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| Weight Loss | Early 30's - Mom, wife looking for support to stay on track to lose 20 lbs! | Feb 09 2009 22:10 (UTC) |
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I am 30, with two wonderful kids and a husband. I want to let you know that you are not alone. I got to the point that I was almost in depression over life itself. I always was busy taking care of kids, husband and job, but no time for myself. I finally talked to the hubby about how I was feeling. Why did it take so long to tell him? He's my best friend. I joined a gym about 2 months ago. I have a PT 2 times a month (all I can afford right now), just to keep me on track. My husband has started taking the kids to the sitter in the mornings so that I can go to the gym before work. I now pick up the kids in the afternoon. When I get home, he usually has dinner started. (sometimes I have to improvise my meals to keep it healthy) I just don't know why it took me so long to open up. I just felt obligated to take on my share of the work, and everyone elses work. I am here to support you, if you'll return the favor when I need it. |
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| Fitness | Help! Still losing pounds?? | Feb 09 2009 21:57 (UTC) |
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Congrats on the weight loss. There are lots of protein supplements that you can take pre-workout. You can also cut back on some of your cardio. Less interval training, more steady sustained. Interval training burns more in the days afterward. My trainer suggests weights 3 times per week, then cardio (30-45 minutes) with no more than one day interval training, and one day off a week. If you are trying to build muscle, make sure that your before and after workouts include a good source of protein. Weight lifting tears down the muscle, building of the muscle comes when the body repairs the tears. For the body to repair, it needs lots of protein. Try some whey protein shakes. Do a google, or message me directly, and I can give you lots or recipes that have 35+ grams of protein and taste absolutely wonderful. |
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| Weight Loss | Carbs, Fats, Protein question! | Feb 09 2009 21:48 (UTC) |
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The more protein you consume, the less likely you are to lose muscle when you work out. Especially if you have protein before and after a workout. Remember, working out breaks down your muscles. You need protein to rebuild and grow them. Every pound of muscle you gain burns about 50 calories a day. So if you gain muscle, you become a better fat burning machine. With that said, I make a protein smoothing for breakfast. I use 1 cup fat free milk (or yogurt or both), 1 cup frozen strawberries, 1/2 cup-3/4 cup cooked instant oatmeal, 1 scoop vanilla flavored whey protein. Rakes in 330-400 calories, (about 36 grams protein, 4-7 grams fiber or more). Drink half before I work out, then 1/2 after the workout. Do a search for whey protein smoothies and you will get all sorts of yummy recipes. I even prepare mine the day before so all I have to do is blend them and go. They sure make it easy to get that good protein in any time of the day. (and they taste like a guilty dessert). |
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| Weight Loss | Breakfast question | Feb 09 2009 21:37 (UTC) |
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You said that you don't eat breakfast for a few hours, but you do drink a glass of milk. If you drink 8 oz. you are getting much needed protein and some carbs to start your day. That's a good start, just make sure you eat again a little later. Something that I always have on hand is Whey protein. Take 1/2 cup milk, 1/2 yogurt, 1/2 scoop whey, blend. Instant smoothie. I have become addicted to them for breakfast. If I am treating it as a full breakfast, I use 1 cup fat free milk, 1 cup frozen fruit (love strawberry), 1/2 cup cooked instant oatmeal, 1 scoop french vanilla whey protein, blend and drink on the way to work. Depending on how you prepare it, you have 330-400 calories, 36 grams or protein, 7 grams of fiber. It really fills you up and stays with you through out the morning. (tastes like a shake too). I will mix the milk (or yogurt), oatmeal, and whey protein the night before and put in the fridge. In the morning on the way out the door, I throw in the frozen fruit blend and take it with me. Takes about 1-2 minutes if you have a wand blender, even less time if you have a magic bullet. Its already in a cup a ready to go out the door. |
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| Foods | Ooooopsie! | Jan 30 2009 21:25 (UTC) |
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When it comes to the farmers market, it doesn't matter if it is organic or not. It is freshly picked at its peak ripeness. The reason things like tomatoes do not taste good from the supermarket is because they aren't. They are picked early then have a gas sprayed on them to appear ripe. That is why they are usually pink inside instead of deep red. I grow a garden. It is by no means organic, but the produce tastes soooo much better. |
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| The Lounge | Terrified of VALENTINES..........eeek :0))) | Jan 30 2009 18:54 (UTC) |
