Girls in their 20's who want to lose about 100 pounds
Original Post by ennazus520:Hi, I understand where you guys are coming from. It makes me nuts that I don't know exactly how many calories are in home cooked meals, and mostly I feel like I am cheating when I do make something. (Last night I made chicken stew with rosemary dumplings, and the serving information I found says 400 calories per serving, but what if I made it wrong and there are more) It's so weird because before you start dieting, you don't have to contemplate what you are going to eat, basically you just eat it and then all of a sudden there are all of these issues once you start trying to be healthier!
Totally! It drives me crazy! I'm trying to cut out processed foods and make myself cook more, but it's so hard because I freak out about calories the entire time. I'll be adding seasonings and wondering how many calories are in celery salt, or dried parsley. I do more math than cooking some nights!
Hey all! I just wanted to let everyone know that I weighed myself today. I weighed 189.8. That's down 4.2 from my starting weight of 194 on Monday! Yea!!! I love the first week :). I hope you're all doing good also.
I am with you on the math allydan! And I am trying to eat more home cooked over freezer prepared foods too. It is really hard though because it's like, am I better off knowing exactly how many calories? Or cooking and guessing?
Congrats Kelly27!
Good morning/almost afternoon ladies,
I have been trying to read all the post (I'm at work) and keep up with everyone. I love that everyone post so often, I am on another thread and it seems to be getting less and less people posting so I was happy to see that everyone is so involved on this one.
I don't think I am going to have a good loss this week. I went last night and bought a scale (I haven't had one in my house since I moved out of my parents house 9 1/2 yrs ago) and it doesn't look like I lost anything this week but I will find out for-sure tomorrow. My official weigh-in is Saturday mornings at Weight Watchers. I did pretty much everything right this week I think part of my problem is this is my cycle week.
I will admit, however, that I have not been as active in the past two weeks as I could have/should have been, and also, I've been eating pretty badly. *shakes a fist at Greek Food Sunday and French Fry Tuesday... and Pizza Last Night*
I haven't been over my calories at all, except for Greek Food Sunday, when I didn't count and I just assume I went over, but I also haven't been having a very large defecit.
I know this is just a little hiccup, and I need to push myself to be motivated once more, to refrain from giving in to my husband and his desire for sharing with me his tasty, greasy food. I need to watch my food intake and portion, and work out more.
Maybe by posting this confession in a public forum, I'll feel more motivated and encouraged to just stop being lazy and making excuses, and to go on and do the things I know I should be doing. (and to not do the things I know I shouldn't do.)
Hope everyone is doing good this week, and has better luck than I have had! loves!
feddiechick, believe me I have been in you place too many time to count and I always end up giving in and giving up on me and my health and trying to do good. Try and hang in there I know it is hard. I am blessed that my mom and sisters and one of my friends are trying to lose weight with me. My husband on the other hand is not there yet. He says he want to lose weight but then he want to go out to eat all the time and wants snacks in the house. The good thing is I have been cooking a lot lately trying to make healthier things to eat so he is eating better he just doesn't realize it so much. For the snacks I try and get him to eat the 100 cal packs and if I do get something that is not good for him I try to make it something I don't like so I won't be tempted to eat it. I hope you all have a great day.
xo Jess
So I need a little boost, guys. I am feeling pretty blue lately. I started my son in daycare (full time) on Monday, my grandpa is dying of cancer, my husband is on my back to get a career-type/full-time job, my husband's car is in the shop, and money is so tight it's likely to catch fire from how tight we're squeezing it and how fast it's being yanked from our hands, and I don't think I'm going to reach my goal of under 200 by the end of the week... 
I know you all can't help me with a single one of these things, but I guess I just needed to get it out. No wonder I'm craving all of the things I am!?! Luckily, or is it unluckily 
, we don't have the money to keep them in the house, so I am not eating like the Cookie Monster (num, num, num ). maggiepop- I hope your foot gets better quick! I went on a 6.5 mile walk with my friend the other day and bruised/blistered my foot. When you have foot pain, it really effects everything!
Suzanne- I actually wish I hadn't gotten rid of my smaller clothes now, so it was actually kind of a joke about you having a garage sale. At the time I told myself, "I'm never going to be able to fit back into these; I'm gonna be fat the rest of my life. Why not make a few bucks..." 
