tall club 5'10'' and over ladies who want to lose 20-30 lbs... join me for weekly weigh-ins and motivation!!

Lauren in San Diego here (5'11'').  I was up to almost 180 lbs at the end of last year and I lost about 10 pounds during Jan-Feb and then got lazy.  I need to get back on the wagon.  I think I weigh around 170 and I would like to be 150.  Weigh in on Fridays for me starting tomorrow.  I would love to chat with others who have similar stats and goals to stay motivated.  All my girlfriends are little petites, I need some amazon love!!

Let's look hot and healthy this summer!!!

lol right. Crazy we both joined last night!  Yea your defecit is going to be the amount you burned minus the amount you eat (burn-intake) My BMR (basal metabolic rate or resting burn rate) is 1920 right now. So If I ate 920 (never good to eat below 1200 for us gals) I would have a 1000 calorie defecit (assuming I never got out of bed all day long-if I DID get out of bed I would have more like 1500 calorie defecit, shame shame :P) Soo I eat around 1500-1800 calories usually. Eating the most on days I swim because I burn a ton of calories (love swim days). I just add my workout cals to my BMR usually and that equals my BURN for the day. So if I swim my burn is bout 2400 so i can eat 1800 like I want to and still get a 600 calorie defecit. 600 calorie defecit all 7 days in the week equals 4200 calorie defecit for the week which equals a 1.2 lbs loss per week. (3500 calories=1 pound so 4200/3500=1.2). That said I been wingin it. Not been keepin a journal of what i eat or exercise just countin in my head. Whatever works for ya. Hope that makes sense!

by george I think I've finally got it!  Thanks Meggo! 

So - I'll have to increase my current allowable from 1200  to something closer to 1500-1600 (which sounds like a lot to me!)  and when I work out a bit more to create a larger gap of 'burn' for weight loss. 

The numbers got to be a bit confusing and I always OVER analyze everything so I complicate matters unnecessarily...lol.

Ok - so this is day #5 for me (Monday night dinner KILLED me though..lol) but Tuesday I jump back into it.  I will weigh in tomorrow morning and see if there has been any difference.....I'm skeptical considering it's only been a week and I haven't work out yet.  So I'm prepared (I think) for the same number.

It's more about inches for me - so I have to buy a tape measure to track that too.

I'm so excited!  I FEEL lighter already :)

Wow, I guess it has been a while since my last post here, November actually. Welcome to everyone that is joined! The last few months have been quite interesting for me, I've been traveling around the U.S. quite a bit and without the familiar comforts of the gym and my own fridge.

I am happy to report that my current weight is an astonishing 159.0 lbs. I guess all of the things I learned about portion control and stopping when I am full have really helped, not to mention the pilates and push up sessions I slipped in every now and again.

Recap:

Height: 5'10"

8/1/2008 SW: 195 lbs

1/16/2009 CW: 159 lbs

5/1/2009 GW: 145 lbs

That's 36 lbs so far, 14 more to go! Now that I am back at home I plan to really get back into strength training and also continue with my beloved pilates practice. I'm going to keep the cardio light, my trainer friend insists that three intense 30-minute sessions each week is more than enough for the goals I want to achieve. Not that he's letting me off easy, I'm supposed to spend 60-90 minutes strength training three times each week.

Best of luck to everyone, I'll be checking in more regularly.

TGIF everyone!  Fun to catch up on everyone's news.

I was astonished (and a bit envious) to read about lindsayanne's 36 lb weight loss in the same time it took me to lose 13 lbs.  I bet she has an enviable stomach too, with all that pilates!

Welcome melisaann and mmdeam!

Init - HOW do you maintain on 2500-3000 calories?!  I need to learn that trick for WHEN (not if) I get to maintenance.  Must involve some serious daily exercise!

I'm happy to report that I actually lost 2 lbs this week.  First time I think I've ever actually lost weight in January!  SW: 206   CW:  193 (again )   GW: 175.

Had a bit of a laugh this morning at myself.  Rediscovered a birthmark on my back I had completely forgotten about... It was hidden in the back flab fold, which is slowly opening again - LOL!   I guess I should try on bathing suits more often (NOT!)

Original Post by lindsayanne:

Wow, I guess it has been a while since my last post here, November actually. Welcome to everyone that is joined! The last few months have been quite interesting for me, I've been traveling around the U.S. quite a bit and without the familiar comforts of the gym and my own fridge.

I am happy to report that my current weight is an astonishing 159.0 lbs. I guess all of the things I learned about portion control and stopping when I am full have really helped, not to mention the pilates and push up sessions I slipped in every now and again.

