient label on it- you know exactly how many calories you are eating -no converting to silly "syns" or "points" or whatever!! It is definitely a lifestyle change though if you want to keep the weight off. Why don't you do as Jane suggests- just eat as you would normally for a couple of days logging EVERYTHING into this website and then analyse what you've been eating. Before I started logging I didn't realise just how many calories I was eating- I totally shocked myself!! I have been Calorie Counting for a fortnight now and I have lost 4 lbs (2 lb each week)- I feel absolutely amazing and I've NEVER felt hungry or eaten anything I have been forced to eat "because I am on that diet". By the way, I'm no fan of excercise either and I haven't done any yet- I thought I would sort out and understand my diet first and then move on to the excerise- that can be step two later on. I can't recommend this site highly enough to you!! All the best and good luck! Jenny |
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| Foods | Eating Out | May 21 2009 11:58 (UTC) |
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Hello gooby1958 Welcome to Calorie Count! I too am very new to dieting and calorie counting- I have been using it a fortnight. I am in a similar situtation to you- next week I am going to a lunchtime Chinese buffet with my work collegues and just wondering what I'm going to do... I don't know about you- my diet profile said I am an emotional eater- so portion size hasn't really been a problem for me... what I am going to do- is be really good the few days before hand- stay within my calorie limit, and the day we go out for lunch- then in the evening just eat a small dinner and also avoid snacks during the day. Then I shall relax and enjoy the Chinese meal with my friends- so far my diet has been going well- I have lost 4 lbs (2lb each week) so I think I can relax for 1 meal every once in a while and in the scheme of things it'll be OK- I have 61 more pounds to loose. Personally I think I would be embarrassed taking scales to a restaurant- if you were planning on having a buffet style meal could you instead order a meal from the menu- that way you don't over pile over plate. Or I have in the past, when I haven't been feeling very hungry, ordered a child's meal- is that another possibility?? (some restaurants insist that children's meals are only served to 14 year olds and under for example). Also I absolutely love mushrooms- I'm not an expert, but I think I might order a vegetarian dish involving mushrooms and it'll be lower in calories ?? Also, watch what you drink- there's calories in alcohol (I shall just be drinking water with the meal) and try to avoid dessert! Enjoy your meal- relax and have fun! and all the best with your diet and weight loss! Love Jenny XXX |
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| Weight Loss | No sugar challenge... anyone with me | May 21 2009 11:19 (UTC) |
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Hi! I can only echo what beastypixie has said about -never feeling better! I started using Calorie Count just a fortnight ago- previously, I was terrible with cakes, biscuits, chocolate, sweets, sugary drinks, etc....I wouldn't just have 1 bun or slice of cake either -it would be 2 or more at one time, not just one biscuit but half the packet, I would eat 2-3 bars of chocolate a day, etc.... When I started my diet I decided to cut out completely all this sugary rubbish from my diet. The first couple of days were really bad- I really craved for these foods, but I stuck with it and now they don't bother me- in fact I'm craving fresh fruit now to my total surprise!! And as I've said, and as beastypixie has said, I've never felt better-it's fantastic!! -I feel energetic throughout the day- perviously I would get horrible energy highs and lows, and when I was experiencing a low I would just have to reach for something sugary... So I wish you well with your challenge. However, I am a bit confussed about this whole sugar issue ???? Last night, for example, I really enjoyed the most delicious fresh pineapple (this wouldn't have happened previously- I ate no fruit, only cakes etc...)...however, looking at the label on the pineapple there was 10g of sugar in my 100g serving. Surely this isn't bad for me ?? I'm not an expert- I've only been doing this a fortnight- but you should be eating as much fruit as possible- and not limiting yourself to just one or two a day ??...as they suggest you should have 5 a day!! I have lost 4 lbs in my first fortnight of calorie counting (2lb each week) so I am going to stick with what I am doing- i.e. eating lots of fresh fruit even if it is high in sugar! All the best with your challenge and weight loss! Jenny XX |
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| Foods | Do you believe the cals in prepackaged food? | May 20 2009 16:05 (UTC) |
