Posts by sjenn23231

Thanks for the reminder Sara... I swear I thought I had posted this week...and may have even typed it out and just not submitted it...

I'll fill in the blanks next week though...but I'm maintaining this week..eating well, and even fitting in SEAL team, just no time to post.....Work is hectic -- we're a trade association that also lobbies (Local only) and the VA General Assembly is in session unti March, so things are hectic.  I know several of you are involved in the political arena, so you know what I mean.  When they say jump, you say how high if they are asking for information for legislation.

Be back Monday!

~Susan

Happy Hump-Day everyone!

Things are going GREAT here.  While I do need to concentrate on upping my calories and especially the protein, I'm doing well with the eating and logging phase of my healthgain plan.

The exercise part - I'm totally ROCKIN' right now.  Graduated the SEAL team Basic class on 1/16 and joined the general membership, which gives me the right to 3 one hour workouts a day Monday - Friday, plus the Saturday work out, and all the "extra" events they do.  Those fools were outside running 5 & 10k on Saturday morning at 7am when it was 7 degrees (F)---- I did decide that I could skip that one.  So, in 15 days, I worked out 11.... That's a FEAT for me!  Wow, that would equat to 73.3% accomplishment rate....

Monday night went to the workout and did ALOT of running....first for time - 20 minutes at our pace...and then SPEED drills... and as most of larger women would agree -- this body just ain't built for speed.... but I did my best and gave it 100%.........and you know what - the team CHEERED me on.  What a rush.  Then when it came to walking lunges and such, I was amazed that I was right in the 50%...not nearly the last and not the first....of people that have been on the team for years....so I was able to return the favor and cheer them on! 

For the weekly topic ---- what I'd like to be doing (or how I like to look at it -- what I will do in the very near future)----ANYTHING with my kids that I've felt restricted at because of my weight/size/physical inability..... Like soccer...running up and down that field for an hour is ALOT of work, biking for hours the many, many Civil War Battlefield parks that are hear in Richmond, VA., hiking in the gorgeous Shenandoah Mtns. (bears be darned), kayaking, rock climbing, powder puff football, ... you name it, I'll do it! 

Hope all is well with everyone.  I've been reading the updates and it so encouraging to hear that the majority of the time we are all able to make progress and see the encouragement in that.  I think realizing its not 100% or 0% is a huge step in getting on the right track!  KEEP IT UP LADIES! 

~Susan

Not getting older, getting much better.

Good morning ladies!

I've been keeping up and on the wagon but not posting as much but for a good reason..........the SEAL team training I started on Monday has me very SORE....but a good sore.

Its amazing to me that you can push yourself in the gym and you sweat and get sore, but when someone else pushes you, OMG............. my soreness has soreness...ALREADY!  LOL... But I did go back for the 2nd night of punishment lastnight.............it was brutal.  Its definitely a love/hate relationship.  I love the fact that I am doing it, I love being successful, I love feeling stronger and healthier.....but while in the the rain, 30 degrees (F), outside, rolling around on the ground, jumping to your feet, dropping to pushup position, running, pushups, situps, bear walks, crab crawls...........I was soaking wet, COLD, numb, and down right broken by the end of the hour last night.    I see how this method works in the armed services to "break em down and build em up"

Of course, they pair seasoned members with you who are AWESOME!  They encourage you, help with form, and even make up the count with you....if I can only do 10 crunches by the last 2 minutes and we have to do 20, a member will jump in a do 5 more with me encouraging me the whole way and when he or she sees I am trying and doing, will do MY last 5 for me..... Its a GREAT experience!  I don't know if its something that is everywhere, but if you have it in your city--- don't wait til you think you can do it.... do it now! 

The eating is on track and the exercise is there too!  SEAL wants me to not train at all for these first 2 weeks with them and then they will integrate my running into the program for me...they have a nutritionist on staff also who is available to all members......I'm going to take advantage of it all...... spoke to a man last night whose wife started in September....she's lost 69 lbs.... he started in December and has lost weight (didn't say a number) but says he feels stronger, better, off most of his medication....etc.....

