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| Weight Loss | 28, fem, looking to go from 140 to 120 lbs by this fall-similar stats and goals anyone? | Nov 10 2008 21:10 (UTC) |
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Hi all! I'm 5'4", currently around 126lbs. I lost over 20lbs this summer to get down to my first goal of 125, and had surpassed that earlier this fall. Lately, though, I've been really lax about eating and have put back on a few pounds. So, I'm setting a new goal of 120 for New Years at the latest. I hope to be under 125 by Thanksgiving. I'm also vegan, which I began in late June of this year, and I really love it! However, I have a tendency to binge eat and when I do, I ignore my veganism. It's horrible. I end up feeling bad about my body and myself for eating animal products. It's as if I lose all control over my eating AND my belief system :-( So, in addition to losing these few pounds, I'm really hoping to get back on track in controlling myself. Here's to hoping! |
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| Motivation | Clean Eating Motivation Buddies! | Nov 10 2008 21:06 (UTC) |
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I'm so glad you both are interested in this kind of group!
I hope that posting on this site will let some of the stress out and replace my need to binge with a need to post!! (yeah right...) octo-luv- Good for you getting back to the gym!! I'm all about working out... It's really the one thing I have control over lately, even if my eating tends to spiral downwards. I really advocate getting into a workout routine because it helps you to remember WHY it's important to eat healthy in the first place- because your body needs good food to function well! Now, if only I could remember that when there's a huge pile of cookies in front of me.... *sigh* |
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| Vegetarian | vegan survey | Aug 05 2008 18:40 (UTC) |
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1. Favorite non-dairy milk? Silk Unsweetened Plain Soymilk - tofu stir fry with broccoli, asparagus, and lots of garlic (dinner tonight!) - whole grain penne with brussels sprouts, sundried tomatoes, seitan, and dijon reduction - vegan cupcakes! I still haven't tried a recipe!
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| Vegetarian | New Vegan on Skinny Bitch diet! Join me! | Aug 05 2008 13:33 (UTC) |
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Hollybnz, that's awesome!! Congrats! I feel the same way about the book/lifestyle, I know that it's not for everyone (and some people think it's totally bogus) but it's made me so much more energized, healthy, and happy! I've definitely noticed the same things you have- clearer skin, more energy during the day, and just overall more enthusiasm to stay healthy and eat foods that really nourish my body. Isn't it amazing? My family keeps joking that I turned into a different person this summer... although I'm not sure about that, I know I've definitely become a better one! I'm SO glad that other people have tried it and feel the same way! If you're interested in another good book to read, try The China Study. It's very controversial (as is Skinny Bitch) but also very interesting to read. It's a much more scientific book, but it's exceptionally thought-provoking. I'd recommend going on the China Study website and reading the Introduction to see if you're interested in reading the whole book (400+ pages). To anyone who's reading, I hope all is well and that you'll keep sharing your struggles and successes! Have a good one :-) |
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| Vegetarian | Vegan need help | Jul 30 2008 12:32 (UTC) |
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Hey! I guess everyone else on this thread basically just wants to bicker, not actually help you out :-) Seitan is also good, it has a slightly higher calorie count than tofu, but it's also just good to mix it up! I'd say in terms of the nut butters thing, you're right to think that adding a TON of fat into your diet isn't really the way to go. Even when you're talking about bulking up, moderation is key (I know that sounds dumb). If I were you, I'd try to increase ALL aspects of my diet (i.e. more protein, more whole grains, more fruits, more vegetables, and more fats) instead of just slabbing on more cashew butter or whatever. That seems like the best way to ensure that your body is getting what it needs... That said, eating an extra few pieces of lettuce is not going to do the job. Maybe try cooking 1.5 times the recipe instead of 1 serving, or even 2 servings if that doesn't help, of whatever you're making for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. That way, you'll be increasing calories in a balanced way. And if you have trouble eating so much at once, make the two portions and eat one when you're hungry, then wait a while and eat the second a few hours later or whenever you're hungry. Hope some of this helps.... I'm not an expert by any means, but I like to think I've read enough about nutrition to back up some common sense food advice :-) Have a good one! |
