Posts by elisescrane

I'm in too! Just getting back to spinning and moderate counting (not logging all the time...) after being away too long. How often shall we all weigh in?

Hi Arici,

I'm a 25-year-old quasi-vegan and I had a similar experience last year (lost my period for a total of six months). I was strictly vegan during that time and spinning 3-5 times a week; I think my body fat just got a bit too low. I was careful to get enough protein from plant sources but maybe sometimes that just doesn't cut it? Anyway, I went on the pill for a variety of reasons (skin problems, regulate period, etc.) and the period came back right away.  I started eating yogurt, too, which seems to have helped, and I've gained about five pounds back (5'6 and 130 now).

Good luck to you! At least you have those negative pregnancy tests to ease your mind :)

Hey there,

I've been living in Prague for the past three years and I know how difficult it is with the beer and other temptations! I'm a vegetarian, which makes it awfully easy to load up on all the good bread here. But about a year ago, I got my act together and started cooking (which you pretty much have to as a veggie in central Europe...) and cut way back on beer. I know it's super girly, but I've started drinking white wine spritzers, or simply a glass or two of good red wine (which I know can be difficult to find here) when I go out. It's helped a lot. And take advantage of the Ovoce/Zelenina shops! I must go to the one next to my flat at least 8-12 times per week and spend most of my grocery money there :)

Good luck, and let me know if you need some healthy (ish) restaurant recommendations, etc! Enjoy the rest of your time in Prague.

Jamie, I have the same problem. I often wake up around 1 am, after having dinner around 8 pm, and I feel absolutely famished. I drink at least two cups of decaf tea after dinner, which perhaps is the reason I wake up (!), and usually have another cup of tea when I wake up hungry.

The tea alone usually doesn't do the trick, though, so I end up eating a handful of pumpkin seeds and cranberries, or something similar. I've tried just forcing myself back to sleep, but I am usually too distracted by my hunger.

And it's not an issue of undereating during the day; I eat a minimum of 1700 cals with well-balanced carb, protein and fats, and often up to 2000 cals on exercise days. Not sure what the problem is, but if anyone has a brilliant solution to curing the midnight hunger pangs, they would be much appreciated!

Hey there,

I didn't get mine back for a full 9 months (and no, it was definitely not because of pregnancy). I probably should have seen a doctor in the interim but I live abroad and it's a bit difficult. So no worries--I think everyone's body is different, but know that it  may take some time until you get back into the normal swing of things.

Original Post by gi-jane:

LOL!  No, come on, let's pick on posts....    Can I add that 'hungry' means you want something to eat whereas 'hungary' is a country in Eastern Europe... ?

This one is my favorite!! Thanks for the smile, gi-jane :)

My personal pet peeve is the lost distinction between "your" and "you're." Drives. Me. Crazy.

I am totally with all these people who kept their intake fairly high--mine was around 1700-2200 throughout my weight loss, depending on whether it was a heavy exercise day, and the pounds just melted off (20 in about 2.5 months). I really think exercise is the key and would highly recommend classes. Spinning did the trick for me--I enjoy it and the music and social aspect keep me going for the entire hour.

Of course you have to find the right number for you, but I would encourage you not to dip too low on the cals. It makes the whole process harder and, at least for me, puts one a bit on edge (to say the least). Good luck!

Hey there,

I would blame it on the food. I can't eat anything for about 90 minutes before I run, even something light; I can feel it in my stomach the whole run and get awful cramps. I like to run at night (and yes, I realize it's not the safest thing) and don't think the time of day necessarily has anything to do with your troubles yesterday. So, no worries! Congrats on making it this far in the program and keep it up (sans duck next time :) )

Oh, and Sarah has a great point with the measuring--this is key. Again, my eyeballing skills are not as honed as I'd thought and investing in a kitchen food scale made a big difference. Portion size is everything.

Sorry for the very late post, but I just cooked quinoa for the first time and had to add this. I'm an awful (lazy) cook so the quicker the better. I combined 1/4 c quinoa and 1/4 c raw lentils in about 1.5 c vegetable broth and cooked for about 20 minutes. It was delicious and just the right fluffiness! I think it was a bit too much for one but now I have leftovers. Good combination, too; I think it's a complete protein this way (if you buy into that stuff).

Original Post by mrsdagle:

Aside from traditional German food, I understand that there is an incredible amount of Arab food, especially Turkish. My friend lived there (Heidelberg) and said she ate Turkish food mostly.

I haven't had specifically German food but I love Czech food.

Mrs. Dagle, are you Czech, by chance? I wish I loved the food too... I've been living in Prague for the past 2 years and I have to say the cuisine has been the biggest bummer for me. I'm a vegetarian so it's complicated (veggie options are usually fried cheese or fried veggies) and I've had to learn to cook.

Anyway, I've been to Germany a few times and have to rave about their breads! I know it's not low-carb-friendly but I always live on bread when I go to Germany. They have plentiful farmers' markets too, though, so you can stock up on great fresh veggies and fruit and balance out the carbs and sausage :)  Have a great trip!

Baylward, we're almost twins. I'm about 133 right now (5'6") and also have a wide rib cage so I'm readjusting my initial goal of 120 for about 125-28, because I don't want my ribs to be any more obvious than they already are. I wear a size 4 pant now (6 in certain stores) and a small top. But I live in Europe so the sizes are all screwy over here and make me feel huge, even at this lower weight! What can you do.

 I feel your pain! I travel 2-3 times per month for my job and it's always incredibly difficult to maintain my 1500-1700 daily intake on the road. I try to work out in the hotel gyms but it's difficult with my meeting schedule, etc. Happily, though, a couple days 2-3 times per month haven't seemed to catch up with me yet; it might even help jumpstart the metabolism.

2 weeks is a bit more difficult, but I completely agree you shouldn't sacrifice the delicious pizzas, pasta, gelato and wine--those are the things that make life sweet. Just drink lots of water and try to moderate the portions, that'd be my best advice.

Have a blast in Italy! I'm headed there in a few weeks myself and plan to indulge in pizza as well :)