So ... who else woke up and said, "How did I let this happen?!"

Hi!  New guy, here (obviously).

I'm Asher: your typical young, dedicated software engineer who spends waaaaay to much time at work.  At the moment, I weigh around 194 lbs.  I'm 5' 9" with a very light build, so that's a lot of extra weight for me -- though I guess I carry it pretty well.  My goal is to get back down to 150.   I don't really have a time frame in mind, because I'm afraid I'll make it too narrow.

Historically, I've been more active than most -- I used to bike 30 miles a day religiously, and when I couldn't bike, I ran 5 miles or so daily; most of my free-time activities were outdoors (hiking, horseback riding); I was involved with martial arts.  I also had a pretty great diet -- I rarely ate out, only had sweets once or twice a month (in reasonable quantities), and I ate lots of fresh vegetables, salads, and so forth.

Almost four years back, I got a pretty serious lung infection that knocked me on my tail for about two months, after which I spent another six months working back up to 'normal' day-to-day function (I have pretty serious asthma and live in Louisville -- aka Asthmaville, LOL -- so it took a while to really recover).  By then, I was working really long hours.  I found it harder to fit exercise into my schedule, and much harder to cook real food -- so I started eating a lot more fast and processed foods.

Suffice it to say that, while I've had some weight fluctuations (which organize themselves around how much exercise I'm getting), I woke up one morning recently, looked at myself, and thought, "How did I let this happen?  Where's the svelte 145-lb athlete I was not that long ago?"  (This was shortly after I weighed in at 194 lbs at my doctors' office -- eek!)

Thus, I've decided to stop making excuses.  At the moment, I work sixty-plus hours a week -- but that doesn't mean I can't fit some exercise in and greatly improve my diet.  I just got new asthma controller meds, which should make exercising outdoors possible (since I don't seem to have the 'gym' gene), and I'm eagerly anticipating the arrival of a new bike within the week (my last one was stolen :( -- my fault; I was in a hurry and just locked it with a cable lock).

I've started tracking my daily food intake with the Food Log here, which I love.  I have doubts about my own ability to keep that up over the long run, but my hopes are high -- it's actually kind of fun, and great for someone like me who likes clear, visual feedback.  I love being able to look up the food I'm eating and really get a fairly concrete idea of my caloric intake.

Ultimately, I want to get into a field that will offer a slightly more normal schedule, so I can participate in martial arts and horsemanship again -- right now, I'm at work 12 hours a day most of the time, plus Saturday mornings, and most places are closed by the time I get home and change out of my work clothes. 

Until then, I plan to use my bike and my feet to get in as much exercise as I can.  I have one hour a day for lunch, so my plan is to take a good solid ride along the riverfront daily, as well as commuting via bike (this will total about 1.25 - 1.5 hours daily).

I'm glad I found this place, and I wish everyone here the best -- whether you're trying to lose, gain, or maintain, everyone here has a challenge worth meeting.

Just wanted to say welcome!  I know what you're going through all too well.  I'm closing in on my 2 year mark in April from hyper-extending my knee at work.  I was running significantly and in what I'd say was basically peak condition for a triathlon when I got up wrong and there went my knee.  10 months later I was cleared for full duty 65# heavier. It was like a really bad nightmare I couldn't wake up from.  Now, a year later....here I sit, down 35# and trying to keep things slow and steady.

My advice is to ease into things.  I pushed too hard this past fall and ended up getting really bad shin splints and being put off running a couple months.  At first glance they said stress fractures before xrays.  I gained back 15# of my lost weight so I'm back where I started when I joined cc in Sept. 

You're taking the right steps to getting back though.  Putting exercise where you can.  The bike commute sounds like a great thing!  Wishing you luck!!

Stacey

Hi - I just started this too.  I'm becoming increasingly surprised at how many calories I'm actually consuming in the course of my day.