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| Vegetarian | Vegan need help | Jul 29 2008 20:08 (UTC) |
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Oreos may be vegan, but they're absolutely horrific for you! If being vegan is partially a health choice on your part, I'd avoid them! Just like you said, you'd rather eat something nutritious. Upping your calories with whole grains and protein is best! Have you tried cooking with tempeh in addition to/instead of tofu? It's got a higher calorie count and is still very healthy. I've NEVER had the problem of needing to eat more, but if I did, I think I'd worry about the quality of my food intake more than ever, since I'm putting so much of it into my body. Good luck! |
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| Motivation | Wanted to Binge...But overcame the cravings ! :D | Jul 23 2008 17:09 (UTC) |
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That's so awesome! Although I don't personally suffer from BED, I do totally understand the power of cravings and the desire to binge. I had a few days in which I would let myself binge (relatively small binges, but horrible nonetheless) before making myself throw up. Luckily I was able to pull myself out of it and found a MUCH healthier way to lose weight. I've stuck to my plan all summer, and I've lost about 20 pounds doing so. I know how amazing it feels when you overcome a craving- and you deserve tons of praise! It's not easy to tell your mind and body to stop doing something, especially when it's something you love to do!! Keep it up, there's a light at the end of the tunnel, I promise! |
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| Vegetarian | "Skinny Bitch" book, fruit for breakfast | Jul 23 2008 16:53 (UTC) |
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Hi, sorry it's been a few days- I decided to actually focus on my job for a little while haha! My boyfriend is definitely an omnivore, and probably more like a carnivore to be honest! When we started dating, I was a vegetarian (I was veggie for about 10 years when I was quite young, and met him in the last year of my vegetarianism) and actually decided while I was with him to start eating meat again. Working in a restaurant, going out to dinner with him quite often, and cooking tons of yummy (but unhealthy) meals meant that I definitely gained weight while an omnivore. When I decided to go vegan this summer, he was supportive but he definitely misses the dinners out for huge steaks, etc! I'm not entirely sure whether I want to be vegan 100% of the time for the rest of my life. I read an article the other day about a woman who follows a strict vegan diet 6 out of 7 days a week, and eats fish or "relaxes" her diet one day a week. I think that a variation on this idea would be good for me. Since I love eating at nice restaurants and I'm a total "foodie," it might be good for me to allow myself one meal every week/month/however often when I can indulge. I really think that staying away from dairy products has made the biggest change for me, and eating fish or even organic meat every once in a while won't kill me. Some might call me hypocritical for saying that, because veganism is often an entire lifestyle, rather than a diet technique, but oh well- hypocrisy isn't always bad, especially if it means I'll lose weight and stay sane! |
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| Vegetarian | "Skinny Bitch" book, fruit for breakfast | Jul 18 2008 13:03 (UTC) |
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Wow, you have a lot of determination to live in such a difficult place and still do as well as you do! That takes serious motivation... I'm so lucky to live where I do, and to have grown up where I did, both of which were places where vegetarians might sometimes be scoffed at, but are really very well accepted overall. I definitely shouldn't take that for granted! I think using the term vegetarian is smart, especially because (from what it sounds like) if you introduced yourself as vegan, you might be chased out of your cattle-loving city! I'm so jealous that you do an organic produce delivery! A good friend of mine does one, and I beg her to let me taste everything when it comes in. The carrots, snap peas, and almost all the produce are so sweet- they're seriously like candy... an awesome change from the bland produce found in most grocery stores. I suppose I should mention that I'm only vegan in diet, not in lifestyle. Although this may make me a "phony" or hypocritical vegan (since I still definitely wear and buy leather shoes, etc.) I'm fine with it. I started this whole thing as a diet, never really meaning to revamp my entire life, but I'm so happy eating vegan that I kept at it. Since my vegan diet is based on an effort to become healthier and to lose weight, I think that in the future- if I want to go out with my boyfriend and eat fish or a steak or even just something with milk in it, I will! But, as of now, I have absolutely no desire to. For me, it's when I say that something is totally off limits that I end up wanting it more. As long as veganism is still a choice, and not a chore, I'll be happy. I'm actually headed to New York City for the weekend today after work and I'm planning on dragging my friends to Pure Food & Wine, which is an all raw-food/vegan restaurant that's supposed to be fabulous! I'll let you know how it is if you're interested! |
