Forum Topic Date Replies
The Lounge My Husband is an a**hat Nov 11 2009
19:45 (UTC)
18

Hope I don't offend anyone, but seriously, if things get really tough, you can consider the rabbits for dinner.

The Lounge The Muffin Ad Nov 08 2009
12:15 (UTC)
16

I saw it!!!

can't say it had the same effect though.....

Maintaining I'm about to try Maintenance... where to begin? Nov 07 2009
21:31 (UTC)
1

When I first started maintaining, GI-Jane, who has some fantastic posts, said that maintenance is more of an art than a science. I think she is right on the mark.

Maintenance is something that you need to figure out. And sometimes, for a number of reasons, the weight can come back. I'm dealing with that right now. The difference is that in maintenance mode we tend to be more aware of the weight coming back and have aquired the skills to deal with it effectively and without freaking out about it.

One of the biggest things I have found out for myself is that I grossly underestimate portion sizes when I eyeball and don't weigh. Another thing is that my mental math is off. The solution for me has been to diligently log as much as possible as a way to keep myself honest and to keep my overall nutrition in check.

Good luck, and don't worry too much. The determination that it took to lose 36 pounds will pay off in spades during maintenance.

Weight Loss Before and after pictures for my 60+ pound weight loss Nov 07 2009
21:23 (UTC)
1

Deleted: Double post. don't know what happened.  Sorry !

(but you DO look fantastic...... )

Weight Loss Before and after pictures for my 60+ pound weight loss Nov 07 2009
21:23 (UTC)
2

You rock girl!  Congratulations and yes, you look FANTASTIC.

Way to go.

Fitness Friggin black toenails! Nov 06 2009
20:29 (UTC)
8

1. Buy running shoes 1/2 size larger than you usually wear.

2. Learn to love fire-engine red nail polish. Black, Deep Plum and other dark colors also work.

3. DON'T peel off black toenails. You put yourself at risk of an infection and sometimes they can heal themselves.

4. Get used to it. (sorry, but it's one of the downsides to running)

Health & Support Need some breakfast advice... Nov 06 2009
19:42 (UTC)
9

I find it difficult to eat veggies first thing in the morning, but by 10am I can eat almost anything . You might try:

sauteed spinach or swiss chard

veggie soup - I make it from scratch and puree it for my kids. The texture works for breakfast and it's warm and filling

smoothie made with fresh fruit and veggies

 

The Lounge The Muffin Ad Nov 05 2009
19:37 (UTC)
31

*refreshes page several times but doesn't find the ad.... sighs, disappointed*

 I could have used a good laugh. Smile

Fitness Thoughts on split workouts or longer sessions Nov 03 2009
14:09 (UTC)
2

PS: I suspect from your sprinting comment that you are already doing this, but if you aren't, I cannot recommend HIIT enough.  And if you've never tried it, I'd also recommend a stair running HIIT variation, to mix things up. 


I am starting to research HIIT. I've heard about it but have not really done it. Would be very curious to hear how many days a week you do it and what type of program you follow. I have been adding a series sprints into a 6 mile run, and am also adding 30 second to 1 minute "sprints" on the elliptical. It's not easy!
Fitness How cold is too cold for running outside? Nov 01 2009
21:19 (UTC)

I used to run in Minnesota all winter long. In addition to the right clothing and safety precautions, I found that a bandanna over my nose and mouth helped warm the air slightly and made breathing easier. I would also wear bright clothing, as the Minnesota grey winters don't help drivers see you when running on the side of the road.

Fitness Thoughts on split workouts or longer sessions Nov 01 2009
21:11 (UTC)
4

Thank you!

Interesting point about overtraining as a risk. Can you explain the signs/symptoms of overtraining. I have never really considered this as a possibility.

My "normal" routine is to work out 6 days a week for 1-1.5 hour sessions (weights, cardio/weights and running). The split and back-to-back workouts are something that I am trying to stick to as a way to shock my system.

Since I am fairly certain that I did not overeat during marathon training, and yet I gained weight/fat, I suspect it is partially due to my body's reaction to endurance training at moderate speeds (I average 9+ minute miles on run over 13 miles).