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Original Post by glos2lv: Correction 3500 calories over maintenance = 1lb. It would be extremely difficult to eat that much over. Even if you did if you have a 500 cal deficit a day for a week, all gone. And what great memories. ENJOY!! I have young kids and rarely get to have time just with hubby! I'd love to be in your position! |
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| Weight Loss | Economy and Family makes my DIet SUCK! | Jan 30 2009 17:58 (UTC) |
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Your family will adjust, it just takes time. Try showing them how tasty healthy snacks can be. Kids love dipping. Dip your fresh veggies in ranch for them. How about celery dipped in PB. Apples dipped in vanilla yogurt (you can even add cinnamon or other flavors to the vanilla yogurt). If you buy the junk, then you are more tempted by it yourself. Show them ways to make it tasty for them, but not damaging for you. Also a great snack that I keep in the house for the kids is PB crackers, breakfast bars (nutrigrain), yogurts. Kids like sweet things. Make them healthier. Besides eating healthy is not just good for you, but good for your whole family. I do buy chips on occasion. It is a treat (small bags). There tastes will adjust and it will help them way into adulthood so that they are not struggling. Now, if we go to MCD's with the kids, they want the apples, not the fries most of the time. |
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| Weight Loss | Economy and Family makes my DIet SUCK! | Jan 30 2009 17:58 (UTC) |
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Your family will adjust, it just takes time. Try showing them how tasty healthy snacks can be. Kids love dipping. Dip your fresh veggies in ranch for them. How about celery dipped in PB. Apples dipped in vanilla yogurt (you can even add cinnamon or other flavors to the vanilla yogurt). If you buy the junk, then you are more tempted by it yourself. Show them ways to make it tasty for them, but not damaging for you. Also a great snack that I keep in the house for the kids is PB crackers, breakfast bars (nutrigrain), yogurts. Kids like sweet things. Make them healthier. Besides eating healthy is not just good for you, but good for your whole family. I do buy chips on occasion. It is a treat (small bags). There tastes will adjust and it will help them way into adulthood so that they are not struggling. Now, if we go to MCD's with the kids, they want the apples, not the fries most of the time. |
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| Health & Support | Binging? What ACTUALLY helps?!? | Jan 30 2009 16:17 (UTC) |
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If you absolutely must eat, try something filling. Last night I got home, my husband didn't have dinner ready yet. I was absolutely starving. I heated up an entire can of collard greens, added a little apple cider vinegar and drank a large glass of water with it. It totaled about 70 calories, 8 grams of fiber and 9 grams of protein. Boy was I full! I then only ate a small amount of dinner, because my tummy was so full. I know this is a far cry from a bag of chips or something sweet, but It works for me when I feel the need to binge. I always keep things like this in the pantry, or when the season is right, butternut squash, sprinkled with a little splenda brown sugar and nuked in the microwave. Yummy and sweet! |
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| The Lounge | Another query for believers | Jan 29 2009 21:37 (UTC) |
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God had given adam and eve life. They were not to die. After they ate the apple they were banned from the garden of eden and required to work the land, instead of live in paradise where all was provided. The lived a hard life, then they did die. He had created them to live forever. Instead they had a hard life, then died! |
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| Motivation | BDG for Thursday | Jan 29 2009 21:28 (UTC) |
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Brag: Because I wanted to start going to the gym before work, my husband started taking the kids to the sitter in the a.m. for me! I pick them up in the p.m. and when I get home, he has dinner almost ready! Desire: I desire to drop another 3 inches from my waist by May! Gratitude: I am grateful for the loving support of my family and my two healthy children. |
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| Foods | Fresh | Jan 29 2009 21:24 (UTC) |
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The best and easiest way to preserve it is to freeze it. Unless you have a pressure cooker, canning jar, etc. 1) Get it cleaned up. 2) Bring a pot of water to a rapid boil. 3) Blanche the asparagus. Dip the asparagus in the boiling water for about 1 minute. You are not cooking it. The blanching stops some of the enzymes that cause food to spoil or change colors. 4) After you blanch it, immediately dip into ice cold water (add ice if you can). Let it cool, then package it and freeze it. If you have a vacuum sealer, you can store the veggies in the freezer longer. If you don't, try to press out as much of the air from your bags as possible before sealing.