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| Vegetarian | "Skinny Bitch" book, fruit for breakfast | Jul 17 2008 20:35 (UTC) |
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Okay good, I'm glad there are others out there who like to talk about nutrition as much as I do. I try to keep the food chatter to a minimum with most of my friends, they tend to think I'm going too far. My mom has actually been very supportive and has started eating better herself since I went vegan (just about a month and a half ago), but she still worries that I'm not being healthy, just like mothers always worry! So yeah, I only went vegan about 1.5 months ago, but I was a vegetarian for almost ten years when I was very young. Then I started eating meat again, gained weight while in my first year-ish of college, and just decided this past spring semester to really do something about it. I've dropped about 20 pounds just by combining LOTS of exercise with a focus on nutrition, and I'm about 2 pounds away from my initial goal. I know that the veganism has helped, especially cutting out dairy-- I used to be a total cheese-o-holic. I'm really lucky to have 3 Whole Foods, a Trader Joes, and countless farmers' markets all within a few miles of where I'm living for the summer. Also, when I go back to school in the fall, my college campus has a dining hall that is exclusively vegan and the town it's in is VERY vegan friendly- there are 3 veggie restaurants as well as tons of cafes that identify veggie and vegan items specifically. It's a perfect time in my life to start being vegan, even though it will be harder when I'm not always cooking for myself. I also love to cook! Since I like to eat just veggies and protein for dinner, I'll do a big stir fry or steam vegetables and cook tofu in some kind of sauce concoction, and then for lunch the next day I'll cook some brown rice, sweet potato, quinoa, or other grain/starch to eat with the leftovers from dinner. It's worked really well, especially when most of my co-workers go out and get greasy chinese food or burritos every day for lunch. I've really found that I'm eating a much, much more diverse diet now that I'm vegan, even though that seems totally oxymoronic. I think once you try it, you know what I mean though... how long have you been vegan? |
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| Vegetarian | "Skinny Bitch" book, fruit for breakfast | Jul 16 2008 16:28 (UTC) |
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Fuzzys, so glad to hear that you've been so successful with this plan! I think you're totally on the right track adapting it to your lifestyle, there's no law that says you have to do eeeeverything a book tells you to :-) It sounds like I follow some of these guidelines already, which makes sense because the Skinny Bitch philosophy totally overlaps in many areas. I eat a vegan organic diet, emphasizing whole foods like fruits and vegetables. (If you want to stop reading, go for it, I just really love to talk about this stuff!!) Most days, my meal plan looks like this: Breakfast- 1 slice whole grain sprouted bread with 1 tbsp raw no-salt peanut butter, 1 cup plain soymilk, 1 cup strawberries (or a kiwi, or some melon, etc...) Lunch- brown rice, tofu, broccoli and apsaragus stir fry, with a small piece of fruit or vegan cookie as a treat! Dinner- huge salad with veggies and balsamic vinegar, tofu/seitan/boca burger with steamed brussel sprouts, beets, cauliflower, etc. Snacks- tons of raw veggies, usually a bag of carrots and green beans or whatever I have on hand, sometimes a Larabar, or handful of almonds, and fruit for dessert (love frozen grapes instead of ice cream!) This plan has really worked for me, and eating my grains in the morning/at lunch help me get energy for my workouts, while keeping my dinner light with tons of vegetables and some protein. I feel healthier than I ever have, and really don't miss the old food I used to crave/"need" because I'm giving my body exactly what it can use to function properly. I'd like to talk more about this if you want- I've become totally obsessed, as you might be able to tell! |
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| Vegetarian | "Skinny Bitch" book, fruit for breakfast | Jul 15 2008 02:01 (UTC) |
