140/130 club

Anyone in this grouping looking to drop from 140 to 130's.  We can all use support.  Today I am focusing on all the food groups.  Exercise would be good, but I won't be able to since I am working from 9 to 10:30.  A Super long day.  I hope I can stay focused, when I pass the fast food chaines on my travels today.

I'm a recent joiner of this community and am starting out at 149. I'm hoping to get down to 130-135. Getting that close to 150 was a big awakening to me since I know it's not healthy for my body and that I was feeding my body very unhealthy things. So starting this week I've revamped my diet filling it with lots of fruits, veggies, lean meat, and good fats, and have started a new exercise routine trying the different group fitness classes my college gym has to offer. So I'm holding off till the end of the week to weigh in becasue not seeing the scale move can be very disheartening to me. So hopefully this community can help keep me motivated. And I can soon be a success story!

Hi.  So I'm new to the forums.  I've used the website before but only to log my calories.  I'm feeling like I really need to lose this weight now and am having a really hard time.  I'm 26 and a full-time Ph.D. student so my schedule is really crazy and I don't have the money to join the gym.  Most days I'm gone from home by at least 9am and don't get home until 9pm.  I live in NYC so I try to walk a lot but there's only so much time to do that.  Anyone have any ideas for ways to fit in more exercise or good food options (that won't spoil without refridgeration) would be great. Currently my weight is between 145-147 most days and I'd like to get down to 130-135.  I'm almost 5'5".

Thanks all for reading!

Welcome zimmer and dansik!

Dansik - Although they aren't particularly loaded with nutritious benefits, I find it's great to have 100 calorie and below snacks on hand:
Special K Bars, 100 calorie pack wheat crackers, bags of microwave popcorn...

Since it's Monday how about a weekly goals / challenge posting:

My Goal: exercise in some way every single day this week. Whether it's the full cardio / weights workout for 45 minutes or just a little of either... no less than 15 minutes / day.

My Challenge: Don't get comfortable! I saw a 2 lb. loss and a loss of an inch or so so I fit into my pants better - it's not time to get comfortable. Still 8 lbs. and several inches to go! Think beyond pants to bathing suit!

Update to last week's G/C
I didn't quite make my water goal. Kept goal on calories and I exercised 5 out of 7 days! Challenge was nights out on the weekend:

Friday: Tuna carpaccio appetizer and "weight management" salad split with my friend at Cheesecake Factory for dinner. We each had a mojito so the total calories weren't bad: 500-600.

Saturday dinner: I had grilled grouper with steamed veggies and herbal tea out with my hubbie: 500 calories. I made sure to workout Fri, Sat, and Sun.

Will be anxious to hear everyone else's G/C for the week.

Danisk, I'm in a similar experience, although with my hours I have been able to cram in gym time (doesn't hurt that my university has an awesome new set of facilities).  Being gone from home hours on end is so destructive.  You wind up starving and eventually eating somewhere cheap and easy, and paying for it in the end (or butt, lol).

Anyway, you asked for advice.  I don't know if it will help you, but here is some of what I've been doing.  First, about the refrigeration---invest in a good lunch pack and a freezer pack or two.   You'll find something cheap and easy at just about any drugstore.  That way you can take a sandwich or two or something more appetizing.  They work surprisingly well.  If you eat meat, try some of the butterball low fat lunch meats for sandwiches.  If you're veggie, like me, you can try some of the tofu replacement lunch 'meats'.  Pack your sandwich with lettuce, onion, tomato, whatever veggies you like---you'll feel more full without the calories of eating a sandwich from a shop---and you can control how much mayo/dressing it has.

Fresh fruit works well but not if you don't eat it.  I've taken fruit with me only to feel like it was too much of a hassle to peel, (pathetic I know)  so only take fruit you'll really enjoy.  Since you're also a student, I'll assume you're like me on a budget.   Try grapes or berries--something easy to eat and look for deals.  I've also noticed that personally, a banana is not too much work (unlike oranges for example--which can be a real mess to eat--especially on campus).

This will sound lol funny, but, I like dry cereal for a snack.  Cheerios works really well.  I take a cup with me for a snack, it feels filling, but only 110 cal.  I know it sounds like a kid's meal, but I've gotten several others addicted to it--it's actually quite tasty once you get used to NOT eating popcorn and other fatty snacks.  Plus, it is enriched so you're really getting a big bang for you calories---lots of vitamins and minerals.  (I don't like the artificial flavors in 'nutrient bars')

Be sure to drink plenty of water (8 glasses a day, so I've heard).  Before I started this whole new routine of trying to lose weight and get healthy, I read that most hunger pains we experience are actually signs of dehydration, and that most Americans are seriously dehydrated.  It really helps to supress overeating in my experience, especially when you are sitting down most of the day.