I've gained 16 lbs over the last year or so - stress,  failed relationships - you name it and it now sits on my hips. I'm tall so I hide it well, but I'd really like my jeans to fit like they did a year ago!

I woke up yesterday utterly disgusted with my dis-interest of getting myself back - so I've decided to take the step to change the way I look and feel.  At the risk of sounding a little "Oprahish" - it is an emotional journay as well.  I'm hoping this food/activity log will help me to be accountable. 

I decided to get back to the gym and stop making excuses - just someone please remind me of this in a day or so :)

Best of luck!

Hey guys..newbie here too.  My struggle has been life long and each day I look at my son, I realize I have something to work hard for and live for.  He wants me around to see him grow up and I want to be around for that.  Now years later, I am sure he will find ways to hate me like most sometimes do.

This year I have started some new ways of living and gave up some habits I have had well seems like forever.  I still have a lot of struggle and wrinkles to iron out, but I am glad I have found this tool to use and others I can share the struggle with.

I am like mellisaann in I did not realize how many calories I take in in a day until I started using the food journals.  Next is incorporating some exercise since I sit at a desk all day and attend school some nights.  Best of luck to the other newbies.  Hopefully we can make this journey together and see great outcomes!!

With your attitude, I bet the weight comes off quicker than you think! Working long hours is a pain, but you seem to have come up with a plan for biking and running/walking. I suggest that you might want to add some "smart" weight lifting in too. Then come up with a "food plan". Throw out all of the junk in your cupboards. If you plan out in advance (maybe Saturday afternoon or Sunday) everything you are going to eat, then go grocery shopping so you will have the right food, it is much easier to eat healthy. For instance, oatmeal and fruit for breakfast (buy oatmeal and favorite fruit for 7 days), Lunch: a piece of fruit with .... fresh salad greens, tomatoe, cucumber, etc and chicken breast (day 1), canned tuna in water (day 3), leftover flank steak (day 5), turkey sandwich on whole wheat pita (day 2 and 4). Dinner: day 1, salmon with rice and green beans, day 2, pasta w/shrimp and vegetables, day 3, grilled chicken fajitas, day 4, flank steak, asparagus, and couscous, day 5 -- we always go out Friday nights;) Also plan what you want to eat for snacks. I have granola bars, dried fruit, almonds, aple with peanut butter, etc. I have always planned my meals like this -- though sometimes I switch my meals around during the week as my mood fits me. But at least I know that I have the ingredients to make all of the healthy meals. If I don't plan my lunches I end up eating junk!! Good luck. I can't wait to read about your success! 

Wow!  Thanks for all the thought and kind words!

Ladydeuce, congrats on dropping 35#!  I think I've read some of your earlier posts today ... and I totally hear you.  It's funny how a lot of resources out there cover the possibly-less obvious repercussions of being an athlete who finds him- or herself suddenly benched for medical reasons (depression, blow to self-esteem, etc.),  just don't think to say, "Oh, and stop eating the 150-mile-a-week diet, while you're at it."

You have an excellent point about easing back into things, as well -- I do tend to be a little too gung-ho, actually, and I will definitely try to heed the reminder.  I'm very much looking forward to the bike commute -- a great way to cram in a little excercise under the radar (and enjoyable; I still love biking as much as I did when I was a kid).

Mellisaann -- I'll definitely try to remind you to get back to the gym!  I totally respect anyone who can do the gym thing; I've never been able to stick with it (maybe I need to try one with exercise bikes and a big movie screen).  You're definitely right -- it's totally an emotional journey (Oprah or no). 

Congrats on taking these tough first steps!  It sounds like you're hitting your stride again after a really hard year.  You sound like a strong person with a lot of resilience to get you through it.

Jones29550 -- It amazes me how food journals, and especially the online Food Log here, can help.  I don't think I'd ever keep up with a pen-and-paper food journal, but logging everything here is fun (then, I'm a technophile).  It totally blows my mind where calories sneak in -- peanut butter, for example!  OMG!