Recap:

Height: 5'10"

8/1/2008 SW: 195 lbs

1/16/2009 CW: 159 lbs

5/1/2009 GW: 145 lbs

That's 36 lbs so far, 14 more to go! Now that I am back at home I plan to really get back into strength training and also continue with my beloved pilates practice. I'm going to keep the cardio light, my trainer friend insists that three intense 30-minute sessions each week is more than enough for the goals I want to achieve. Not that he's letting me off easy, I'm supposed to spend 60-90 minutes strength training three times each week.

Best of luck to everyone, I'll be checking in more regularly.

 

Wow - I am inspired by your post!  Thank you!  I've just signed up for a pilates class - my first ever.  Class begins Monday evening - I'm pysched!  I may include a Zumba class some other day of the week also.  Not sure if my schedule will permit or not.

How many calories to you consume daily?

My goal is 165lbs by March!  This is my first week doing this.  Very inspiring.

Mellisaann - I'm glad you've found my journey to be inspiring. I remember when I first found this group so many of the ladies became my greatest motivators through their own determination and progress.

To answer your question - I try to eat an average of 1800 calories, though I think a big part of my sucess has been the zig zag method, i.e. one day I'll have 1400, the next 1800, the next 1600, the next 2000, the next 1200, etc. Doing things that way gave me much greater flexibility if I had to plan for a special occasion or just felt like indulging in some M&Ms. I have to also thank my iPhone and the application I downloaded called Lose It!, which made it easy to log calories when I wasn't near a computer.

I wish you luck in your first ever pilates class. It can be overwhelming at times because you're like I'm supposed to do ALL of that at one time? But just pay attention to your body and how it is moving. The breathing, counting, and exact positions will come with practice and time. If you enjoy your class, I'd also suggest picking up a book for reference, that way you have illustrations and instructions to look over on your own time. Let me know if you have any other questions, I'd be more than happy to answer them!

Original Post by yoga44:

TGIF everyone!  Fun to catch up on everyone's news.

I was astonished (and a bit envious) to read about lindsayanne's 36 lb weight loss in the same time it took me to lose 13 lbs.  I bet she has an enviable stomach too, with all that pilates!

Welcome melisaann and mmdeam!

Init - HOW do you maintain on 2500-3000 calories?!  I need to learn that trick for WHEN (not if) I get to maintenance.  Must involve some serious daily exercise!

 

Hi Yogs--i too am envious of lindsay's dedication and loss!! I lost 11lbs in that time and thought I was doing well :p!

For me to maintain on that much I workout 5 times/week-2 full body weight sessions of about 30 min, and 3 cardio sessions of 30-45 min. I also walk about 2-3 miles/day out of normal activity. If I get to 3000 the next day I try to take it down to 2500....yesterday I tried for 2000 and broke down! ended up around 2200. Today I think I'm already at 3000...and it's only 3PM! ha! I think the key for me is when I have a 3000 + day I have to check back down to a reasonable # in the next 1-2 days in order for it to not turn into a gain.

Congrats on your 2lbs!!! and the birth mark showing up again!! Awesome :)

Original Post by lindsayanne:

Mellisaann - I'm glad you've found my journey to be inspiring. I remember when I first found this group so many of the ladies became my greatest motivators through their own determination and progress.

To answer your question - I try to eat an average of 1800 calories, though I think a big part of my sucess has been the zig zag method, i.e. one day I'll have 1400, the next 1800, the next 1600, the next 2000, the next 1200, etc. Doing things that way gave me much greater flexibility if I had to plan for a special occasion or just felt like indulging in some M&Ms. I have to also thank my iPhone and the application I downloaded called Lose It!, which made it easy to log calories when I wasn't near a computer.

I wish you luck in your first ever pilates class. It can be overwhelming at times because you're like I'm supposed to do ALL of that at one time? But just pay attention to your body and how it is moving. The breathing, counting, and exact positions will come with practice and time. If you enjoy your class, I'd also suggest picking up a book for reference, that way you have illustrations and instructions to look over on your own time. Let me know if you have any other questions, I'd be more than happy to answer them!

 That is very helpful.  I have heard the zig zag method from other people too and they reported much success as well.  It just baffles me a little - that I have EAT all those caloreis to LOSE weight!  I've been very aware of portion control and the need for fruits and veggies.  I've been drinking a TON of water too - and I've noticed a difference in my stomach - not as bloaty feeling....very pleased with that!

OMG! I weighed in this morning - 177.5!! That's 4.5 lbs loss!  I know it's probably water weight - but I'm happy with it anyway!! 

Just for fun I tried on my most forgiving jeans :) - they were a bit snug around the backside and thigh area last week - and they are much more comfortable this morning!!

I did what everyone suggested and increase my daily calorie allowance and I've been very diligent about logging everything that passes my lips.  Even that itsy bitsy Lindor truffle ball yesterday - 87 calories in that little piece of heaven.....but it was well worth it!  AND I stuck to just 1 - the whole bag was sitting there - AND I WALKED AWAY WITH ONLY 1!! Now, that's progress!