If you haven't tried the salad-in-a-bag stuff, I'd seriously consider buying it.  It's probably more expensive than doing it yourself, but if you're like me, time is at a premium.  I usually buy the bag, and add broccoli tomatoes.  It doesn't really require refrigeration, but you absolutely have to keep the dressing separate, otherwise it is a soggy unappetizing mess.  Again, this is something that will work well with just a cold pack in a reusable lunch bag.

I also recommend eating breakfast at home, before you leave.  I've never been a breakfast fan before because I felt like it actually made me hungrier, but after documenting my calories, I started realizing I was eating less calories by eating a good breakfast at home.  And, if you are walking to class, taking the subway, etc., you are working off some of those calories!

One other thing that has really helped me is portion control.  As in, I measure EVERYTHING now, with a measuring cup/teaspoon/tablespoon.  I think they cost me less than $5.  They are definitely paying back quickly, though.  I had no idea how my portion size had gotten so out of control.  I didn't always eat like this!

Can you go to your university's gym, if they have one?  I see lots of people (not just me) bring their reading and prop it up on the treadmills/machines while they are working out, although if you have to write, I'd suggest a stationary bike, lol.  Any extra exercise will help.  I started out at 15 minutes, just walking, and it has helped tremendously. 

The other thing that has helped has been five pound weights.  They are great to do arm exercises while reading or writing, just sitting at a desk.  (I can only handle five pound weights)  If you have a desk/office on campus, you could keep them there, or just do the exercises in the morning or evening while you are studying.  I set a time limit of 10 minutes to start, now I'm doing about 20 minutes of different arm exercises, all while I'm busy studying.  Multitask away!  Ever thought of standing and doing squats or leg lifts?  Again, I know some of the suggestions are funny, but personally I've been at whit's end trying to come up with stuff to help myself; it's a unique situation to be in it seems and a lot of the 'advice' I found online really doesn't help when everything is at a premium (money, time, space, etc).

I started at 145, although unfortunately I'm only 5'2"!  I've already lost 8 lbs.  The exercise has helped tremendously, and I log everything religiously (I'm already at a computer most of the time).  I never found that frozen dinners really helped much, so eating fresh food has really made a difference as well.  I don't really eat out anymore and I've noticed that just doing that has saved me money and calories.   I understand how difficult it is though on limited time and without a lot of money and energy.   I also find that eating a late dinner when I come home of something starchy and filling (in correct portion size, however) like a baked potato or some pasta has helped with not feeling so hungry the next day.

Gee, I don't know if ANY of that will help, but I feel your pain.  Let me know if anything helps.

Thanks so much for all your ideas idif70.  I'm definitely going to go invest in some of those freezer packs.  I hadn't thought of that!  Definitely will widen my variety of foods I can bring with me.  Now I just need to find more time to exercise.  I probably walk a couple miles a day but I used to walk home from work before school started up which was about 5 miles a day so I need a good replacement.

Good luck to everyone!

hi, I joined today and I currently weigh 142. I'm a freshen in college and want to lose some of the weight I've put on these first few months. Hopefully this site will help keep me on track since i dont have support here on campus.

Hi everyone, I would like to join the group.  I have weighed in at about 148.8 or so for the past 5 days and figure that this number is for real (not due to some weird scale malfunction...)

I started with CC in Jan 2006 at over 210 pounds and have lost 62 pounds in the past year.  I am about 5 pounds away from where I want to end up.  I am 5'9" tall and my BMI is currently 21.9 which is in the healthy range.  I guess I just want to loose a few more pounds, and in the meantime firm up.  I have been doing cardio as well as weights and pilates - and of course eating better.

I am going through some sad times these days, but love that I get support and encouragement on my weight loss journey from CC.  It helps keep me on track while I deal with the rest of the stuff in my life. 

My goals today are to drink my water, do cardio as soon as I get home, and avoid watching TV (which always seems to lead to snacking).

Glad I could be of some help danisk!  Good luck fitting in more exercise.  I wish you had some more resources though. 

Wow, congrats hchiddenton!  That's awesome work!  My gosh that is really inspiring to me, especially since I'm just starting out.

Nikkih101--we have a wellness center here on my campus.  Do you know if there is one on your campus?  Also, I don't know if you have an athletic center, but if so maybe they would have some resources available to help?  I love cc, but having resources locally has been really helpful, too, although I admit a lot of my support has come internally! =)  Just keep thinking positively and try adding some exercise.  I gained a ton of the 'freshman 15' several times over my first year--pizza, late night eating, 1000 calories fried sandwiches, french fries---I feel ya.  Once you get more comfortable in your surroundings and more comfortable being away from home though, it will settle out.  Good luck!

Good morning all!  I been reading this forum and thought I could fit in this one.  I am 147 working  now on goal of 140 but still be healthy at 135 too.  I started at 170 got down to 151 maintained for a year and now I am back and have lost 6 pounds 4 using CC in the past couple weeks. 