Follow these steps for most veggies, and you can keep them in the freezer for up to six months (if you vacuum seal it). |
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| The Lounge | global warming - irreversible for the next 1000 years - what's the point? | Jan 29 2009 03:44 (UTC) |
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Actually, what we have here is news media twisting public opinion. Our global temperatures peaked in 1998. Since then the Earth has actually been cooling (thats over 10 years of cooling to be exact). In fact 650 of the world's top climatologists supported the claim that Earth is going through a cooling trend. In fact, the global temperatures today are cooler than in 1979. Is this just media hype? What we have here are the natural cycles that Earth experiences. Do some research. Did you know that Mars has gone through similar increases and decreases in temperature? Many scientists support the theory that the sun's activity has more to do with global temperatures than other factors. Through out history science has had many theories proved and disproved. Hey, the world isn't flat! But that took years to disprove. I just keep living my life to the best of my ability and decrease my impact to the environment how I choose to (by the products I use and buy). It would be good for every one too. Other than that don't buy property to close to the coast. If it happens, it will happen slowly over time, and people will adjust as necessary. We can't stop nature. We have had warm periods and ice ages. What we do is not going to stop them from happening. Just learn to adjust! |
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| Health & Support | DAY 1 without smoking | Jan 28 2009 17:47 (UTC) |
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I quit smoking almost 8 years ago (cold turkey). I was smoking over two packs a day. I had started going to the gym on a regular basis and was trying to get back into shape. After my hardest workouts, I would light up. Those after workout cigarettes started tasting bad and causing me to cough and sputter. I decided at that point that it was time to kick the habit. Within a few weeks, my energy levels were returning. During my workouts I started coughing badly. That lasted for several weeks, then cleared up. When ever the cravings hit that were almost unbearable, I would go for a walk, or to the gym and work out. The workout seemed to help take the edge off. At that time, I couldn't afford the expensive patches, gums, etc. (However, looking back, the money not spent on cigarettes probably would have paid for it)
Don't give into your cravings! Find something that will help you cope. Exercise, carrots, whatever you can. You won't regret it! My husband still smokes, but mostly just chews tobacco. When ever he does smoke I can smell it and the smoke actually smells awful. It definitely keeps me from ever considering it.
Last but not least, reward yourself. (I like the idea of putting the cigarette money in a jar). Every time you hit a new milestone, get yourself a treat! I new shirt, a trip, new workout clothes. What ever motivates you. IF YOU GIVE INTO YOUR CRAVINGS, chalk it up to a mistake and continue on your way. We're not perfect. Just like watching food intake, we don't throw it all away due to one bad meal! Good luck! Keep Strong! Look forward to better health and being able to run a half marathon! |
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| Weight Loss | Questions about stretchmark and skin hanging down | Jan 20 2009 18:47 (UTC) |
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If you have lost a significant amount of weight, you may have that saggy skin! My mother had a gastric bypass. The DR told her to weight 2 years after the initial weight loss before she decided if she needed to remove any of the excess skin. He said that it could take up to 2 years for the skin to shrink. What ever is left after that, may never go away. If it is a hinderance, then it can be removed. Hope this helps! |
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| Fitness | winter workouts? | Jan 16 2009 22:47 (UTC) |
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My thoughts exactly! If you live in Chicago, there are lots of tall buildings with stair cases. When I was at college with time to kill between classes, I would walk (or run) up and down the staircases. You want to talk about raising your heart rate. I was always exhausted when I was done. On the days that I was dragging, I would just mosey up and down the stairs. At least I was exercising. Find you favorite building and climb! |
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| Weight Loss | Starvation Mode - scientific evidence? | Jan 16 2009 22:36 (UTC) |
