170's-150's Club Rants & Raves

This is in response to Twocutekids' 160's club... I noticed that it was getting a little confusing at times with some people joining and others responding to previous posts, so maybe adding a new area specifically for rants & raves can help make it easier to communicate. Maybe the original can be more for cheering each other on, making introductions and talking about our goals or something. And, if anyone else has any good ideas for new 160's club topics, start a new thread too!

Edit: due to our fluctuating weights, let's open up the group a little more to match our new achievements! 150's to 170's it is :)

It's really been a great experience for me to start off this time with other people in the same boat. Trying to lose weight is always hard, but it's even harder when you have no one to do it with you.

Well, since this is a rant & rave section, I guess I'll start!

Rant: I live in Seattle. Living in a place with as dreary weather as this is SO not conducive to being active. I went to Texas when my boyfriend was working in Austin on a contract, and even in November everyone was out at night, enjoying street life, and most people looked more fit than in Seattle. While Seattle is a fantastic city with tons to see and do, we focus a little more on indoor entertainment than physical activity (minus the urban bicyclists or many nature-lovers who'll go hiking even when it's pouring rain). It's cloudy and chilly about 9-10 months out of the year here, so winter seems to last forever. It's so hard to get motivated to take a walk when it's 50 degrees and rainy in May! Oh well, it's my home... just have to work around it :)

What rants or raves do you guys have?

My Background/Rant:

I was a normal sized baby, but that was about it.  I grew up the short, chubby kid in class, considerably criticized and teased by my peers for it.  It wasn't as if my parents could afford healthy foods.  I grew up on Kraft Macaroni and Cheese (not to kill the mac), and occasionally fast food if my parents were too busy to cook.  When I was young, I was even criticized by my grandmother for "being heavy", but I was in no position to change it.

Then, when puberty began, I reduced my Calorie intake and slimmed down while getting "tall" (or up to 5'3", if you can call that "tall").  At the same time, I was dealing with a new bodily issue that made me quit my favorite sport - the uneven growth of my breasts.  While most women have that problem to an extent, I am the only one I know who has a DD cup on her left side, and a B/C cup on the right.  I was told that it would catch up, and I shouldn't worry about it until I was 18.  But... here I was, with bodily issues, and again I was powerless to stop it.

I started gaining weight my senior year of high school, peaking to 165 or so (that was devastating then... right now I'm longing even for that number).  In college I didn't get the freshman 15... I got the Freshman 30, and saw the number 200 my sophomore year.  Finally I was at the point where I had to change both of my major body issues - weight and my breasts.

My New Years Resolution for 2008 was to get down to 135 - 145 by the summer (which isn't quite going to happen, but it'll be close), so I could have my larger breast reduced.  That would be the best and cheapest for me.  I've since moved the possible operation until Winter Break, at the end of 2008, because I want to accomplish "thinness" before I get my breasts fixed.

My new University (I am a transfer student) was kind to me in giving me a roommate I couldn't stand.  I spend most of my time either studying in the library or working out, and I can see fine curves developing.  I've also spent a long time reading posts for motivation and blasting alternative-rock music through my headphones into my ears, as well as learning about new ways to improve my eating patterns.

January 8th, I weighed 198 lb.
May 1, I was 169.9.
Today I'm at 171 (a little high for the 160's club but it's okay).
My realistic goal:  148 (50 lb from start)
My ideal goal:  135
My unrealistic goal: 123 (75 lb from start).

That's my background.  It's so far got a happy turnout (but no ending is in sight!), but I've got a lot of issues to deal with, and a ranting zone will be my release.

Thank you Ajde!

I have no excuses- sure i was pregnant twice and puberty had me gain like 20 lbs in 3 months but i think it comes down to the fact i got a man got married and stopped caring. I never had the info on maintaining or losing weight i was around my skinny sisters who ate whatever and never gained a pound- i thought that was normal!

but here i am now on a new way of life loving myself- happy as can be when that scale goes down a pound! I dont expect a 4 lb loss in a week maybe 1-2 and thats ok b/c as long as i am steady losing im happy!

starting weight - 185

current weight :)- 161.4

goal- 135

obscene goal- 125-130

i like having curves so i will have to see what i look like when i get to 135- im super happy i am losing weight i havent been in the 160's for like 5 yrs! i am so excited and cant wait to hit 150's!!- p.s. im breastfeeding so i get to still eat!! YEAH!

Rough day.  Up to 172.4 today.  I'm really getting serious today, eating every three or four hours, and keeping the calorie intake to about... 350 apiece (because I love these wraps that are "341" calories per half-wrap, and that's what I typically fill up on... they're BIG wraps).