If my suspicion is correct, I need to convince my body to burn the fat not store it. Although I have never dealt with this before and am really just trying to see what works. Something has to!

If anyone has any suggestions, I would love to hear them.

 

Fitness first half-marathon this sunday, confused with the carbo loading Oct 29 2009
20:14 (UTC)
1

You've gotten great advice. I just want to add one thing.

It is helpful to drink lots of water before the race to help keep your body hydrated and it sounds as if you are doing that. Personally, I also drink water all night before the race -- anytime I have to go the bathroom I drink at least a glass of water. But then limit the water a bit the morning of the race. I drink, but time it to help avoid the "I have to pee" feeling for 13+ miles.

Remember to have fun. And let us know how it goes.

Weight Loss Calories in cough syrup Oct 29 2009
20:02 (UTC)
8

*sighs* I think you're serious, and this is troublesome.

Seriously. Do you really think that the amount of cough syrup you could take while ill could possibily derail your diet?

The Lounge Is monogamy realistic? Oct 28 2009
18:26 (UTC)
109

One of the benefits of marriage (as an institution) is having made a commitment not to one another, but to your family and friends and community. In other words, it's harder to take the easy way out when you have to fess up to all those people.

I don't personally think it's a question of human nature as much as it is of evolution. We are becoming increasingly evolved in terms of being self-aware and being selfish (which is not always a bad thing. With 2 small kids at home if I were not selfish every once and a while I would never get to the gym). If somthing is unsatisfying, we've learned to change all or a part of it. For some, this applies to their relationship as well.

Recipes Healthy recipe similar to mashed potatoes Oct 28 2009
09:16 (UTC)
1

sounds yummy. thanks!

I bet you could add some pureed steamed cauliflower (which I sometimes use for a mashed potato-like substitute) to add bulk without calories.  1/2 cup of ANYTHING is usually too little for my tummy.... :)

The Lounge The answer to misbehaving behavioral problem children! CLICK HERE TO SEE MICHACHU'S ANSWER! Oct 27 2009
21:03 (UTC)
3

Where do I sign?!

Weight Loss oh man....its my first day...didnt know it was going to be this hard!! Oct 27 2009
09:54 (UTC)
6

Welcome and trust me, it will get easier.

My first day:  I was diligent about writing down everything I had eaten and really thought that I was making healthy food choices. My nutrion score for the day was an A-.  My calories were close to 3500! It was a wake-up call.

We've all been there. What is great is that after a while, you realize that healthy choices and smart eating become more natural. And the times in which you really want to have a treat -- you can do it without feeling guilty because you know how many calories it has and you account for it.

Good luck!

Fitness Marathon, Am I over estimatig my abilities?? Oct 27 2009
07:43 (UTC)
14

I fully agree with Wemckean about the Half Marathon, but would suggest that it become part of your full marathon training.  In other words, if you really want to run a marathon start training for one. You'll find that roughly 6-8 weeks into the training, the distance will increase to that of a half marathon.

So if you plan to run one, knowing that if you want to eventually run a marathon, and give yourself a full 10-12 weeks of training time after the half marathon, you will still have time to train for the full marathon.

Fitness Marathon, Am I over estimatig my abilities?? Oct 26 2009
20:33 (UTC)
16

I ran a marathon roughly 5 months after starting to run regularly. Admittedly I was 23 years old at the time, but my point is that if you want to you can do it.

I just ran my second marathon 3 weeks ago, almost 20 years after the first one. Even though I run regularly, training for the marathon is a specific type of training and I trained for about 16 full weeks.

The important thing is to find a training program that you feel matches your style and your goals. And then stick to it. Most training programs will slowly increase your distance and several are "couch to marathon" programs. But I need to stress the importance of sticking with the training both to avoid injuries and to assure that your body has acquired the strength and endurance it needs to get you through 26 miles.

Good luck!

Motivation How to avoid grazing at parties? Oct 26 2009
20:17 (UTC)
4

Never go hungry. Never "save" your calories for the party by skipping a meal or meals.