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I'm not sure about your sandwiches made on campus- I suppose it depends how generous the person serving you is?! However, I know for a fact that in the UK, the cals on pre-packed sandwiches is VERY accurate. A few years a go I was a poor student and spent two summer holidays working in a sandwich factory that made sandwiches for all the major supermarkets and petrol stations. We would have to accurately weigh everything that went onto the sandwich- whether it be prawns, ham, cheese, etc... We would have a big food tray of a particular ingredient on a massive scale and every handful we picked up we would either get a green light- which meant you were in the correct weight range, or a red or orange light depending on wether you were over or under weight, respectively- in which case you had to put some back or pick some more up before putting it on the sandwich. We were warned numereous times a day to only put the correct weight of filling on the sandwich- only when we have a green light on the scale- otherwise we would be FIRED INSTANTLY. Apparently the company would be in a great deal of trouble if the sandwiches were over- or under-weight because if it doesn't correspond to the nutrient information on the label then it's illegal and against the law!! -that's in the UK anyway! I guess it doesn't matter too much in terms of calorie counting- but they were also VERY strick on the number of slices of tomato and cucumber you put on the sandwich! After my experience, I always try and make my own sandwiches- you know EXACTLY what has gone into it, -it's probably better quality ingredients too- and it's fresher and nicer. Jenny XXX |
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| Foods | Cottage Cheese | May 20 2009 15:37 (UTC) |
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I hate cottage cheese with pineapple!! ...I either have it plain or it's great sprinkled with chives. I really like cottage cheese actually- which is a good thing! |
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| Weight Loss | New to here, but trying to lose....again! | May 19 2009 17:34 (UTC) |
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Hello Dave! I'm sorry, I've only been on a diet and using Calorie Count for about a fortnight now- so I'm afraid I'm not very knowledgeable and can't offer you advice on your problem- I'm sure other members will be able to though- I have found this site amazingly supportive. I just wanted to wish you all the best on your weight loss journey. I like it when you finish your posting with: "WILL SUCCEED" -you sound very positive and motivated and that's fantastic! It's great that you've releaised you're slipping back into your old ways and taking positive steps before you actually reach 30 stone again- well done you! I have 64 pounds to loose and it tells me that I'll reach my target August 2010- so like you, I'm in for the long haul too- over a year. I joke to my boyfriend that I'm not bothered what the weather is like this summer- it's next summer- when I have my bikini body- that I want it to be lovely and sunny! I want to loose my weight slowly and gradually- I'm looking at 1.5 to 2 lb per week, like I say change my lifestyle forever and not just crash diet for a while and then put it all back on again. So I am eating a sensible number of calories each day and not starving myself. I am also allowing myself treats every once in a while too. Anyway, I really hope you manage to sort out your diet and exercise and I wish you all the very best- stay positive, every pound lost is an achievement a small step closer towards your target- that's what I'm telling myself! Love Jenny XX
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| Weight Loss | People's Thoughts on Cheating | May 18 2009 15:21 (UTC) |
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Hello Maria! I started my diet ~10 days ago when I discovered this website, and I too am loving it!! I have never counted calories before (hence why the pounds have been gradually creeping on over the years) and I totally shocked myself when I started to log what I ate just how many calories I was comsuming. I was really bad with cakes, buns, biscuits and crisps...when I started the diet I decided to cut these out completely and I have surprised myself- I no longer crave them- they no longer bother me. For instance, last night I was sat watching TV and I got this urge to nibble something and I immediately reached out for a punit of strawberries- they looked and smelt delicious. I laughed to myself- a fortnight ago I would have gone for a couple of creams buns or slices of cake, a huge bar of chocolate, or half a packet of biscuits. I definitely feel that now I've adopted a more healthier diet that I no longer crave the "bad" stuff- you might find the same. It was the boss's birthday on Friday so we had a pub lunch- I had a burger and fries- the first time in a couple of weeks- it tasted fantastic!! and it had no effect on my weight. Like the other members have said as long as it is only once in a while and you try to work it into your calorie limit by having a smaller meals/ no snacks that day you're fine. Also the thought of looking forward to it was nice- it kept me focussed for the couple of days beforehand. If I was to think I would never have something ever again- it would only depress me and want to binge on it straight away!! All the very best with your diet!! Jenny XX |