I am a different person now. I am NOT going to be fat the rest of my life. BTW, Vegas was very fun! I went with my good friend (2 chicks in Vegas, watch out! Ha ha. Not what you think, we actually behaved ourselves.). We walked a TON every day (had blisters then too, size of half dollars), ate really well, relaxed by the pool, and had fun losing the money I made at the garage sale.
Jackie- Happy (belated) birthday! I totally think treating yourself to cake was a healthy thing to do.
maggiepop- I can definitely relate to feeling guilty about eating things you don't know the calorie count for. My husband made an African peanut butter soup, and I couldn't get myself to take a bowl. Luckily he didn't take it the wrong way. I only had a spoonful and made sure to tell him how good it was. When I make something, I just create a new recipe here, immediately put it into individual containers so I don't overeat, and log one serving. It is quite a bit of work, but it helps me to feel like I'm being truthful in my calorie count.
allydan- How can you get yourself to eat Lean Cuisines? I've tried those types of things and all I think about the whole time is the amount of sodium and preservatives in those things. None of them taste good to me. Which ones do you buy, and is your sodium intake off the charts?
kimnkick (Jessica)- Try not to keep healthy things like fruits off limits. I know grapes have over 100 cals a cup, but they are good for you. I just eat less, like 1/4. Eating sweet fruits also keep me from craving other things like chocolate! That's sweet how your husband wants to meal plan with you. That shows he really wants to support your healthy lifestyle and join you in it!
amri24- Awwww, don't call yourself an Oompa Loompa! You're just a healthy person in training. 
I wish I could join you at the gym, but I'm way over in California.
maggiepop- Count your blessings that your husband wants and is seeking your support (i.e. calling to tell you about his junk sprees). My husband tries to do every undertaking on his own. I don't even know what he's struggling sometimes, but it's always reflective in his mood. Be strong for him, and try to pack him satisfying, yet healthy treats for work!
elfkittie22- Can you keep some no sugar added ice cream in the freezer and haul it out when everyone else is indulging? I like dalmalama's suggestion about trying to make it into a game/challenge for yourself to see how long you can outlast the cravings! Good luck; I know it's hard! I go to some church activities in the mornings and they have a huge buffet type breakfast with tons of cheesy egg bakes, donuts, and other no-no's. I try to take just fruit and maybe yogurt and sit down. If I can't keep my mind off of how good everyone else's plate looks, I'll go back and get a small taste of what is tempting me.
And as to how I eat Lean Cuisines, I grew up on them! My mom wasn't what you'd call domestic. My favorite are always the italian foods, like spaghetti and lasagna, but I don't eat them any more precisely because of the sodium and preservatives. Now I'd rather make them myself in a healthier version with whole wheat pasta or something!
Woah! Computer went really funky, so I had to break up my responses into two posts. Sorry about the length...
Sonya- Is your recommended calorie intake based on your goal weight or just to maintain the weight you're at right now? I've heard that you can even drop down to the amount of calories you will be at to maintain your goal weight + eating back any exercise burn. I say you're on the right track if you're losing. If you start feeling very tired, moody, weight plateaus, or something like that, then you need to re-evaluate.
Suzanne- My husband is the same way as your friend. He barely has an ounce of fat on him. You can't really pinch him anywhere, and yet he is sedentary and eats whatever he wants. He also doesn't eat regular meals and will often skip lunch and/or breakfast and gorge on something loaded with calories and fat and still not gain anything! GRRRRRR! Hehe! That's funny about the condiment thing, too.
dalmalama- Thanks for always giving such sound advice and examples! Even when reading suggestions you give to other people, I find myself wanting to follow them too!
allydan- Way to go for trying to ditch the processed foods (and chemicals that come along with them)! I'd have to say celery salt and parsley have zero to nil calories in them. LOL
kelly27- Way to go! That's an impressive number in one week!!
jpetty5- I love how involved everyone is, too! Good luck at your weigh in tomorrow, and bite the bullet with the scale if it will help keep you in check! Kudos for trying to cook more at home too! You'll definitely benefit from that.
feddiechick- That's got to be frusterating to not see the scale in your favor for nearly 2 weeks. Have you been measuring yourself? You're not truly on a plateau if you are continuing to lose inches. 