I'm strongly encouraged.  I'm going to work out today - 1st time in a long time. I'll do 30 mins on treadmill and some strength training.

Wow - feeling good!  Thanks everyone!

Good morning ladies! Welcome to all the new posters and congrats on your progress.

Lindsay- it is so great you could keep up the healthy habits while travelling and lose so much weight!

Yoga- good loss esp since I know you do most of your exercise outside and it has been sooooooooooooooo cold. Even where you are I imagine.

I myself am at a diet impasse. Not sure what the deal is. I have literally been the same weight since July (I might gain a few water pounds and then it is gone in a few days. I have seen 159 on the scale every week for nearly 6 months :( This week I really picked up the workouts- went to the gym everyday and even lifted weights on three days but nothing. It works on the flip side too I have had periods in the last months where I have pretty much eaten whatever I want within reason for a few weeks and I don't gain so I am not sure what the deal is. My body seems to have decided that 159 is where it likes to be and plans to stay... FOREVER... Sorry just needed to vent a little.  Plan to stick with the upped exercise this week and see what happens. if i don't lose again im thinking i might need to get a personal trainer. Anyone else ever had this long a plateau?

Have a great week everyone!

Hey ladies! It was a so-so week for me. Lost 2 pounds but was hoping for a few more. I keep having to remind myself that 2 pounds per week is the right way to do this.

It's just a little frustrating. I had gotten down to 188 after losing 88 pounds. After this Fall and some serious personal issues at home I bounced back up to 215. I think I'm just so anxious to get back to where I was...I want to get it done now.

Anyway...back on the right track. Weight loss feels so good! This time last year I was on blood pressure meds, getting ready to start meds for diabetes, and was suffering with PCOS, which causes REALLY irregular periods. Now, I am off all meds and my monthly visitor is always right on time. I feel good. Hopefully with the motivation from you ladies I can get to the goal I set for myself this time last year.

I've thought about trying zig-zagging. Sometimes I think I do it unintentionally. What is the reason behind its success?

Hi there! I came across this and thought it was right up my alley...I am 6-1 and my CW is 203 pounds. My GW is 160. 205 is the highest I've ever been so obv. I am just starting out--although I tried to do this last year when I logged in at 195. I got down to almost 180 last year but got lazy with the food--that is always my nemesis. Just picking up takeout b.c. its easier. That and dessert and snacking! I'm in grad school and I think I do a lot of mindless eating.

The exercise part is relatively easy for me--I often burn 600-700 calories at the gym--and then another couple hundred walking. But sometimes I get busy and don't go to the gym but still eat the same amount of calories. That and my boyfriend loves, i mean LOVES to go out to eat. I have started cooking for him a lot more, but I gained almost 20 pounds in the last year and we have been dating for a year. We eat out at all these delicioius restaruants  and it has wreaked havoc on my body.

I had a sad moment yesterday I thought I could share here. My boyfriend and I were at his parents' house and they have a WII fit. So he was doing it and it gives you a little fitness assessment including your BMI. Well, he clocked in as obese. (He is...sadly, but wont' admit it.) Anyhow, he proceeded to tell me how off it was and told me if I was to do it, it would tell me I was obese, also! MYBMI is 27--i'm not happy it's in the overweight range, but he must think I weigh a lot more than I do if he thinks my BMI would clock in at obese! We had a discusson about it and he told me of course he doesn't think I'm obese, onlly that the BMI is antiquated. It still hurt, though! He said he thinks he is "slightly overweight" but nowhere near obese. I wish he would come to grips with needing to lose weight but I'm hoping to set a good example and have him follow suit.

Anyhow, after that we went out to eat and he ordered a giant porterhouse steak (denial, I tell you.) I had grilled fish and avoided the bread basket. I was pretty happy about that. My weigh-in day is tomorrow and I am feeling good about it. My jeans are definitely a bit looser in the waist--and I already see my belt going to the tighter hole. I am a classic pear so I always lose in my upper body first.

I'm going to read through some of these pages to see what everyone else eats. I usually eat around 2,000 cals a day--I am really hungry if I eat less. It says my BMR is 1700. If anyone reads this, curious to know what are your stats, and how many cals do you eat a day to lose weight? I lost weight last year eating between 1800 and 2200 a day (and exercise) so I try and remind myself that that is very doable. One of the great advantages of being tall and dieting as to be the higher amount of cals we can eat, right?

P.S. Any basketball players on this threat? I still play when I can--I prefer to play with women but sometimes play with guys, too.

Hi - and welcome.

It does seem absurd to have to eat so many calories to LOSE - my mind still hasn't wrapped around that.  So I struggle with allowing myself to eat more calories.