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WLS is a doctor supervised situation. In addition to low calorie intake, you are taking special "super" supplements to ensure that you are getting the correct nutrition. NEVER try to compare weight loss in the traditional sense to weight loss that is achieved through surgery. The surgery tricks your body! The intestine that is removed is part of the upper intestine which release chemicals into your body that feeds your organ systems information. In addition by having the lower portion of your stomach removed, the food reaches the upper stomach quickly. The part of a persons stomach that has the nerves that sense when you are full are mainly located in upper stomach. Therefore, your body is getting the necessary signals it needs almost immediately, compared to someone without WLS. Also, your body does plateau. After you have your initial rapid weight loss (usually the first year). The weight loss slows dramatically or stops altogether. This is your body taking its normal course of action. The person to be consulting is your Dr. This is information that He can give you. Not only is he your doctor he is also an expert in WLS. |
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| Motivation | Need MOTIVATION, TIME, and ACCOUNTABILITY! | Dec 01 2008 19:38 (UTC) |
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Take 5 (or 10): Go out and take a brisk walk between activities. Every few minutes add up! Bundle up the kids and go outside and play catch (or buy a trampoline: You wouldn't believe how much fun it is to bounce with your kids and its a great low impact work out). Carve out a few minutes each day. They will add up! Good luck, I know it is a challenge. I have two kids and a full time job (teacher) that never ends when the bell rings. Let me know what you can find to do, I may try it too! |
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| Weight Loss | Saggy Skin | Apr 11 2008 21:00 (UTC) |
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| After significant weight loss, DR's usually suggest you wait atleast 1-2 years before you consider surgery. It may take several years for your skin to shrink back. If you still have too much excess skin after that, surgery may be an option. Let your body do its work, then see whats left. | |||
| Weight Loss | How does Gastric Bypass not kill you? | Mar 07 2008 22:16 (UTC) |
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| Gastric Bypass limits the amount of food that your stomach can hold and the bypass, bypasses the upper part of the intestine, thus limiting some of the absorption of nutrients. My mother has had this procedure and it has been very successful and she feels proud about her weight loss. She will talk to you about it and even encourage it to those who have had life long weight problems and are now suffering weight related health problems. It is not a one stop fixes it all, but now that she is at a normal weight range, she can be active and do all the things that we need to do to keep health (eat right and exercise). To avoid problems that some people suffer, you must make it a life long commitment. You take "special" vitamins specifically designed for people who have had gastric bypass, thus ensuring that you get the nutrients that you need for the rest of your life. And yes, it is only successful if you make a life long commitment to a healthy life style. If you eat the way you did before, you will get fat again. It is a last resort and a real commitment. My mother is a nurse and has seen the bad sides of the surgery when you do not commit to it. One such person had her boyfriend bring her a snickers bar and a mountain dew three days after surgery. She ate it, ruptured the surgery and died. If you don't have self control, its not an option. Many dr's require an extensive pre-op screening (6 months or more). If they don't, I would be questioning their motives (ie. to help someone or is it just to make money). You have to find the right doctor and the right support group. Support your friend. Help her make it successful. It will change her life! |
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| Foods | Food suggestions for getting over the 'flu! | Mar 07 2008 21:49 (UTC) |
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Original Post by doris_c: Tea is actually good for you and an immune booster. It has antioxidants and tanins that can fight viruses. There are also some cough drops that are supposed to reduce the length of the common cold virus. It has lots of zinc etc. It might help reduce the flu bug. Good luck! The flu this year is a doozie. Both my kids have it, going on 3 weeks now. Yikes i hope it goes away soon. |
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| Motivation | Time of the month BLOAT | Mar 07 2008 21:00 (UTC) |
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| Me too. Last week I was at 156 and didn't budge for 1 and 1/2 weeks. Yikes! Then this week I am down to 151 (lost 1 1/2 lbs). | |||
| Foods | help with eating my veggies!!! | Mar 07 2008 20:04 (UTC) |
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| Try V-8 vegetable juice (if you like tomato juice) or V-8 Fusion if you like fruity drinks. These drinks are equivalent to several servings of fruits and vegs. | |||