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Fuzzys, it's awesome that you're taking the fruit for breakfast so seriously, how did you like Eat to Live? I love reading about nutrition, fitness, and dieting, so I'd love to hear what you thought of it. The one thing I'd tell you to be careful of is the fact that eating 4-6 servings of fruit can really rack up the sugar! Although, being on CalorieCount.com, I'm sure you're logging it in a smart way and using your calories wisely :-) I do raw food cleanses on the weekends, and my favorite part of my day is breakfast when I make myself a huge fruit salad to nosh on all morning. I usually include a grapefruit, a few kiwis, some melon, raspberries, strawberries, and fresh apricots. It's such a delicious way to eat clean! During the week I try to limit myself to 2-3 servings of fruit every day because otherwise I tend to go nuts. Eating fruit for breakfast is an amazing way to boost your energy and metabolism for the day, it helps me almost as much as working out in the morning does. Cheers! |
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| Vegetarian | "Skinny Bitch" book, fruit for breakfast | Jul 11 2008 20:24 (UTC) |
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I read Skinny Bitch, and while I don't follow that rule exactly, I understand where they're coming from. The idea of eating simply fruit for breakfast is to get something into your body that is quickly digested, and therefore stimulates your metabolism rather quickly. There is also an older diet book called Fit For Life that recommends this. Since I believe that integrating protein into every meal makes me feel fuller, I usually eat a serving of fruit (usually melon, berries, or kiwi) after my morning run, then I take the time to shower and get ready for work, and eat the protein part of my breakfast after 30-45 minutes. Typically I'll eat whole grain bread with peanut butter, or a 1/2 cup of plain soy yogurt, something like that. This technique of eating fruit first allows the digestion process to accelerate without leaving me hungry until lunch. Just make sure you wait a full half-hour if you actually want to notice a difference. I like this philosophy as well because I get to eat "two" breakfasts! Hope this helps... How'd you like the book, by the way? |
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| Motivation | Skinny Bitch | Jul 11 2008 16:52 (UTC) |
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I'm actually a really big fan of the book, although I admit that it does have its flaws. If you're going to read Skinny Bitch, you have to acknowledge that you can take SOME aspects from the book and not others. For instance, if you're not willing to go vegan, you can still learn important information about the hazards of the meat and dairy industries and use it to make better choices (i.e. grass-fed and finished beef, organic eggs, acknowledging the saturated fat content of animal products, etc.) instead of eliminating them entirely. The authors publicly announce that they use the title "Skinny Bitch" to get peoples' attention, because, unfortunately, being skinny is more important than being healthy for most women looking for a diet book. However, their real goal in writing is to provide the opportunity to make healthy transformations in your life. In one chapter, they urge the reader to make just ONE of their proposed changes each month, such as eliminating soda or caffeine, integrating more organic fruits and vegetables into their diet, or the extreme case of giving up meat and dairy, taking it one step at a time to the point that you are comfortable. It's liberating to realize that you don't need these things and that you are capable of changing. There is no need to go 100% vegan organic just because a book tells you to, but making small changes towards a healthier future is indisputably beneficial. Having read the book, I urge those who dismiss it to give it another shot. Dismissing the book because of the background of the authors is not a good idea, especially since Kim (the former model) has a degree in holistic nutrition from an independent holistic health center, which is not funded by the food industry (some are!). In my opinion, reading a book written by two women who have made positive changes in their lives to reach happier, more world-conscious, and yes, skinnier, states is motivating and empowering. The more information we attain, whether or not we agree with it, the more capable we will be to make healthy choices in our own lives. So, read the book and take it with a grain of salt :-) Or, if you don't like profanity, maybe a whole shaker of salt! |
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| Vegetarian | New Vegan on Skinny Bitch diet! Join me! | Jun 25 2008 16:43 (UTC) |