If you can get a workout in before the party, it may help you stay motivated and also gives you a cusion should you want to try something.

Don't try to completely avoid the buffet table or you really will graze. Pick the one thing that looks like it is too good to pass up and take a small piece. If you can, toss it after 3 bites. If you don't like it as much as you thought you would, toss if after the first bite. Trust me, it won't taste any better after 5 bites and the calories are not likely worth it.

I always keep a drink in my hand -- it makes it more difficult to graze simply because you need to balance the glass and your food in order to eat.

I also try to avoid drinking just water because it simply isn't satisfying enough when faced with all those yummy foods. A low cal option that is yummy and satisfying is juice and selzer water mix.

Weight Loss Skippy Natural Peanut Butter Oct 23 2009
19:39 (UTC)
2

I live in Italy and we can get Skippy here for about $5 for the smallest jar imaginable. They have a few Dutch brands that are pretty good. But lately I've been making my own using a bit of peanut butter and natural or dry roasted peanuts.  It's really easy and you get fantastic peanut butter (chunky or moderately chunky) without the added sugars and oils.

p.s. It doesn't last long enough at our house to worry about it getting rancid....

Weight Loss Sweet Tooth problems, any help? Oct 21 2009
09:43 (UTC)
7

I've been making a modified version of caramel popcorn as a snack for my 6 year old. 

I basically modified the traditional caramel recipe to use less butter and I make maybe 1/3 cup of caramel for a huge bowl of popcorn. The result is a very light coat of caramel which is sweet enough to satisfy and relatively low in calories. It stays fresh for several days in a ziploc bag.

If I crave a sweet/salty combination, I'll add a handful peanuts to the mixture but this obviously increases the calories and the fat content.

Foods Cheese or Milk Oct 21 2009
07:42 (UTC)

LOL.

OP: Cheese or Milk (title) Cheese or Yogurt (post). Hmmmm

Foods Cheese or Milk Oct 20 2009
14:14 (UTC)
16

Better for what?

Both are rich in calcium. Both have protein. Yogurt has the advantage of live cultures, but can be high in sugar depending on what Brand or variety you buy. Cheese tends to be higher in fat.

Personally, I tend to make a distinction not between Yogurt, Milk or Cheese but between Cheese and Olive Oil. I love cheese and will grate it on top of steamed veggies instead of using olive oil, butter or another fat.

Hope this helps?

The Lounge Boyfriend cheating, I'm pregnant, cannot confront him Oct 17 2009
12:19 (UTC)
13

I don't think anyone can tell you what to do... it would be a difficult situation to confront after 3 years of a relationship regardless of the fact that you're pregnant. And the fact that you are carrying a baby greatly complicates things.

A few thoughts for what they're worth:

- relationships and marriage don't get any easier as time goes on. Trust, respect and compassion is what helps get a marriage through its more difficult periods. If you question trust enough to check his email -- as right or as wrong as checking his email may be -- you may want to look again at the foundations of your relationship.

- you're carrying a baby. I have no idea how old you are, how far along the pregancy is, what your economic resources for raising a child are, what your beliefs are or where you are in life. This is no longer just a question of you and your boyfriend. You are bringing a child into the world.

- you may have made a mistake checking his mail, but the information you now have is not going to get any easier for you to hide. Is it not better to confront BOTH situations as soon as possible so that you both have the time to figure out how you truly feel about the relationship? Not to mention how you feel about becoming a parent?

- No one can make this any easier. But pretending like nothing happened won't work either. And you will only be able to hide the fact that you're pregnant for a short while. I think you need to get as much information into the open as possible. I also think you might need to accept the fact that regardless of what your boyfriend says, you can only trust yourself right now.

Good luck!

Fitness Marathon...Sick...Help! Oct 16 2009
18:54 (UTC)
5

I just ran the Loch Ness Marathon in Scotland and like you, had trained hard and got sick during the taper period. (I actually hear that it happens quite often, as our bodies relax). Anyway, like you I was really worried that I was going to tank 16 weeks of training just a week and a half before the Marathon.

Your priority is to get yourself healthy and that means no running for a few days.