I'm thinking about my goals for posting next week......reviewing everyone else's thoughts and ideas for theirs.....I'm pretty sure my big weakness is exercise so I need to make that my #1 goal........ I'm thinking that 60 min. sustained strength training 4 times a week by the end of the 12 weeks, broken into fourth.. 1st 3 weeks- goal is 1 time a week (min); at the 6 week mark  2 x week; and so on.----anyone have thoughts on that?  Sara....I'm not sure how to word that for a goal --- ??  Exercise - 4x a week by week 12  ??

#2 is caloric intake.... believe it or not, I tend to undereat... by about 200-300 calories.....especially if working out like I want to....

I put my thoughts into a table...don't know if goals should work like that...but here it is....Calories would be 1200 on non workout days (expect first 3 weeks when its consistent) and then on workout days, 1500 calories....

    Goals

Week       &nb sp;            Exercise       &nb sp;            Calories

1 -3              &nb sp;            1 x week        ;       &n bsp;        ;  1200

4-6               &nb sp;            2 x week        ;       &n bsp; 1200/1500

7-9               &nb sp;            3 x week        ;       &n bsp; 1200/1500

10-12      &nbs p;       & nbsp;       4 x week        ;       &n bsp; 1200/1500

It's so good to be back!  Everyone looks like they are working hard on their goals and coming to a more balanced place....

~Susan

Ughh... I've become "THAT PERSON" that I don't want to be.  I've been late posting for almost a MONTH now....

I owe you guys an apology and beg forgiveness.  I really want to be in the group but also know that part of the reason I haven't been posting is THE reason I need to be posting - accountability.

Again, I haven't gone off the reservation but I'm standing at the border, thinking about it.  Psychologically January 1 holds some sort of "start over" mentality - (doesn't it for most people?)  so I'm tying myself to a tree and waiting for that date.  LOL.  So I guess I have jumped off the wagon though to be at this point.

I have still been watching what I eat but not exercising so I continue to stay exactly the same shape. 

HOWEVER, January 1 is a reset date.  Posting here, exercise, water... all the things I've come to ENJOY and truly miss but also easily push aside. 

~Susan

Sorry for the MIA ladies.... End of the year is a bear at work and even more so this year with the economic conditions. 

I'll be honest... I haven't read the posts in the last 2 weeks or even had a few minutes to post.  But that will change shortly.  and I WILL be back posting much too long of stories ...LOL

I'm not off the wagon as far as eating but in as much as I haven't even been able to post online, I also haven't been making it to the gym.... that too will change at the first of the year.

So, I'm maintaining through this period at work and life.....only to be back DRIVING the wagon January 1.

~Susan

On the cold weather front (pun intended) I love it, when I can stay home snuggled up inside the house!  However, I tend to also choose to eat, eat, eat when cooped up in snowstorms....more than likely from just boredom.

Kcerveny--- running tights!  I LOVE them.  For a multitude of reasons... First of all, I tend to be cold all the time...until I run.  Tights are warm and comfy.  Until you run and get warm, then they wick the moisture away from you and you stay just right!  I highly recommend them....In fact, I own 3 pair, just in case I don't get them washed before I run again.  I even bought my husband a pair.  LOL... He says no way he's wearing them.... Run in sweats during the winter, get chaffed "down there" and he'll be wearing them...maybe under the sweats, but he'll be wearing them.

Sara - I just wanted again to thank you for such a HUGE supportive area.  Not only do I hook up through the forum with all the Wagon Jumpers, I've made several closer connections also.  Nannygabber and I are very close in age, circumstance, goals, weight, etc.....and we usually email a couple times per week.  Its great to have a go-to source here on the board and with other members.  I find that things I might not want to openly discuss with the whole board, I'm open to talking about with Julie.  95% of the time after working through it, it comes to the Board too..... But I find that one-on-one accountability invaluable...but only through Wagon Jumpers did I make that connection...so thank you, thank you and thank you!

I find more and more my tastes changing..... for about a week now I crave (I mean REALLY REALLY crave) sushi.... (nope, CAN'T be pregnant).  Cucumber rolls with brown rice specifically.  I know soy sauce is terribly high in sodium so I limit that to one pre-package....anyone know if they individually prepackage the low sodium type?---but I slather on the wasabi..... you know, I haven't even checked that calorie count.