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| Weight Loss | need to lose over 100 lbs... | May 15 2009 17:16 (UTC) |
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Hi Bethie! I just wanted to say "Hello" and wish you every success with your weight loss. I have only been using this site for about 10 days but I have found it amazing!! - 1. the friendliness of the members and 2. I have found counting calories and keeping track of what I'm eating really useful and informative- I didn't realise I ate so much until I started logging it! I have 64 pounds to loose...so it's going to be a long journey for me too! but I have prepared myself for it. I realise that not every time I step on the scales I'm going to have lost weight- but I am not going to let this dishearten me and get me down- like I say it is going to be a very long journey- over year- and I reckon I can "afford" to have the odd one or two bad weeks in this time. I'm just going to stick at it- I'm in it for the long haul- and I'll get there!! Every pound lost is an achievement and a step closer towards your goal. I agree with what other members say about setting yourself smaller targets. For me, my first target is to lose 5 pounds- then I can say I have 50-something more pounds left to lose rather than 60-something more. You don't say exactly how many pounds you have to lose- you just say it's over 100 -so why don't you set your first target to be reaching 99- you will then be in double figures rather than treble figures and that would be a great achievement and would be fantastic!!! I just want to say well done to you for taking positive action to improve yourself and your health- I really wish you well on your journey!! Jenny XX |
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| Weight Loss | I really can't do it | May 15 2009 14:35 (UTC) |
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Hello! I TOTALLY understand how you are feeling- I felt the exact same!! I agree with you that it's psychological- it was with me. The advice the other members have already given you is great- and I can only echo that, but I would like to add... 1. As you say, it IS a psychological thing- and your mind has to be in the right place. For example, I was chatting with my boyfriend a couple of months ago saying that I should go on a diet and I should cut back on the chocolate, biscuits, crisps (potato chips)...well, I got back from a business trip to find my cupboards bare- he had removed everything 'bad'!!! I went NUTS!!! -how dare he throw my food away, etc.. !!! -he had in fact just hidden it and I made him put it all back again...and yes, I ended up eating it!! I know he was doing it for my own good but I was outraged!!! However, about ~10 days ago I decided that I DID seriously have to go on a diet- and I gave away to my work collegues all the 'bad' stuff out of my cupboards- I gave it away MYSELF!!- it was a great psychological thing- a feeling of being in total control and letting it go. This time I was in the right mental state to start a diet. Tell yourself- YOU DO NOT NEED IT- it is only making you upset. I work in at a University in the UK and yesterday a student bought me a lovely box of chocolates to say thank you for helping him with his final year project. In the past I would have put them in my handbag, taken them home and indulged in them that evening- I would have eaten the whole box myself, instead I past them around the office and it felt really good to share (sharing out the calories)!! 2. I totally cut out the biscuits, chocolate etc.. and yes, the first few days were hell but now they really don't bother me- it's amazing and something I wouldnt have believed true! Whenever, I think about having something 'naughty' I say to myself- what will give me more pleasure- eating this bar of chocolate or seeing a 1-2 lb weight loss at the end of the week ?? and every time it's the weight lost that wins!! 3. Perhaps you could find an alternative- to have as a treat occasionally- so you do not feel like you are depriving yourself completely- for example my University shop sells Weight Watchers Cookies- there are 2 cookies individually wrapped- OK they are on the small side- but the 2 cookies together are just over 100 calories. I wish you every success with your battle!! Be strong-willed!! -you CAN win!! Love Jenny XXX |
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| Weight Loss | do you zig zag your calories for the week? if so how? | May 14 2009 16:11 (UTC) |