I'm glad your son is pulling for you.  It sounds like he really loves you, and that means a lot.  I think the online community here will help all of us reach our goals -- it amazes me how much having a built-in accountability and support system helps!  I love the internet for what it can do for people.

Carolann -- thanks for the compliment on my attitude!  I'm basically a happy guy by nature, and it does seem to help.  I like the ideas you have for food planning -- that'll be really helpful, because planning is my worst weakness.  I'm great at coming up with big, lofty goals, and absolutely terrible at creating a plan to reach them.

I will definitely try planning out my meals in 7-day increments (I may just 'borrow' your meal plan -- it sounds so good!).  I love oatmeal and apples for breakfast, so that's an easy way to get a good start on the day.  I totally hear you about eating junk if you don't plan -- I'm lucky enough to work near a bunch of places that offer healthy options, but somehow I often seem to wind up with the not-so-healthy options instead, LOL.  I will definitely keep you posted on my success!

Ladies, you made my day.  I really mean that.  I believe we will all reach our goals, in no small part because we have this great resource here for the asking.

Fellow noobs: Maybe we should form one of those small-group things for newbies starting around now?  (We could ask LadyDeuce and Carolann to be 'faculty advisors,' LOL!)  What do you think?

P.S. Would it be okay if I friend you four?

Sure, I have added you as a buddy.  Thanks so much for your positive outlook.  I know you are going to do great.  Have a great evening!!

Absolutely!  Add me as a friend - I don't know how to do it unless I respond.  I need all the help I can get! 

jones29550 - I've got you added - thanks for that!

Kokorozashi - I almost fell off my chair with that comment about peanut butter.  Earlier this morning I spread some on a graham cracker and I said the same thing - 2 tbls 190 calories!! GEEZ - I think I'd rather had that slice of pizza for that! LOL

I was lacking motivation for this - but I think this online thing is just what I need!  Thanks everyone.

Wow, I can relate! I also have asthma which seems to stop me in my tracks sometimes! Last year I lost about 25 pounds and swore to myself I would never let myself reach that god awful 200 pound mark and then all this sudden here I am again! I got very sick and couldn't work out for about a month and some where in there, I lost my motivation. In Novemeber I got on the scale saw 213 and decided it was time to get back on track! I am now 13 pounds lighter and just reached my first short term goal. This website has really helped me stay accountable. I leave open on my desktop at work all day to remind myself to stay away from all little goodies people tend to bring into our office. Thanks everyone for sharing!

Ok - it's official I'm obsessed with this website...lol. 

Yesterday's calorie intake was a complete bust.  I was doing well up til dinner - who would have thought that there were so many calories in Vietnamese! (Egg rolls are crazy!)  **SIGHS**

Back to the drawing board today - renewed with motivation and a iron grit will to be successful - have yet to hit the gym, but it's absolutely on the agenda.  It's #2 - #1 being get 8 hrs of sleep!

Not to mention I'm up a pound from yesterday - must be all that freakin' water I'm drinking...geez

Good Morning everyone - that's my venting for the day :) 

Jones292550 -- thanks!  Added you as buddy as well :)  Your positive outlook is definitey a boost to mine!

MelissaAnn - I added you, too :)

Thanks, and, yeah -- I'm with you.  Maybe I'll lay off the PB and get myself a slice of pizza once a week, LOL (after all, pizza represents several food groups at once).  The tough thing for me will be eating one slice, instead of, oh, you know, six three.  Okay, six.

I totally agree -- CalorieCount is a great motivational tool.  Built-in community rocks!

Original Post by megs1985:

Wow, I can relate! I also have asthma which seems to stop me in my tracks sometimes! Last year I lost about 25 pounds and swore to myself I would never let myself reach that god awful 200 pound mark and then all this sudden here I am again! I got very sick and couldn't work out for about a month and some where in there, I lost my motivation. In Novemeber I got on the scale saw 213 and decided it was time to get back on track!