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Actually, there is for SOME foods! You'll see a little green "v" on many items. Also, underneath the ingredients list and nutrition facts, there's often a listing with things such as "gluten-free, vegetarian, vegan, kosher, wheat-free" etc. If it lists vegetarian, but not vegan, probably stay away! Whole Foods also has a little section in their bakery called "safe snacks" that has exclusively vegan treats! It's so helpful!! They pull together all the snack foods (mostly cookies, little cakes, etc.) that are vegan , and often gluten-free, which makes it easy to pick what looks good, rather than picking the ONLY vegan option. When in doubt, ask someone! Especially at a Trader Joes, Whole Foods, etc, they'll know what they're talking about! Good luck... |
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| Vegetarian | New Vegan on Skinny Bitch diet! Join me! | Jun 24 2008 13:38 (UTC) |
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Jassibelle, how much caffeine were you drinking before this? Personally, when I gave up caffeine, I was a little more tired than usual for the first 2-3 days, but after that it's been amazing. I actually feel awake all day long, and seldom get that droopy-eyed "i need coffee" feeling. However, I only drank one small coffee on most days of the work week, if any. And I'd only been drinking coffee regularly for a few months anyway, so I definitely wasn't a caffeine addict. I'd suggest drinking a big glass of water every time you would have had coffee- water is good for releiving headaches, and ice cold water always makes me a bit more alert too! As for the wheat bread thing, there are tons of brands that do not use animal products- you just have to make sure to read alllll the ingredients. Whole Foods and other organic grocery stores obviously carry the most of them (I like Rudi's Organic 7-Grain w/ Flax bread) but when in doubt, go to an actual bakery where the bread is freshly baked. In these cases, the owners will know the ingredients and usually there will be no preservatives or whey or any other scary oils, etc. Hope this helps! |
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| Weight Loss | 28, fem, looking to go from 140 to 120 lbs by this fall-similar stats and goals anyone? | Jun 23 2008 16:01 (UTC) |
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Hi there, it sounds like we're in (almost) the same position, although I started losing several weeks ago. I'm 20, 5'4, and started out at my heaviest somewhere around 145-147. I'm down to 133 now, but I still want to get down to 125 by the end of the summer (which is a pound a week of weight loss by my initial goals) and possibly lose more if all goes well! I'd love to have a buddy to talk back and forth with if you're interested. In response to lukycharms78, I'm also doing the vegan thing and having a lot of fun with it! I was a vegetarian for many years, then went back to eating meat, but have been using veganism as a way to really pay attention to what i'm eating and treat my body well for once. Whole Foods is heaven, i totally agree :-) |
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| Vegetarian | New Vegan on Skinny Bitch diet! Join me! | Jun 19 2008 13:44 (UTC) |
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I love the fact that it's not a diet, that's the best part! The whole point of the book is just to wake up and use your head about what you're eating. Plus I completely agree with the cruelty-free aspects of the book, which is what turns most people off from it. "Floggingsully," have you read the book? Anorexia is not even remotely the point! The fact that one of the two authors has a degree in Holistic Nutrition leads me to believe that they're a bit more than just "anorexic models," in addition to the fact that they have pages upon pages of footnotes referring to things written by people other than themselves. I agree that if one were to start a diet plan, it should be reviewed by a medical professional. But, since I'm using this book to open my eyes and mind to the kinds of food my body needs, I'm pretty sure I'll be fine. Thanks though. The fact that one of the two authors used to be a model doesn't discredit their ideas nor their intellectual capacity. Maybe you should read it, or at least the back cover, and you'd know that. |
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| Weight Loss | 130/120 Club? | Jun 19 2008 13:36 (UTC) |
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Hi all! I didn't know about the Wednesday weigh-ins, so I'm a day late but very happy! Heaviest: 147 Current: 132.5! That's my lowest so far! My goal is one pound a week until I go back to school in the fall, which would be 125. I'm going faster than that lately, but I'm not going to change my goal because I know that it's going to get harder, and 125 is a good weight for my body. Hope everyone's having a good week, I can't believe it's already Thursday! |
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| Weight Loss | 130/120 Club? | Jun 16 2008 18:53 (UTC) |