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Hello! Personally what I do is at the start of each day I think about what I am going to eat that day and then enter into my food log. For me, doing it this way stops me from over eating- everything is planned out and accounted for. I don't get to the afternoon and think arghh!! I've already reached my calorie limit for today and I haven't had my supper yet. I aiming to eat 1200-1300 calories a day - so I like my main meals to account for 1000-1100 calories then that leaves me ~ 200 calories to be a bit more spontaneous with during the day- so if I fancy a snack between meals or a treat after supper or something watching the TV in an evening. Yesterday I ended up having a few more calories than I should have had (it was ~1950) due to a Chicken Tikka Masla and some chocolates- but I'm fine with that- I am being really good today to make up for yesterday. When I went to bed last night though I felt a bit bloated and uncomfotable- also felt a bit sluggish this morning too- I put this down to eating a bit excessive yesterday- so I have decided for me, it is better to stick to a similar number of calories each day. Also today is being a bit harder being 'really good' to counter-balance yesterday. So as GI-Jane suggests, I too from now on (I've only been Calorie Counting for a week) I'm going to be CONSISTANT. Good luck with your dieting efforts!! |
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| Weight Loss | Should I eat more just to reach my daily target?? | May 14 2009 13:02 (UTC) |
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Hi lvgrotonic! Many thanks for your information- I found it very informative and useful. I was just wondering if there was an alternative to red wine ? -something else that will do the same thing? I do not drink alcohol (just VERY occasionally i.e. a couple of times a year I'll have a glass of champagne) the reason being I do not like the taste of alcohol -in the past I would be much happier with a sugary glass of Pepsi/Coca Cola than anything alcoholic. It is my first social occasion tomorrow since I started my diet and I am not sure what I am going to drink- as it's a lunchtime meal with work colleagues and we have to return to work afterwards I don't think a glass of water will look too odd. I really do not like the taste of red wine (or any alcohol)- but do you recommend I "hold my nose" and drink a glass for health reasons?? I use to kid myself I was healthy- I don't drink, I don't smoke (-never smoked a cigarette in my life), I have my blood pressure checked regularly and it's always spot on- I was ignoring the fact that I was stuffing myself with cakes and chocolate etc. and the pounds were piling on. Also, you suggest essential fatty acids- could you give me a few examples of foods rich in these. Many, many thanks for your advice! Best Wishes Jenny |
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| Weight Loss | Should I eat more just to reach my daily target?? | May 12 2009 15:31 (UTC) |
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Hello blondiecath… Thank you for taking the time to reply to my post- I was surprised yet really, really pleased to hear that what I had written had inspired someone. You say that you are starting to recover from anorexia- so I’m assuming that you are trying to put weight on whereas I am trying to loose it- but we are both trying to achieve the same thing- to eat healthily and live a long, happy and healthy life. I wish you all the very best with your recovery- I really do! I am imaging my weight loss as a ladder and each pound is a rung on that ladder (I have 64 rungs!)- every pound lost I move one more rung up the ladder until eventually I reach my goal. Each little pound lost is an achievement, something I can be proud of, and a small step closer to my goal. I would suggest to you to look at the bigger, overall picture- OK, your weight might have plateu’d recently but look at what you have achieved since you started- be proud of your achievement so far- there is only YOU that can change your eating habits and you HAVE- you have taken control and made positive changes to your diet- I congratulate and respect you for this. You should be very proud and pleased with yourself and you should use this to spur you on to greater things. |
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| Motivation | WHy cant i start? | May 12 2009 13:49 (UTC) |
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Hello croninthebarbarian… I have read your story with interest- particularly because I sound so very similar to you- I am 33 years old, almost 14 stones (13 stones 10 lb) and I hate the gym too- I do no exercise, plus although I work full time it is mainly sat behind a computer all day. I went to the nurse about 10 days ago for a repeat prescription of my contraceptive Pill and she told me I was on the absolute weight limit of being prescribed it- one pound more and that’s it- she would no longer be able to prescribe it to me. I came away from the nurse upset that I had let my weight get to this point- it has been steadily increasing over the last 5 or so years. That’s when I realised my diet and weight were a problem and I had to do something! –I joined Calorie Count a week ago. I was terrible with chocolate, cakes, biscuits and crisp before I joined- it wasn’t unusual for me to have 3 bars of chocolate a day + cakes and buns –and not just one slice of cake or a bun- usually 2 or more, and when I’d have a biscuit it would be half the packet… I would definitely go the see your doctor as the other members suggest- because I am a bit confused as to why you haven’t lost any weight so far ?? This last week I have eaten