Hi, all, I am new to this forum. I am 149lb and want to be 135lb or less. I hope I can get there around the summer time. I start counting calories since last week. My question is do I need to actually measure the food I eat using some tools?  Cups? I can control myself when I eat at home, but when I go out for dinner, it's hard to control and measure the portion, any advice? Thanks.

well you guys here in 140/130 totally motivated me today. i had decided i was NOT going to the gym after work today. In fact, I was going to go home and gorge on the chinese food my husband brought home last night. but now, encouraged and refocused on my goal, i am going to the gym.

Some stats-

• 24years old,
• just married 12/30/06,
• 5'7'',
• 144.5 as of yesturday. been stuck in the 140's too long!
• focus- 130lbs
• ultimate goal- 125 lbs

I had this vision of being 125 and fabulous for my 25th birthday (4/5), but i'll be thrilled to death if i make it to 130 then!!!

Haha, no offense, but I can't wait to ditch this club and join the 130/120 Club! HAha! How bout it ladies?

I am in at 148.6 today - down only a slight fraction, but not gaining so that is good.  I made myself work out yesterday - I almost talked myself out of it, but once I got on the bike I didnt want to stop.  I did 40 minutes cardio followed by weights. 

My goals today:  Drink all my water (2L), workout after work (no procrastinating!), and avoid the temptation to snack.

I hear ya', hbbroadbent. I'm 24 also and got married in September. what happened to my motivation to get INTO that dress?? actually it was probably more like "911 dieting", which i actually did say, several times before getting married! (Damn my skinny husband!) My husband's idea of a nutritous meal consists of tacos with LETTUCE on them. because lettuce is healthy, right? I'm trying to stay focused and cook separate dinners for the both of us, but he keeps asking "Wait, you arent eating what im eating??" "hi, have we met? im counting calories and tacos arent on the menu, buddy." Question for the rest of the group: How can i stay focused with those types of meals without 'giving in' to my hubby's menu?? (God knows he wont cook for himself, unless its a hot pocket!!)

man, i blame the man for every pound i've gained since high school! so i feel ya cetta220. seriously. he's all about white castle, or gyro w/ (yummy)greasy fries, or chinese takeout! Not to mention the "going out to dinner" that being in a relationship involves. or the nights out w/ drinks. Its hard to resist when he's eating such yummy stuff. And his huge portions skew my judegement. And if he's cooking, he's definitely cooking tacos! funny coincidence.

My suggestion- master the art of lean-ing out man favorites. Like on taco night- i get ground TURKEY breast, or chicken breast. once cooked w/ taco seasoning packet, man does not miss the beef. i buy lite sour cream (i swear it is good). On mine, I put a bit of meat (not his monster scoop), and fill it out w/ black beans, lots of lettuce, lots of salsa, dallop of sour cream (15 cal/tbs!!) and a sprinkle of cheese, or skip the cheese (i usually can't taste it now w/ the other stuff anyway). Sometimes I use a whole wheat pita slit in half instead of reg. tortillas. Or if I really want to tighten the belt, I make mine a taco salad and skip the tortillas all together. When he's eating all the chips and salsa, i find it hard to resist, so it is impt. I have a side of vegetables or something so I'm not hungry.

For general cooking (I do the cooking) I rely alot on boneless skinless chicken breasts (frozen, i buy tons when on sale) plus some vegetable(s). I use one of those (nonstick)grills that spans your rangetop (best thing EVER). Cooks it fast, none or minimal oil used, and Nick loves anything grilled. I mix up the seasonings and the sides.

sorry, 2 posts in a row, but i need to log-in to stay on track.

Go me- I keep walking past the communal jar of cheetos by the water cooler.

bummer-Yesturday weighed in at 146 from 144.5 day before. i think i'm doing some pre-menstrual fluctuating, hopefully today it'll fluctuate in my favor.

I AM going to the gym today after work. Continuing work on my goal of becoming a treadmill runner instead of always an elliptical user.

I REALLY need to work on my (excessive) eating at night/after work. I don't know if maybe I should try to eat more the fist 1/2 of the day?

I always have something in the morning, like piece of wheat bread w/ peanut butter, or cottage cheese, or rarely egg w/ veggies if i have time. Sometimes a 10am snack, fruit or yogurt. then i eat at 12, a lean cuisine ranging 200-300 cal. Then  at 3pm I go to the gym for 25 min workout (thats all the time I have before I have to pick someone up). I try to always have a piece of fruit or string cheese on hand to eat immed. after that.

Then I get home at 4:15. I try to make something small to tide me over until dinner. like soup, or some triscuits w/ cheese, a salad or a sandwich. Or sometimes ill eat too much bad snack food.  And sometimes that just piques my hunger and I want to eat Again before dinner.