Anyway, my family is making running a family matter now.  My twins (9 year old boys) ran 1/2 a mile last night on the way home from school.  Funny thing--- I hadn't changed yet and they didn't wait....so they got out and ran through our neighborhood with me following in the SUV, lights on, since it was 6pm.  A couple of cars passed us... I wonder if they thought I MADE them run?  LOL

Now, they've got the bug too..... so we're ALL working on the 5k (3mile) run for Toys for Tots in December.  I'm EXCITED to be able to share something like this with them. 

Today the local radio station started playing Christmas music 24/7!!!!??????  Hope everyone is having a fabulous preamble to the holidays..keep up the great work!

(PS..check out my gallery, I uploaded 2 new pics of me finishing the 8K...they're not pretty but I sure am proud)

~Susan

Good morning everyone! 

I'm suffering from a bit of a cold this week which is helping on the calorie intake side, and as you can see, I'm try to look at it positively.

As far as this week's topics. . . Goal meeting - I'm sitting in the driver's seat driving this wagon!  Calories are on, I'm exercising, my first 8k is this weekend, and my water intake is way up if not at the 100 oz a day.  I may not be meeting 3 strength/4 cardio and the 100 oz. exactly but its so close that I'm more proud of where I am than where I'm not...i hope that makes sense.

As far as Wagon Jumping..... while I read Noni's description in depth... my own particular spin on my wagon jumping is that often I say I've fell off but in reality its always a jump.... it's always a conscience choice.... exercise or not.... eat those empty calories or not...... we all have a choice.  Some of us have underlying reasons why we don't make good decisions (I tend to be an emotional eater).... but for me, I find I jump on and I jump off...... I'd like to say I fell but I realize now that's an excuse.... and if I hold myself accountable more, whether or not I'm on or off, I feel more in control of me and my choices.

I'm totally siked and totally petrified about the 8k (5 mi) run this weekend.  While technically a race, I just want to be able to run it.  Which for me is about an hour of running.... 4 months ago I started Couch to 5k and couldn't even run the 1 min without being winded.....................anyone interested in cardio health I highly recommend the Couch to 5k........ After this, I move on to a 10k (6 miles).... 

For those of you who want to run to lose weight.... forget about it.  Did the running program for a solid month without a change......Can't tell you what it did for measurements because I hadn't taken them..... added weight training in there and BAMMM!!!!  the inches and pounds started coming off.  I run for conditioning and I lift for weight loss and increased metabolism..It's funny how the two coincide... I can run better because I lift and I can lift longer because I run.

Hope everyone is doing well heading into this holiday season!

~Susan

First off, a little disclaimer, that I am not vegetarian....however, i do make a homemade low fat/low cal potpie that I believe could be easily adapted, and I've given it a shot below:

• 2  cups  chopped leek
• 1/4  cup  chopped shallot
• 3/4  teaspoon  chopped fresh or 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 1/2  cups  refrigerated diced potatoes with onions (such as Simply Potatoes)
• 1/3  cup  dry white wine
• 1  teaspoon  Dijon mustard
• 1  (14-ounce) can fat-free or low fat choice of veggie broth
• 1 1/2  cups  frozen mixed vegetables
• 1/4  teaspoon  salt
• 1/4  teaspoon  freshly ground black pepper
• 1 1/2  tablespoons  cornstarch
• 2  tablespoons  water
• 2/3  cup  half-and-half
• Cooking spray
• 1 1/4  cups  low-fat baking mix (such as Bisquick Heart Smart)
• 1/2  cup  fat-free soy milk

Preheat oven to 425°.

Melt butter in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add leek, shallot, and thyme; sauté 2 minutes. Add potatoes; sauté 2 minutes. Add wine; cook 1 minute or until liquid evaporates. Stir in mustard and broth; bring to a boil. Cook 4 minutes, stirring occasionally. Stir in mixed vegetables, salt, and pepper; cook 1 minute. Combine cornstarch and 2 tablespoons water in a small bowl, stirring with a whisk. Add cornstarch mixture and half-and-half to pan. Reduce heat, and simmer 2 minutes, stirring constantly. Spoon mixture into a 13 x 9-inch baking dish coated with cooking spray.

Lightly spoon baking mix into dry measuring cups; level with a knife. Combine baking mix and milk  in a medium bowl, stirring with a whisk. Spoon batter over chicken mixture; spread evenly to cover. Bake at 425° for 20 minutes or until topping is golden and filling is bubbly. Let stand 10 minutes.