After the weeks of training, nothing in these last 10 days is going to make or break your marathon EXCEPT not getting your body strong. Fluids, good food, lots of rest, etc.

I was still slightly sick 3 days before the marathon, but almost better. Extra carbs, extra fluids and no running. In the last two weeks before the marathon, I ran only 4 times -- the 4th was a 2 mile run the day before the race to loosen my legs.

HAVE FUN and good luck!

p.s. I ran the whole marathon without walking, despite the hills and serious legs cramps during the last 6 miles. I was slower than I had hoped, finishing just over 4.18, but I had a fantastic time and in the end, in my opinon, that is what really counts.

 

Weight Loss Something isn't adding up Oct 06 2009
17:00 (UTC)
Original Post by amethystgirl:

scaroppo - have you read Rachel Cosgrove's article on this?

I am SO very thankful for this link. Her article is amazing and encouraging. I didn't read it until today (two days AFTER the marathon) because I really didn't want to obsess too much about the weight when my real goal was the marathon.

Speaking of which:  Scotland was amazing. We drove the marathon route on Friday and when I saw how many hills there were (which I didn't train for) -- one of which was a fairly steep climb from mile 17 to mile 18 -- I decided to focus on the single objective of finishing without walking.

In the end I achieved all but the most aggressive of my original objectives which was to finish under 4 hours.  I had fun. Ran for a while with a crazy group of guys in kilts. Ran the whole marathon without walking. Ran through the most intense leg cramps I've ever experienced. And finished just under 4.20.

Now I'm going to restart lifting (I have SO missed lifting), while focusing on fat burning and dropping these extra pounds before the holidays.

THANKS to all of you! SmileSmile

Weight Loss Something isn't adding up Sep 24 2009
18:49 (UTC)
4

Fully agree. Thanks for the support.

If I weren't back up to 122 pounds, and my jeans actually fit me, I probably would be focusing only on the Marathon. I guess I just needed to hear it from all of you guys too.

Real quick. The 1500 is an average and before I started counting again at the beginning of the month I am CONVINCED I was eating more than that (which likely caused the weight gain in the first place) because when I started counting my eyeball portion sizes were way off. But I agree, it's not enough on long run days.

:) you guys rock! thanks!

Weight Loss Something isn't adding up Sep 24 2009
13:58 (UTC)
10
Original Post by devilish_patsy:
Am not thrilled with hearing that you burn so many calories that you have a tummy ache the rest of the day...but then I prefer lifting to running.

THANK YOU for the great input. The tummy ache comes from running for 2-3 hours, not from the actual numbres calories burned. And I do manage to eat at least 1800 calories on those days, but when I'm also burning close to 2000 calories it's a balancing act.

This is my second marathon, the first one was 20 years ago. I usually run 2-3 days a week (normal distances) and lift 4 days a week. Which is what really irks me -- my overall muscle mass and definition has decreased because I'm focusing on the running, not the lifiting. And no, it's not just a water thing or a numbers thing. I can't fit into my skinny jeans.

Bottom line is that for the next week I need to focus on my first priority: running the marathon as best I can. Which means high carbs and storing energy. Afterwhich, I can focus on trying to seriously lose the weight. In the meantime, any further thoughts would be MUCH appreciated.

Fitness Marathon Runners or Trainers Wanted Sep 15 2009
15:44 (UTC)
1

Hey Kent50021, THANK YOU!

Yes, October is VERY close. Training is going well and I've been pleasantly surprised that increasing the number of days a week that I run (4 days of between 3 and 8 miles + 1 long run) has actually helped minimize the problem that I have with my tendons.

My first and only marathon was in the Midwest -- Twin Cities, 1990. It was a fantastic experience and I'm sure that Wisconsin in October will be just as beautiful. My marathon is in Scotland and we'll be running along Loch Ness.

I've been able to log both a 20 and a 21 mile run, and ran my last long run (19 miles) last Sunday. This Sunday is the Turin Half Marathon and then I start the countdown for Scotland. All in all my goal is to have fun, to finish without walking and to see whether or not I can break 4 hours.

Thanks again and I'll let you know how it goes.

 

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