OMG, that's EXACTLY what keeps happening to me -- I'll feel better for a while, start being more active, lose some weight (usually without really trying, as a side-effect of being more active), then the air quality will go through the floor or I'll get a cold that turns into bronchitis ... and suddenly I'm back where I started.

I just started 2 new controller meds last week, and I'm really hoping they'll make the difference.  Even if I don't feel great 100% of the time, fewer long-term setbacks would be awesome (especially since weight gain exacerbates athsma).

Congrats on losing 13 lbs!  I have been keeping CalorieCount up and running, too -- makes it easier not to turn around and snag something from the community candy jar, which lives right behind my desk.

Original Post by mellisaann:

Ok - it's official I'm obsessed with this website...lol. 

Yesterday's calorie intake was a complete bust.  I was doing well up til dinner - who would have thought that there were so many calories in Vietnamese! (Egg rolls are crazy!)  **SIGHS**

Oh, yeah.  I'm totally with you on the obsession.  Say it with me:

Best ... weight control ... website ... EVAR.

Restaurant Chinese food, sadly, can be crazy bad for you (though totally worth it as a splurge, from time to time).  The home-cooked variety can be great, though (however, I have yet to discover such a thing as an 'oven-fried egg roll,' LOL).  My Dad made a lot of traditional homestyle Chinese from various regions when I was growing up, and a lot of it was pretty healthy.  Unfortunately, I can't read Chinese, so his copy of the Chinese Gastronomy will remain, to me, one of those inscrutable Mandarin mysteries.

I was tooling along with a B+ in the Nutritional Analysis department yesterday, and 1/4 cup of low fat egg nog knocked it down to a B ... eek.  Glad it was only 1/4 cup (and wasn't the full-fat variety).  I'm thinking about turning the rest into a cake or something and foisting it off on my co-workers: if I leave it in the break room (which I avoid), I'll never see it, and therefore won't eat it, LOL.

Well, work beckons -- time to test the software!

Original Post by kokorozashi:

Original Post by mellisaann:

Ok - it's official I'm obsessed with this website...lol. 

Yesterday's calorie intake was a complete bust.  I was doing well up til dinner - who would have thought that there were so many calories in Vietnamese! (Egg rolls are crazy!)  **SIGHS**

Oh, yeah.  I'm totally with you on the obsession.  Say it with me:

Best ... weight control ... website ... EVAR.

Restaurant Chinese food, sadly, can be crazy bad for you (though totally worth it as a splurge, from time to time).  The home-cooked variety can be great, though (however, I have yet to discover such a thing as an 'oven-fried egg roll,' LOL).  My Dad made a lot of traditional homestyle Chinese from various regions when I was growing up, and a lot of it was pretty healthy.  Unfortunately, I can't read Chinese, so his copy of the Chinese Gastronomy will remain, to me, one of those inscrutable Mandarin mysteries.

I was tooling along with a B+ in the Nutritional Analysis department yesterday, and 1/4 cup of low fat egg nog knocked it down to a B ... eek.  Glad it was only 1/4 cup (and wasn't the full-fat variety).  I'm thinking about turning the rest into a cake or something and foisting it off on my co-workers: if I leave it in the break room (which I avoid), I'll never see it, and therefore won't eat it, LOL.

Well, work beckons -- time to test the software!

 This was home made Vietnamese yummies - it was the rice and the 2 (yeah I know) spring rolls (I think pork) that killed the deal....well, that and the ittsy bitsy chocolate mousse for dessert.  But really - my friend was kind enough to whip up this little treat for me I honestly couldn't hurt their feelings!  I measured out 2 tblsp of that and walked away - I really did walk away!  *Proud moment*

I typically don't have problems with sweets - I can manage that rather well (assuming all emotions are in check). I think in this last year - I had one to many glasses of wine (100 calories a glass!) mix that with major life situations, doubled stress, holidays (12 hrs work days for me too) and not enough time to hit the work outs and BAM - 16 lbs weight gain. 