my normal meals but I have completely cut out the ‘rubbish’ from my diet- all the chocolate, cakes etc.. and I haven’t done any exercise either because like you I don’t really enjoy it- and I have managed to loose 4 lbs. In past the nurse has pointed out to me that my weight has been increasing and I never did anything serious about it- I kept telling her I would go on a diet but never did. What I agreed with her this time was that I would have a serious attempt at dieting for 1 month and then I would go back and get re-weighed and if I could say hand on heart I had tried really hard to loose weight and it hadn’t happened in this month then she would do some tests to discover if there was a medical reason as to why I hadn’t lost weight. Would it be possible for you do this with your doctor/nurse ?? Like I said I have cut out all the chocolate, cakes and biscuits etc.., and before doing so I thought I would feel miserable- I thought they were what made me feel good- if I felt upset, miserable, had a bad day at work I thought I could rely on a cake/bun/chocolate to cheer me up and make me feel better. But I was WRONG, I can’t describe to you how well and good I am feeling since NOT eating them!! I am so much happier without them- which I would never have believed true! My heart goes out to you when you say “…and now what is left” –what makes me feel good now is NOT cake etc. but the feeling of being in control- the feeling that I am taking positive steps to change myself and achieve my goal- I am taking action!! I am very overweight and the reason for this is that I ate rubbish! But I don’t hate myself and you shouldn’t “hate the way you’ve become” either- this is my past- I can do nothing to change my past, I can however change my future and I AM GOING to change the future!! Look forward- not back- look forward to being a new, slimmer, happy you!! Please don’t feel embarrassed to go out walking! This week’s step for me was to cut out the rubbish from my diet and to get use to calorie counting and recording everything I eat, next week’s step is to try and get a bit more exercise. I am going to go out walking and I am going to hold my head up high and feel proud- people shouldn’t laugh (or whatever) at us- they should applaud us- it would be all too easy for us to carry on sitting on the sofa stuffing our faces with rubbish- but we’re not, we are out there doing something positive to change ourseleves!! People who try to improve themselves and better themselves should only be given the utmost respect. Every single pound lost is an achievement and another small step towards my goal. Give yourself a purpose for loosing the weight - to me and my boyfriend using the Pill is something really important to us and that we get great pleasure from (we both hate the feel of condoms), also it would be great if I was a dress size smaller….every time I start to feel low I think about why I am doing it and how happy I will feel when I have lost a few more pounds towards my goal. I tell myself that I am getting closer to achieving my goal with every little positive step taken (i.e. that chocolate bar I didn’t have watching the soaps on TV tonight, etc.) -that really picks me up again. You seem very stressed- can I suggest you relax a bit. Don’t freak out and get terrified that you’re going to put weight on. If it’s the case that you don’t have a medical reason for the weight gain- then you are in CONTROL!!! You can control what you eat and you won’t put weight back on. It’s when you loose control and revert back to old ways of chocolate and takeaways that the weight is going to start going back on again. Sorry, for the long reply but I hope it has been helpful to you. PS, out of interest, as we sound very similar how many calories are you eating a day- mine daily average last week was 1,229. |
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| Weight Loss | Should I eat more just to reach my daily target?? | May 11 2009 17:24 (UTC) |
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WOW!! I've had 3 replies already!! -many thanks for your advise- it is greatly appreciated! Opps! I thought there was a problem with this original message and it didn't get posted so I re-wrote it - opps!, they are both appearing now and I don't seem able to delete one. Anyway...thank you very much for commenting on my attitude, I am by nature a very positive, cheery, person. I now realise after recording what I eat on this website that I ate appllingly! -but that is my past, I can't do anything about that, it is the future that I can change and I am GOING to change it!! Don't look back- look forward- and am looking forward to buying clothes that are a size smaller!! (and the nurse being pleased with me too!) |
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I'm dreaming of reaching my target and being able to wear a bikini with pride. I'm wrong when I say I'm in it for a year- because I want this to be a change of lifestyle forever- I don't want to go back to my old ways of over eating after a year- I want to live a healthy lifestyle the rest of my life.
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