Phew!! All caught up! Hope you all can find the sunshine side of your days. I'm working on mine, but it helps to know there is support here. Thanks to all!
mladdy (Melanie) I am sorry for the hard time you are going through right now. I wish there was more that I could do to help you. Just know that you are welcome to vent here or to me anytime you need to and I am sure we will all do our best to support you and help you make it through. Stay strong, and if that doesn't help, sing the oldie song "Mama said there'd be days like this" My mom always sang it to my brother and I when things started getting down, I know it sounds silly, but it always helped! Also, I don't really eat lean cuisine, but the healthy choice frozen chicken teriyaki is really good! By the way, I knew you were joking about the rummage sale, and way to go on the better attidude about your weight!
feddiechick: You can do it!!!!!! I have faith in you!
jpetty5: I hope your weigh in went great and that you reached your goals!
Have a great weekend girls and keep strong! We are going to my mom's for dinner and she is making tortellini Alfredo ( she is no help to my cause) so I am trying to stay light on calories this morning and afternoon. Hope you girls don't have to deal with such temptation!
On the bright side, I will probably burn some calories playing with my moms 4 month old puppy and her 5 year old step-daughter!
Hi everyone! My name is Melissa and I'm 27, married, and have a 2 1/2 year old and a 9 month old. Time is tight!
I currently weigh approx. 255 lbs(I need to get new batteries for the scale) and am 5 ft 2 in. My first goal is to get below 200 lbs.
The only problem is I don't really know how to start. Between the kids, the house and my husband, who is my 3rd child by the way, I have either no time or no energy! doing the dishes and laundry is something I'm having trouble with. Right now I'm a stay at home mom, it's way to expensive to put 2 kids in daycare, and I eat on the go, a lot of fast food!
Any suggestions from anyone? My long term goal is arould 160. I did lose weight before after gaining it when I quit smoking. I lost about 65 lbs, which brought me down to a size 10, which I was happy with. I was once a size 7 and weighed 150 lbs! According to these websites I am sm-med framed and should weigh about 120 lbs. I don't know what size I would be if that were to happen! I am rather well endowed on top, even when I was small I wore a D, and guess that is where a lot of the weight is. Anyways I know I have been babbling on and on and I thank everyone for letting me vent.
I would love some suggestions on where to start!
Welcome Melissa!
Getting started is always the hardest part, so don't let yourself get overwhelmed with everything going on. You could start by cooking typical things you make for your family a little healthier, and adding more whole grains and veggies to meals. I used to make lasagna a lot as a stand alone meal which led, of course, to massive overeating. Now I have a salad or some other vegetables first and it helps a lot with portion control. Also freezing small portions of things you cook makes an easy lunch when you're super busy. Probably what's helped me the most is making sure I always have healthy snacks around the house, and eating several small meals a day to keep from over-eating. I don't know much about kids, but I think babies eat several times a day(?), so maybe you could try eating some yogurt or fruit or something when you feed the baby. It might help keep your energy up too.
Just take it a day at a time and make little changes here and there, and you should start seeing a difference. And of course, we're here to motivate when you need it!
Suzanne - Good luck with the tortellini! I'm sooo jealous btw; it sounds delicious!
~**~Hello!~**~
My name is Liz...I am 29, live with my boyfriend and our two doggies. I am trying to get down to 150lbs...so about 75lbs to go!
I love reading everyones posts....so motivating! See you all around!
Suzanne- Thanks for your understanding and uplifting words. I will definitely start using your mom's song! Oh, BTW, how was your dinner? Were you able to conqueor your daily deficient even with the tortellini? I'm sure that you won't let it get in your way, and even if that means making up for it in the next couple of days, you will!
Melissa and liz78- Welcome to this blessing of a group! Keep participating in this thread and you will be filled with words of encouragement, cheers for your achievements, and friends to keep you accountable!