The worst time for me is between 2-4 PM - that's when I'm on the hunt for some salty snack - usually chips.  My resistance takes a nose dive during the afternoon.  So I've front loaded my calories - most of my calorie intake is in the morning - today it's roughly 430 - which I think is a lot and I'm at an A - so far today for that.  I'd like to stay slightly under 1500 cal.  My BMI is within normal limits - but teeters a little to close to the higher edge for my comfort.  I think once I start getting back into the routine of working out those 20 lbs (but I'll settle for 16) will come off.......Irish girl dreams :)

Motivation is my number 1 struggle (I bore easily)- this is that Oprah moment of the emotional journey.  Do we make bad food choices because we lack something else fulfilling in our lives?  I am not sure that's the right answer either.  My life is very full outside of work - almost to full.  Or is it because we don't love ourselves enough to take better care of ourselves? Our body is our temple type of thing.  (putting everyone else ahead of us) I lean to the latter myself.  *pondering*

I've decided to keep things interesting - working out is just part of it. But, I'm looking for other activities that give me that physical benefit without necessarily being in the gym.  Things like biking outdoors, playing some sort of sport etc. If I'm confined to a treadmill you can kiss my dedication goodbye.

I guess we will discovery all this as we uncover more than just unwanted hidden calories!  A bit scary if you ask me ;)

Hey Asher

Its a tough battle for sure. I spend most of my work day (averaging 12-15 hours) on my chair. As we age, metabolism slows (duh...) so, I find its critical to force oneself to make that time (actually, my wife convinced me) to excercise. I hate exercise - but, force myself on my elliptical every day (occassionally taking one day off to rest the knees.) I do anything I can to drag myself onto it. (and it ALWAYS is satisying to know I excercised.)

The other key for me has been a very strict change of eating habits (not easy, since I find snacking on Cheddar Goldfish & potato chips to be a great way to ... well, crunch on stuff between doing my job). So - here is my basic plan which may be a little rough to do:

For hard fast fat removal, I have tried to remove carbs (breads, rice, etc) and eat nothing but raw fruits and vegetables before noon. I also recently became a vegetarian - a big help in making digestion quicker.

I also make myself snack on celery and carrots through out the day - it removes the constant urge to eat garbage that you know you shouldn't (because, with such a low fat, raw intake you WILL be constantly eating the carrots and celery as your body craves food). Then just try and keep the mindset that the more raw, fresh you  can eat, the better. Avoid ALL FAST FOOD - no matter how convenient or even tasty (its not tasty to me, I have researched where and how it is made....totally repulsive) no sauces, no heavy deserts, no booze, etc. I eat lots of nuts, avacados, salads, stir fry broccoli and bok choy, etc (very little cooking). Thats about it.

Does this change of diet take effort? yes. Does it make you tense and pissed off? Yes - at first. I find that if you stay strict to this results will happen. Patience is also the key. I have lost nearly 17 pounds since I started this and I have about 10-15 to go. I think habitual snaking becomes so routine that we almost forget we are doing it. Try to refocus your thoughts on when you are going to eat/drink ANYTHING are you helping your body to be better or hurting? A constant awareness to what goes in at all times (not obsession - just awareness) will help this - I find.

Stick to it and best of luck.

Shawn

Bumpy515 - how long has it taken you to lose that amount of weight with these new habits?

Hello everyone,

Though I'd signed up on this site last year, I'd fallen off the wagon (like has happened so many times before). I had set a goal for myself last year, to lose weight before my wedding in June 2008. When my fiancee called off the wedding, you can imagine, I lost interest in quite a few things, among them a healthy lifestyle. However, I was so depressed and in such a bad shape, I lost 11 lbs in two months, and saw my weight in 130s after a longggggggggggg time.