I buy the foil potpie pans (6 for $1) at the Dollar Store or grocery store and they come with the lids.  I prepare them all, let cool, cover and then wrap again in Freezer Press & Seal.  Put them in the freezer.  Pull them out as needed.  It takes about 20-30 minutes on 350 to be hot and bubbly again. 

~Susan

Good morning all!  Welcome to new members who I didn't get to welcome last week and early this week.  I know you'll find this forum rewarding.

Sara - I was so upset to hear another CC was offended at "rules" of the group.  And then to turn around and call it stupid.  Personally, I get SOOO much from this group that I can't even begin to list them all. 

Julie - 11 in a row!  Way to go on those pushups girl!  My husband and I started the 100 pushup challenge together 2 weeks ago.  It's not "officially" part of my workout routine but I joined him so we are doing it together.  So if I don't do it, I don't consider it falling off the wagon AS LONG as I do my other workouts.  Needless to say, its been a whole week since I've: worked out; run; tracked intake..... But I was always conscience of what I was putting in my mouth.  And guess what - it didn't kill me.

I did stress eat more than once.  I did not watch fat as much as I normally do.  I did have a piece of pizza - my personal weakness, which I had been 4 months without! - but by just being aware, I didn't gain (nor lose) weight in a week.  Might sound trivial, but I don't feel "set-back".

Everyone - THANK YOU!  so much for the well wishes for my mom.  We're all praying her open heart surgery will be fine.  And following her heart attack, I think the doctors are monitoring her closely.  I will add another personal note here.... I don't know how many of you remember the MRI scan comparisons I posted a couple of weeks ago..... but my Mom is class overweight/obese round shape, which is best indicator for heart problems in women.  She eats badly, doesn't exercise at ALL, smokes (or used to). . . she was literally "a heart attack waiting to happen" and when it did, found her completely surprised that she had one.    Its amazing to me that women are not aware of the symptoms/signs of their heart issues.... its not the crushing pain in the chest and down the left arm like men.  Most women who have heart attacks have asymptomatic signs. 

But seeing her and the pain and the future of ME if I don't treat my heart and body better....is motivation to make sure I'm on the wagon for life!  My goals aren't to be "skinny".  Sure, I won't lie, I'd LOVE to make guys turn their head but I'd pick living to see my grandchildren marry and have children who I can run and play with at 80 over beauty ANY DAY!

Have a fabulous week!

~Susan

Fantasy.. I whole heartedly subscribe to Sara's "Plan for success when you are swamped, then the rest should follow easily."  .... I said to my husband the other night (who is JUST starting his healthgain program) that if you fail to prepare, prepare to fail.  I thought everyone would have heard that by the time they had graduated HS.  I couldn't believe it when he didn't know the phrase... so it bears repeating.... Failing to prepare is Preparing to Fail.  You know you know what you've gotta do.  You know how to eat and how to not.  You know you have gotta exercise.  Its changing the "gottas" into actually doing it.  Cook healthy, easily prepared foods ahead of time and freeze them.  You accomplish MORE than eating well....you save time!  which cuts stress and helps out in other areas. 

Julie.. Remember, take time to heal.  Pain is your body's on aversion therapy.  Trying to work through it too much will actually INCREASE one's distaste for exercise as exercise begins to be equated with pain, discomfort, and "bad" feelings.  Who knew exercise was a mental thing?  LOL.  There are great other exercises you can do...maybe this is the time to really vamp up your lower body strength training...using machines which assist a little more so as to not aggravate that rib muscle....leg curls, leg extensions, leg press, abductor and adductor machine.....try low (lower than you would ever imagine or even NONE) weights and many reps.

Sara . . I personally love the group and think its size is perfect.  I often check back several times per day, but I have a job where that is possible and then I don't access it on weekends but come back on Monday to "catch up".  As long as the site is manageable to YOU to work, I think we can all agree that sometimes it can get busy and difficult to really read every post but we can all skim.... and posting once a week isn't that much of a deal...and we do get reminders, not just booted out.  While I don't always address everything I read, I do get something from each and every post.  And 75% of that is the accountability and responsibility we have to each other.  Part of me feels if we go down in size or posting requirement, we could lose a little of that....

Hope EVERYONE has a fabulous weekend....!!!  Keep up the great progress.