I hate forgetting things when I'm going somewhere!  I have to come back, and since I haven't used an elevator (except for yesterday when I was moving my sister out) in six months, I have to take extra trips up and down the stairs.  For instance... I walked all the way down the stairs (2 flights) before I realized I forgot my keys.  Lucky my roommate hadn't left yet, and I was able to get them.  Then I walked across campus to take a final exam on the fourth floor of the building (biology - for some reason it came easily to me), and I forgot to bring a scan-tron.  The teacher was reasonable and said I could go back to my dorm and grab one.  So I walked down 3 flights of stairs to get to the door, and walked across campus, up the stairs of my dorm, to grab a scan-tron sheet.  Then down the stairs, across campus, and up the stairs again.  At this point I was hot and sweaty (it's 75+ degrees outside right now), and I had to take the test overheated.

I guess that means I can have a few extra calories? *runs to get another half wrap*

I'm going to study for most of the afternoon, perhaps with a friend (she has the same class), while tanning (oh beautiful) outside.

THEN I HAVE TO GO TO THE GYM!  I'm almost out of days to go to the gym!

Hi Leopardrayne - I really feel your pain. All my friends were always miniature, and I mean size zero throughout elementary, junior high, and highschool, and I ended up feeling like a freak because I grew a foot taller than everyone else by 4th grade and got "big" boobs (since no one else had any until 6th grade, which never got bigger than a B after that) and got made fun of for that, plus I was always a size 12 - 12 in kids, 12 in juniors, 12 in adults. I feel lucky that I never had to endure a sudden weight gain when I was younger, although this year has given me an extra 20 or so pounds, which has been really disheartening.

Also, I know how difficult it can be to have your body go haywire when you can't control it... one of my best friends has had to deal with one of her breasts never growing, and having to make amends with herself in that she had to be comfortable with herself even if she didn't match the norm. She's doing great and super confident now, although it was difficult for her when we were younger.

Congratulations on your weight gain though! I really admire that you were able to do that. I've been struggling to just get started so far... I go through 3 good days and then, I break down badly on the fourth day... So I hope I can have the same diligence and discipline soon.

Good luck!

 

Thanks Ajde... look at us, the night owls...

I haven't lost any weight as of last night, but I'd like to see the scale in the morning, considering I didn't get to eat at all today (meh... yesterday at this point - it's 12:47 a.m.).  Dad threw away the scale here, because it angered him that he was over 300 and the scale "errored" at 300.  So I have to wait until I'm back to school (May 18) to check my weight.  Wish me luck!

I wanted to be down to 168 by May 11, but that was a pipe dream.

How about a rave for today... I didn't have a particularly great day, speaking in terms of exercise and eating... in fact, I had a bad day, including a burger and ice cream (bad!) after a really, really late night last night (although I managed to only have 1 beer the whole night, so I guess at least I didn't get too many calories in alcohol).

I've been feeling crappy about myself, and I haven't been dressing the way I should to show off my best side. I love that I get support from my boyfriend and friends, but I also feel sometimes like I'm too disappointed with my weight gain to fix myself up so I only give it half an effort when I'm going out. Well, last night I decided that I needed to dress up. I put on my best pants, a cute shirt, and my 4-inch boots, did my makeup and hair, and hoped for the best. Even though I've been feeling pretty unattractive recently, I went out to a club and immediately got some flattering (and surprisingly respectful!) comments, and my boyfriend was taken with me because I put in some effort.

It felt great! I don't really like being hit on and I'm 100% faithful to my boyfriend, but I do like feeling attractive, not only to others, but to myself. So, I say, ladies, next time you're feeling down and like you can't look the way you want, put on your best clothes, some cute shoes, do your nails and makeup, even if you're just hanging out with some casual friends or hanging out at the house... and you might just feel better :) I was surprised, and I think I'll be mixing up my wardrobe a little more from now on so I feel better in general about myself.

Also, great job Shauna_182! Jeez, my sister's gone through two pregnancies and marriage and after seeing her go through that (and the consequential weight gain) I totally think it's a pretty good excuse! However, I understand... It can feel like it's just a fault, even if there are legitimate, biological reasons for weight gain. But, congratulation! I hope to be out of this club and onto the 150's with you soon!

what a great idea to start this thread!  thanks ajde!!

I was on vacation last week and wasn't really counting calories, but was still watching how much I was eating and everything....and managed to get at least a mile (or more) in walking daily.  But I feel so depressed.  I haven't seen any weight loss (before or after vacation).  I am getting very discouraged...but I'm back to counting calories today and trying to stay with it.  It's just hard when I don't see any decline in weight...at all.  Ugh.....