However, once I got over the depression, things started returning to the usual, and I have fluctuated between 140 and 143 lbs since last August. In this new year, re-energized by all the people taking cotrol of their lives, I have started again.

I wish everyone health and success. I cheer for jones29550, kudos to you for juggling so many things at once - a kid, a career, school, family life, wow! I'm just about to start my MBA, and am already dreading what my life is going to look like with full-time work and grad school. I will look forward to you for courage and the can-do attitude.

Hi Asher, I agree with everyone else that it sound like you are off to a great start! Since you are a techie I wanted to recommend The Hacker's Diet http://www.fourmilab.ch/hackdiet/ in case you haven't heard of it. It's an online book by an engineer, and I found it to be great motivational reading. I lost 30 lbs since the summer mainly by cutting out most snacking, portion control, and moderate exercise (running 6-10 miles a week).

Good luck on your journey!

Congrats everyone seems like we've all hit some major (even if they're small) milestones!  If this thread isn't a motivating thing I don't know what is =)

Thanks Asher, adding you as a friend as well.  The more of them you can find out there knowing what you're fighting for and why keeps things a lot more positive. 

I'm addicted to this site too.  It's keeping me off the couch back under the blankets today again so that's a good thing.  I slept entirely too much yesterday and I know when you're sick you need rest but I need to be up taking care of things.  I ran Monday, which was probably a mistake after feeling a little under on Friday and the weekend... woke up Tuesday really sick.  No exercise the past 2 days and I'm angry at that but I know it'll just be pointless and I'll get worse.  I'm worried that I lost more weight (4#) since Monday despite forcing myself to eat and keeping up with fluids.  Almost think I need to drink soda or something for empty calories since I can boost that a little.  I was under yesterday pretty badly on caloric intake but I forced what I did.

Hi Asher

I'm a newbie here too, so it's nice to see all the comments on here and see stories that I can relate to.  I've also been shocked at how many calories are in certain foods, pasta shocked me the most.  My husband is Italian and he's a chef, we have pasta ALL the time!  My other problem, I'm a pastry chef, and with my husband we own and operate a bakery/cafe.  It's like torture on a daily basis!  As I'm self-employed, I too work anywhere from 70-90 hours a week, so fitting in excercise is VERY difficult.  And to make it even worse, my FAVOURITE cuisine is Vietnamese, especially those spring rolls, and a new Vietnamese restaurant opened up across the street from my bakery last week!  I look out my window at it every day.  Ugh....

My weight has fluctuated over the past few years, from 215 lbs back in 2001, down to 165 lbs in 2003 which for me is an ideal weight, then gradually back up to 215.  I'm at 210 now, so I have a long way to go.  I quit smoking last May and put about 20 lbs on after that.  Giving up the smoking was a huge step in the right direction, I had smoked for 20 years.  I knew I'd gain some weight with it so I'm not beating myself up over that, but my first short term goal is to drop that 20 lbs.  Long term, I want to get back to 165.

I'm trying to fit in excercise three days a week, walking/running.  That's been tough to find the time for, but it's a bit of a slow time of year at work (everyone is on thier New Year's diets so business always slows down in January LOL!) so I hope that I can get into a routine of at least three days a week, then as work gets busier it will already be part of my regular routine and maybe then won't seem like I'm fitting something else into my day.

I do quite often feel like I am juggling too much between two teenage boys, running the business, I'm a board member for a non-profit, and it's easy to always put my own needs last.  I had that wake-up call too though, when I got on the scale and saw 215, that dreaded number which was my highest weight in the past.  I have a photo of myself from back then that I always said was my motivation to keep healthy, but it was just very easy to let myself go.  Now, I have a 15 year old son who is overweight, a husband who is overweight, and I hope that I can set an example for them, maybe if I am successful I can motivate them to make healthier choices as well. 

I wish you the best of luck!