Then dinner is usually good, I eat around 6:30, 7pm. But after here's where I may go crazy. While laying on the couch watching tv, i want to eat on something. Yes I feel hungry. But I know this is a misleading hunger that if I went to bed, I would not feel at all hungry in the morning and be very glad I didn't eat more. But often I cave. This is where Ill eat the chips, or the cookies, or more of dinner, or cheese. I know its better for me to not even have it around, but that's the husabnd.

Or, other scenario, we meet friends out, and I drink 300-400 extra calories. Then of course I feel "hungry" and all willpower and sense is out the window.

Anyone else struggling w/ evening eating?

funny you should mention, i just posted a calorie-management post under the big 'weight loss' section. i've learned a couple things.

the other thing that sucks is my husband doesnt like any veggies or fruit (except the occasional banana with peanut butter on it, or strawberries loaded with sugar ontop) (keep in mind he's 6', 160 pounds. *grr*) So anytime i make a meal (chicken) for both of us, he ends up with a plate of chicken only, while mine's got chicken, and a couple veggies. Any good side dishes that are as good as veggies but not too high in calories?

ps: captain and diet. gotta luv it.

hbbroadbent - I am currently struggling with eating/snacking at night after dinner.  I eat well during the day at work, drink lots of water and have healthy snacks.  I usually work out when I get home, doing some cardio and weights.  I make a nice dinner - something balanced like boneless/skinless chicken, veggies and brown rice.  Then I lay on the couch, turn on the TV and IMMEDIALTLEY start thinking 'ok where's my snack'? 

I am not hungry.  I dont need a snack!  Heck, I dont even want a snack.  But yet I go upstairs to find something to munch on.

The reason why I have been snacking lately is that my live in boyfriend is quitting smoking and has gone out and bought all sorts of junk food and goodies.  Before when there was nothing good to eat in the house, I wouldnt snack and just ignore the craving.  I think TV is another part of the problem for me.  If I get up and do something else - say go work on a craft project - then I dont think about food the rest of the night.  Sigh...   

So step one for me - get off the couch and step away from the TV.  Step two is get the crap food out of the house or convince the BF to lock it up somewhere where I dont know it exists.  The past two weeks have been bad for me, but I need to get past this.   I dont want to gain weight and develop bad habits all over again.  If something is working for you, let me know!

hchiddenton- I'm so implementing your suggestions today as soon as i get home from work-first, hiding away the man's snacks!

Mine still does smoke, but he smokes in the garage. the garage is COLD and the floor is nasty for bare feet (which is how i roll at home). So I'm putting his chips and oreos (which just made their appearance yesturday damnnit. i was not going to have any. he asked me to bring a plate to him since i was in the kitchen. the with the whole plate sitting out, i of course ate two. 100 calories i could have spent somewhere else. not to mention all the tortilla chips w/ his chili cheese dip.) yeah so Im putting the junk on the FAR side of the garage. This is great b/c before, me tossing it out or saying don't buy it didn't work. And putting it away in an unused cabinet didn't work because i still knew where it was and was easily accesible.

Now I need to figure out some stuff to keep me busy when the TV/couch snacking urge starts. oragami to keep my hands busy, or knitting, hmm, maybe sketch. ooh- here's another idea- maybe i should get some sugar free gum to chew on too...

ok, and this one seems kind of extreme, and doesn't say much for my willpower, but- maybe after dinner, i put up a doggie fence across the kitchen entryway. So if i decide i want a snack, instead of just breezing in, i have to think hard about my commitment and how i didn't want to snack, and it'd be like, are you really that pathetic, That Hungry, that you're going to climb over a fence to get food?

forget the fence, i would need a door with a combination lock!

I have willpower but it has taken a vacation for the past 2 weeks.  Dealing with emtional issues and then having junk food in the house is just a bad combo!!!

I like the doggie fence idea....  I dont have anything like that and my kitchen is just way too open... I need to put an old picture of myself (60+ pounds ago) on the fridge or something.  I HATE looking at old photos but maybe I have forgotten where I have come from.

Last night I did ok with my goals.... I didnt do cardio (ahh!) but I did take lots of walks at work and did the stairs a few times (I am justifying... I know it was bad to skip it).  But I did drink water and did resist some junk food.  I was upstairs working on some crafts and got the urge to munch, went downstairs then realized it was already 10pm and I should be making my lunch and getting into bed soon!  So I didnt have any late night snack.  Small victory.

Today I WILL work out, I will drink more water and I will stop eating crap in the evenings.  Oh and this morning weigh in I was 149.2 and I feel like weight is coming on... Better start figuring out how to beat this rut I am in and stop eating badly.  I want to be at my goal weight before my physical appointment in March - not that I have far to go (4 pounds) but I need to maintain it.