I live in Ohio so I can Rant with your seattle weather!! We can experience 80 degrees and snow all in the same week!   I've been stuck at 166ish for the last 2 weeks, life has been crazy, but is now back to normal.  I got in a 4 mile walk today, and was right on target with my calories for the day.

Runningbellydancer, I totally know what you mean. It's so easy to get frustrated by not losing weight... Back last year when I was working out and eating pretty well, all I could ever do was drop five pounds... 150... 155... 150... 155... 148... 153. And I never dropped below 148. Honestly, I wasn't putting my 100% best effort into it but still, it was disheartening.

Have you heard about how our bodies can be trick themselves into not losing (or, if done properly, losing) weight? I didn't realize this until my boyfriend explained it to me. If you're eating, let's say, 2000 calories a day to start, your body will burn more or less that amount. Then, let's say you decide to start hardcore dieting, and for the next week eat only 1400 calories. For the first three or four days, your body will burn 2000 and leave you with a deficit of 600 calories, which is awesome because then you lose weight. Then, on the fifth or sixth day, it'll start to freak out because it's not getting food, and lower the burn amount to more or less 1400. So, you have to keep mixing it up with how much you eat... eat less for 3 days, then maybe eat a little more for 4, and compensate with a workout? This is definitely not a perfect theory and it's secondhand information, but maybe your body is just trying to act faster than your efforts out of self-preservation. I definitely should have tried using this back when I'd have 2 weeks of perfect, 1400 calorie days and 3 workouts a week and no change.

Most importantly, don't give up! If it makes you feel any better, I gained some weight :( Mostly because I didn't count my calories. But, I just had a great workout and got my first runner's high ever (although it was on an eliptical machine)! I had no idea it actually existed. I thought it was just something runners talked about to make everyone else feel bad for not running :) Good luck!

Spedteach118 - 4 miles! That's awesome! I'm about to go do my first hike of the season in the next week and it'll be 7 miles roundtrip in 80 degree weather... I'm a little nervous, but I think it'll be fun. Besides, 80 degrees is nothing compared to the month I spent in Sevilla, Spain where it was 95-100+ degrees every day and I had to walk EVERYWHERE, no less than 3 miles to school and back every day. Jeez, if only I could have stayed there longer... I'd be like 125 pounds by now! :)

Oh, and as for Seattle - yesterday it was 50 and raining, today 67 and cloudy, tomorrow 75, and Friday 90! Go figure.

My happy rant?

All right, I'm down to 170.  I've been posting in the 160's for motivation, and soon I can be in the 160's for real.  The 160's is a big deal for me for several reasons:

169:  Beneath 30 BMI
168:  30 pounds lost
165:  High School Graduation Weight:  When I hit 169, I will have hit beneath 30 BMI, which I don't think I have seen since high school. (Date:  06/09/06)
162:  Weight when I left H.S. Cross Country to get focused on studying.  (Date:  10/10/05)
160:  Weight when I finished Cross Country in 11th grade.  (Date:  11/01/04).

The 150's won't be as big of a deal, but assuming I make it, the 140's will be an even bigger deal.  But that's another story.

Right now 170 is a huge deal because my waist is smaller than it was in high school.  Now... the question is... HOW DO I KNOW!?  I went into the closet at my parents' house and decided I really needed to clean out all these clothes that I haven't worn in years.  But I picked up the "favorite" jeans from my senior year of high school, put them on, and noticed they were slightly loose.  They were size 13!  I didn't remember my high school size until this point, but to know I am smaller now than then is a major accomplishment.  The moment almost put me in tears.  Almost.

So the 160's will be a huge deal for me.  Though you all should know.

Original Post by leopardrayne:

All right, I'm down to 170. 


Right now 170 is a huge deal because my waist is smaller than it was in high school.  Now... the question is... HOW DO I KNOW!?  I went into the closet at my parents' house and decided I really needed to clean out all these clothes that I haven't worn in years.  But I picked up the "favorite" jeans from my senior year of high school, put them on, and noticed they were slightly loose.  They were size 13!  I didn't remember my high school size until this point, but to know I am smaller now than then is a major accomplishment.  The moment almost put me in tears.  Almost.