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Hey there, I'm in a similar situation to many of you- I started out at about 145-147 (depending on the day...) and I've made it down to 134.5 last time I weighed myself. I'm really happy with this progress, and I'm hoping to lose at least another 5 pounds (to get down to 130) in the near future and eventually all the way down to 125. I would love to be able to do that by the end of the summer, and while I know it's realistic, it will be a lot of work for me because my body is incredibly resistent to change! I'm glad to have other people around to share thoughts, etc. If any of you have advice or anything, my ears are open! |
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| Motivation | anyone wanting to go from 140 down to 120? | Jun 13 2008 12:31 (UTC) |
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Thanks for the warm welcome guys :-) I'm so glad it's Friday! I have a much easier time staying on track with going to the gym and eating well when I have something to look forward to, like the weekend. If anyone's interested, I've been reading a bunch of really interesting/diverse books on the subject of nutrition and healthy living. The first is Skinny Bitch, which I wouldn't recommend to the easily-offended, but which is really motivating and fascinating. The second is Mindless Eating, which is a really amazing account of a doctor who leads a Nutrition Lab that does tests on why people (specifically Americans) eat the way they do, or why we "eat more than we think." It's very humorously written and provides some good tips for making it easier to kick the mindless eating habits. The third book, which I'm just starting, is "In Defense of Food: An Eater's Manifesto" and I'll let you know how that goes once I finish it! I've found lately that if I eat well and surround myself with people, books, and websites (like this one!) that support me, rather than encourage me to cheat, I'm much more likely to drop these pounds. Have a good day :-) |
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| Vegetarian | New Vegan on Skinny Bitch diet! Join me! | Jun 11 2008 16:30 (UTC) |
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Actually I definitely don't just eat fruits and vegetables- but I totally know what you mean about the moderation thing! Just because it's healthy doesn't mean you should eat six pounds of it :-) Are you veggie/vegan? |
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| Motivation | I need a weight loss buddy!!! | Jun 11 2008 14:40 (UTC) |
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Hi, I know you've had a lot of responses already, but I'd like to join in if you don't mind! I'm 5'4, medium frame I suppose, and I started out in the 140s, have gotten down to 135 so far, and am looking to lose another 10 pounds (or more, obviously) by the end of the summer. I tend to get off track because I love food way more than working out! Let me know if you want to chat :-) I definitely diet more seriously if someone's watching my back... and I could do the same for you! |
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| Motivation | Clean Eating Challenge | Jun 11 2008 14:23 (UTC) |
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Hi! I'd love to try this, it's just what I need. I'm on a very strict but healthy diet and I've been doing really well, but sometimes I just shut down and eat an entire box of cereal... haha! Current weight- 135 Calorie goal per day- 1300, 1500 on days do dbl workouts. Thanks for having these posts- I'll check in every week! |
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| Motivation | Clean Eating Challenge | Jun 11 2008 14:22 (UTC) |
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Hi! I'd love to try this, it's just what I need. I'm on a very strict but healthy diet and I've been doing really well, but sometimes I just shut down and eat an entire box of cereal... haha! Current weight- 135 Calorie goal per day- 1300, 1500 on days do dbl workouts. Thanks for having these posts- I'll check in every week! |
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| Motivation | anyone wanting to go from 140 down to 120? | Jun 11 2008 14:18 (UTC) |
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| Hi! I'm fairly new to this site and this little group seems just right for me! At my worst (over spring break, having just eaten a HUGE meal out with family) I stepped on the scale and saw 147! I'm 5'4, and so I decided to start losing. I wasn't too serious about it, and got down to probably around 142 by around April, but since I started my summer internship (May 10th) I've gotten down to 135, which I'm really psyched about! I'd really like to get down to 125, which I know could take a while... just looking for some support :-) | |||
Will I lose weight if I eat the same food over and over?
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