| Foods | Can you get an energy bar without the calories? | Mar 06 2008 22:24 (UTC) |
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| South Beach has protein bars 10grams for 140 cals. The chocolate are okay, but the cinnamon and raisin are excellent. Try Special K protein water in is local and will give you a boost. | |||
| Foods | Restaurant eating- salads are just getting boring. | Mar 05 2008 15:04 (UTC) |
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| Applebees has a great weight watchers menu. Most of the meals coming in at 400 + or -. Steer away from cream sauces. Choose a baked potato or rice pilaf with butter and sc on the side. You can enjoy most menus. Just choose grilled vs. fried. Choose the healthier sides (or ask for a side salad or skip altogether). Broth based soups. Remember to ask for a togo box for the extra large portions and you will do fine. | |||
| Foods | Applesauce -- how can anyone eat the sweetened stuff? | Mar 05 2008 14:59 (UTC) |
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| I have several apple trees (golden delicious), and I make my own applesauce for me and the kids. I love it! The kids prefer it to store bought and I always have some on hand for low fat baking. In some of my batches I mix a little cinnamon and it is always a hit. Much better than the stuff in the stores. | |||
| Weight Loss | What size then and now? | Mar 04 2008 20:17 (UTC) |
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| 5'5 Currently 153 size 10 heaviest: 220 size (I don't know, I wore a lot stretchy clothes) 16-18 lightest: 128 size 6 sometimes a size 4 (I am working at getting back there after my last baby) |
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| Weight Loss | fast/wellrounded meals | Mar 03 2008 21:48 (UTC) |
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| I pack this for my lunch on occassion. Make several cups of instant brown rice over the weekend (or buy it) to go along if you want. I keep bags of frozen stir fry vegetables in the freezer. Put 2-3 cups in a dish, top off with frozen chicken strips, add a little soy sauce and a dash of cajun seasoning (or other spicy seasoning). Throw in the micro for a few minutes. Instant stir fry. You can also use stir fry sauce. Yummy, simple, low fat! It works on the go. I take this to work with me and it makes for an easy lunch. |
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| Foods | Eating what kids eat!! | Feb 29 2008 21:29 (UTC) |
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| It is hard to feed kids what they like, especially younger kids. They tend to be sooooo picky about their foods. As a daycare provider, you mix it up and feed them nutritious food a majority of the time. I do applaud you. With out devoted people like you I would be SOL. I was mainly just ranting about the school lunch program. I don't know how you even restrain yourself from eating a majority of the kids food. It tastes so yummy. My school has been taking the State Standards tests all week and the kids have been bringing in so many good snacks to eat between tests (in addition to what the school provides). Alas, my student has brought gargettos. My favorite snack. And leaving me some everyday. Takes a lot of restraint. | |||
| Foods | Eating what kids eat!! | Feb 29 2008 17:39 (UTC) |
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| I agree that day care providers don't get paid enough and are required to provide some things. However, at the same time, if you teach kids to eat healthier at a young age, they will not be going through what we are right now. Yes, have pancakes for breakfast, but top it with low cal syrup and fresh fruit (bannans,etc). Also, frozen fruit can be cheap when bought in bulk. When it is thawed, it makes a great topping. I think that it is ironic that the state programs do not allow for the well balanced food to be brought in (ie not enough money). As a teacher, I am appalled at what they serve in the lunch room. Many times the food that the kids get at school is all they get (I teach in an area with 60% poverty). Yet, they feed them fried foods, and things that are just no acceptable, with little nutritional values. I watched a reality program on tv where an ex-football star went in and reformed several schools in florida. He brought in a chef who designed meals that were healthy and look appetizing to the students. He created the menus allotting only the amount of money allotted from the state (no extra money needed). The response was overwhelming. Through the year, the kids averaged better attendance (less illnesses), less behavior problems and increased learning (according to the state tests). Especially when compared to other similar schools in the state. I know it can be done, but states need to invest in healthier eating if they want to change the health of our nation. Students at our school have papa murphy's every day. YUCK! | |||
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