 

this is so awesome! i think sometimes our weight really affects us when it gets so close to that different tier! I havent been 150 since highschool and to be 162 and so close to the 150's group is super exciting! 160's has alot for u to be proud of so im super happy for u - u r almost there!!

my last yr of high school i got to a sz 9 bc i worked out- before that i was sz 14 forever then when i met my man i stopped working out and started eating whoppers- such a no no no! But im excited this is working- i got up and ya kids been fussing alot but i put in about 30 min of some tae bo to kick up some cardio- which i havent really been doing but im happy i did it- made my day better knowing i did it!!

i do constantly worry about eating and exercising since im breastfeeding- i wry bout messing up my milk supply constantly! sometimes i feel selfish for wanting this weightloss but its my dedication that has jumped my friends to do this and my hubby( he dont need to lose anything really) but they have all become so much more health conscious and its great!

i cant stop and cant give up- neither can any of u! hey this has put me in a pretty good mood!!

I ate about three hours ago, and I'm starving again.  But since my mom wanted to go out to dinner (despite our eternal brokeness), I am waiting until she calls me to tell me to meet her at... *thinks*

Vesuvios, maybe.

All the other places in town are pretty bad for dieters.  Every fast food on the planet, of course, and then we've got our choices of Vesuvios, two pizza places, two Mexican Places, or three overpriced steakhouses.

Vesuvios is decent Italian cuisine.  If I don't go overboard, I'll see 169 soon.

Ok...so I finally have a rave!!  I finally bought a scale and weighed myself.  Since I started CC (which has been about 5-6 weeks) I have lost almost 5 lbs!!  I am SO excited!  This couldn't have come at a better time...I was getting very discouraged!  I am down to 158.4.  Does that mean I can't be in the 160's rants and raves anymore?? 

 

You can stay!

I'm having a good rave.  Short one.

I hit 169.6 today.  Enough said :-).

well done leo

 

RAVE -- 

new I hit 164.2  - down almost 2 whole pounds since my last post and I went jeans shopping today and I fit in size 10s in not only in Old Navy, but in Limited and in NY & Co!    sooo excited to go out for my friends bachelorette party on Saturday night! I feel like I'm gonna look hott <- with 2 ts! 

 

Wow, go everyone!!! That's so awesome. I say we should make this a 170's-150's rant and rave club instead. Maybe an everyone rant and rave club, but we'll just keep our target to help us with our goals.

However, I have both a rant AND a rave today.

Rant : I was born with a sweet-tooth. Make that an everything-tooth. I love food, I love cooking, and because of this, I could probably make and eat brownies every day and die a happy woman. While I don't do that, I can't necessarily stop myself from enjoying my life, and so, I went to the cheese festival in Seattle's Pike Place Market yesterday. I broke down and bought some amazing roquefort and sampled cheeses from far and wide. One I tried tasted exactly like pool water, which was awesome to have wasted calories on. But, I don't regret it, because I've discovered something I can rave about -

Rave :

I've figured out that a great way to curb my urge to eat bad things by doing something I have to do every week anyway - samples! When I go shopping for all the general stuff, I go to Winco, this kind of Costco-style grocery store that's like half as cheap as anywhere else - no samples there. But, then when I need more specific ingredients, I go to more specialty grocery stores, like Whole Foods, and they have samples of awesome stuff. You get to try a little bit of everything - cookies, bratwurst, cheese, without killing your day's calorie count. So, if you're having a crazy hormonal day and all you want is to eat a brownie, try hitting up your local specialty store and have a sample or two.

Also, I have been working out like a crazy woman! My body hasn't stopped being sore in 5 or 6 days straight from all the cardio, weight training, swimming and walking. That's gotta be a good sign :)

Ajde - Whole Foods is my "I'm too broke to buy a meal so I'll circle the store five times till I'm full" meal.  Man I love that place...

Hah, sweet, I'm happy to know I'm not the only one! I mean, come on, it's free food, it's there for a reason, and, who knows, I might just buy the product some day if I have the cash or calories to spare... last time I was there, they had no less than 10 samples too, so it's easy to come hungry and leave full and happy without breaking the bank or waistband :)

I'm down to 168.8 as of this morning.  I could have lost more since then, because I haven't eaten much... but before someone bites my head off for not eating, I'll explain why:  My tonsils are too swollen.

I have been coughing for a few days, and my tonsils have really taken the heat of it.  They are quite possibly the size of... *thinks* small plums, I guess.  Pretty big, if you ask me.  No strep throat, just some bad cold.  I took some advil and cough syrup, so I've been a little bit better today.  But my tonsils are still so big that I can't eat anything.  I did have some water, and that feels a little better, and a small ice cream sandwich.  That's all I've eaten but it's okay.  Not hungry.

If my throat feels better, I'm going to take a walk around Whole Foods for lunch.  Sounds good, and I might just pick up some fruits and vegetables.