-Susan

 BTW---posted a new recipe....if interested...Easy Pasta w/tomatoes & chickpeas.  304 cal; 6.8g fat, 15.9g protein, 44.4g carbs.

Sara...

I think we all have to learn how to deal with the special occasions without feeling like its an all or none choice.  All - your #1 choice or none - your #2 choice... I like the moderation of #3.  But that is all personal opinion.  What I wouldn't want you to set in your mind is this is a "punishment" of some type.  In reality, BEFORE, you would have (as us all) gone much more out of control.  To be aware and cognisant of your eating habits is our final goal.  In the end, to make a fully aware, informed choice.  Like your post a couple weeks ago... instead of "I couldn't" being fully aware and knowing that it is "I chose not to".

You are doing fabulous on changing your life habits!  Thanks for moderating such a valuable group!

-_Susan

for a great soup that doesn't taste like it would be lower fat and calorie... Creamy Chix & Wild Rice Soup....homemade but quick!  could easily be adapted for crab and/or shrimp also.

Turkey chili is another good one. 

Here's a great alternate breakfast sandwich (like the golden arches but better for you) and they are great to make ahead of time and throw in the fridge in individual ziploc bags....then pick it up on the way out to work...throw in the microwave at work for 30 seconds and viola! Breakfast.

I peel and cut bananas in half then put about 12 halves in a ziploc bag.  Throw them in the freezer.......in about 24 hours, a sweet alternative to desserts.  Satisfies ice cream cravings too!

Jumping in on the Fasting topic. . .

I too have utilized a fast for a day in order to clear my system and reset it.  I physically would get to the point of being drained and worn down and just a general "full" and bloated feeling.  Of course, this usually followed a series of days of unhealthy choices.

For me, fast meant any liquids.... so soup (chicken broth) was included.  I can't begin to tell you the difference it made.  In the way I felt and the way I could just make that U turn and get back on track.

For the TMI part, it does help to clear your system.  After a day of fasting, the next day my system would self-purge and flush out.  Talk about difference.  My energy would return, my skin would be healthier, and I was ready to conquer the world.

Sara - I'm glad to hear your fast turned out well.  Sounds like you were prepared going in and knew the limits.  And were well prepared upon exiting.  I'm not for fasting for weight loss.  However, fasting to clear your system has worked for me in the past.  I can see how those will some tendencies might not be able to define the lines so clearly and fasting could lead to further problems.  And as always, you should be generally healthy before ever attempting and if possible, consult your doctor.

--Susan

Melkor is absolutely correct.....  Cardio is for heart health and quality of life.  Who wants to say they can't run/jog for 90 seconds?  That's where I started a little over 9 weeks ago.... Picked up the Couch to 5K program thinking "great, I'll learn to run AND lose weight".... WRONG!  Almost no weight loss.  BUT I've finished the program and can now run for an 1/2 hour straight.  I'm working up to an 8k on Nov. 8th.  But that is all because, and I never thought you'd hear this from my mouth, its FUN!  And my heart rate when exercising is much healthier and I feel healthier.

When I added strength training in there, I thought, okay, so now the pounds will drop off..........again, wrong.  BUT I'm stronger and leaner now.  **In 6 weeks I've lost inches** And I do see a weight loss on the scale every week, but if I guess by the mirror first, I can see 10x more muscle and toned muscle and less fat.....  So, if I weigh 10lb more than I thought I would but look like I lost 25lb, I still am excited about the changes!

I think just like everyone else, trainers ALL have different opinions.... Personally mine has me do some cardio for warm up 12-20 minutes running, walking or biking -- up to me....some good stretching....and then we start into weight training.  We do (and excuse me, I probably will call it something wrong) compound exercises and pair them up.  3 sets of 15 (working up to 20) and then a quick 2 minutes cardio blast ...like a full out 7-8mph run on an incline.  Then on to a different double set of exercises and blast again....  Each night is a different major muscle group with a minor group...every other night except when we do chest, we skip at least 2 days.

Just Tuesday night my trainer said if I wanted to increase weight loss which in his opinion isn't a one to one correlation to fat loss, try walking in the pool.  No weights, no nothing.  Just your suit and walk.... 30 minutes of that is like 2 hours on the treadmill...  Haven't tried it but just might add it onto the end of a weight session just because it sounds pretty fun.

-Susan