Melissa- As far as tips on how to get started, I highly recommend reading the introduction posts. It will explain everything from making this a lifestyle change (not a diet), to deficients, and everything in between. I know it seems like a lot of reading, but I have never understood my body better from it! I like allydan's suggestion of just tweaking what you normally eat to incorporate more healthy choices. Two small ones at home really do draw a lot out of you, so I would suggest just starting with changing your eating habits and leaving the exercise off until you have a good handle on the food. You can still lose weight without exercising. To help you with your fast food routine, try keeping cut up sandwich bags of fresh fruit and veggies (pre-cut from the grocery store if you can; it'll save you precious time and energy), high fiber granola bars, and lots of bottled water to keep in the car with you. When you feel the urge to snack, you'll be better equipped to eat something that's good for you! If you're not already, try adding in a multivitamin. Between this and healthier eating, I have much more energy! Anyway, I'm happy you're here, and way to go for taking the first step!
everyone- I do have some positive news to report: I have officially cleared the 200 mark! I really thought I would miss my goal this week, but this morning's weigh-in reported 199! I didn't believe it at first and had to step on the scale 3 consecutive times just to be sure (ha ha). I do have faith that all of my other struggles are being monitored by "the man himself", and all things will work for glory, but the path is sometimes soooo winding, dark and trecherous; isn't it?
Thanks for the welcome mladdy!
tarawands...I too have joint pain....mine is in my left knee. I have been taking a glucosomine/condriton(sp?) supplement which seems to be helping....it is an over-the-counter supplement which I buy at any drug store. Also, if my knee is bothering me that day, I just take it easy on the excersise. With each pound I lose, the knee seems to be feeling better. I also think you are on the right track by trying the pool. Good luck to you...and keep positive!!
Jpetty5- I am right there with you... my loss was .4 lb's... also my cycle week, and the one slip of a REALLY good eggroll... but I did budget it into my calories only...... I didnt budget for the salt factor and the bloat to go along with my cycle.... oh well we will have to keep up the good work and strive for great numbers next week
Freddiechick- boy am i right there with you, my husbands idea of diner is bacon with cheese melted on it and some potatos mixed in... litterally and no fat poured off the cooking bacon...... he is also a construction worker and can burn it off in about 1/2 a day.... damn male metabolism... but I too feel the pressure from the man diet to mine... I have to make 2 dinners usually it is a hard part to deal with
mladdy- Dont give up, Take this time to use your frustration to refocus it into working out... stressed - go on a walk or run... it will get you in the habit of coping with stress with out food and a positive outlook...especially since it seems you are overwhelmed. Dont worry about your 200lb mark.... biggest thing right now during this time is to at least maintain..... once you get under 200 there will be no looking back!!!
lyssy311 - WOW sounds like me 5'2"(2 3/4 to be exact) and at my highest I was 215, I am now down to 189 but I agree... I dont think my skeleton would ever fit in a size 2.... lowest I have ever been was a size 5 in 7th grade... doest hta even count??? I too am a DD+ right now and have never been below a D since 6th grade. But I agree with you a 7/8 would be my ultimate goal... I am truly aiming for a solid 10 right now. Having kids and a husband to boot certainly isnt easy I have a hubby and 2 dogs and that is hard enough... I would say to play physically with the kids more often and start off by doing it for them.. In turn they will be doing it for you and the lb's should start to fall off with small changes in the diet. Good Luck!
Liz78- you have come to the right place and welcome!!! nice to have you here
tarawands- CONGRATULATIONS on taking the first steps... 1st - CC, 2nd - the gym memebership, 3rd - new activiites.... I think you are already on the right track and soon your friends will be suprised by the changes... I know I have some that are almost worried I wont be their "fat friend" and will just be competition, it is a nice feeling...
Otherwise to those not named glad you all keep coming here, I love that we share some challenges and can truly be excited in others successes ,,,, not the excitement on those faces of the friends who wanted you to be fat- same people who bring goodies and treats as soon as they find out you are watching what you eat. I am lucky to have a husband that supports me and wants me to do well even though he is not interested in changing his eating habits and I dont mind cooking his food for him. My dogs are truly happy I am loosing the weight and am taking them on walks... my clothes are becoming looser and that is my motivation more so than the number on the scale. Thiings are going well on my end save for the few eggrolls ....and superbowl sabotage... but that is all over now and I am back on the wagon stronger than ever and even went to the gym 2x's in one day last week to battle off that eggroll... hope you all are doing well also
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