SW 182

CW 177.5 - weighed in yesterday and I lost 4.5 lbs in the 1st week.  Mostly water weight I'm sure

GW: 160-165

I'm 6 ft with a healthy BMI of 24 - alittle to close to the higher end for my liking. I stick to 1350-1500 calories a day.  1350 on days I don't work out and closer to 1450-1500 on days I do.

I just started this so tweaking the numbers a bit to figure out what's right. So far I'm doing 30 mins of cardio (brisk walking on treadmill 3.5 MPH on an incline) a new Abs DVD (love it!) 10 mins - both of these are everyday.  I do strength traning 3 sets of 10 or 15 for biceps/triceps and shoulders.

I am diligent about logging calories - so much so that people around think I'm nuts. I found the recipe browser on here to be very helpful.  Those whole wheat pancakes are awesome!

Most importantly - I drink a TON of water - this helps with the bloating feeling you get.

I don't know if I'm doing things right - but so far it's working!  Good luck

Hey Zons!

I love that there has been so much activity on this forum again!

I did weigh in Friday and I think I was at 151. I've been bouncing between 151 and 155 the past week(period week). I've also just been shrugging my shoulders after weighing and grabbing another stale cookie outta the Christmas Cookie tin. Yeah, weird and BAD. 

I'm not feeling the spunk I was feeling back when I was good about ignoring sugar things. I'm not going over my maintenance, but I'm not as careful about avoiding sugar and sodium and I'm starting to feel the affects. Blah.

I actually think I've been too low on my calorie intake, and too many of the calories are empty. Gotta turn that around.

Go saggy buttoms! Mine is muscle on the upper section, but the section that hits the hamstring is a bit droopy. The toning has really, really helped! I love the advice. Thanks all!

Another zig zag trick, that I haven't actually tried and just read about (sorry, lost the source to site); eat a couple hundred calories under your BMR for three days but then make sure to eat above your BMR by a couple hundred calories (or eat at maintenance) on the fourth day. Starvation mode takes a while to develop and this method (as well as zig-zagging) will keep your metabolism active.

Danielle! We have near identical body shapes! I think my legs and rib cage are bigger, but looking at your bikini photo was almost like looking at my own. We weigh about the same and have both been less enthused the last two months. Looks like we found a set of Triplets! You, me, and Emberjem. As for slimming up the legs, I'm at a loss. Most of my weight comes off my upper body and it's driving my crazy.

I'm still wanting to try for 145lbs and got as low as 149lbs, but I'm only seeing my upper body get thinner and not much difference in the legs. I'll keep up the toning. If my legs must be big, then at least they'll be big and defined.

Great job everyone! Welcome newcomers.

Jules

hi everyone!

i weighed myself on friday and was down to 171.5 from the previous week of being 173 which i was very happy about considering i was on a bad eating spree for awhile. so 171.5 is looking pretty good. I had a great day at the gym as well, i finally have a routine that i really enjoy! i've started running at intervals 1 min walking, 2 min jogging, 1-2minutes sprinting, 2 min jogging, and 1 in walking, and and repeat for about 45 minutes. it makes the time pass way faster and i can really feel my body changing shape! its all very exciting.

i am hoping by friday, i will be at 170 or even below. i am notorious for messing everything up when i am about to break through to a new weight, it happened when i was 180 and trying to get into the 170's so i really hoping i can finally get into the 160's. does anyone else mess up around those weights? i must be putting too much pressure on the number, but its hard not to sometimes.

wishing you all the best for the week!

-nybanana

Hi. I'd like to join as well.

Height: 5'10"

SW: 213

CW: ??? (I need a scale)

GW: Between 150 and 155

I'm currently a college freshman studying civil engineering. Really packed on the pounds with the unhealthy food that looked healthy, emotional eating and Depo, which seemed to encourage overeating in me.

I'm working on a plan...I seem to be understanding calorie counting pretty well, but need to start working out more. I checked out the Couch to 5k plan and it seems pretty good - I've never been able to run for long distances, so that would be really good for me.

Original Post by erinw43:

I'm going to read through some of these pages to see what everyone else eats. I usually eat around 2,000 cals a day--I am really hungry if I eat less. It says my BMR is 1700. If anyone reads this, curious to know what are your stats, and how many cals do you eat a day to lose weight? I lost weight last year eating between 1800 and 2200 a day (and exercise) so I try and remind myself that that is very doable. One of the great advantages of being tall and dieting as to be the higher amount of cals we can eat, right?

P.S. Any basketball players on this threat? I still play when I can--I prefer to play with women but sometimes play with guys, too.

Hi Erin, sorry to hear about your boyfriend :(. That's hard. As for cals i eat about 2000 on average to lose but that could probably be bumped up a bit as i've been maintaining on much more lately. I'm about 175 and 6' (my ultimate goal weight is 160 too! but for now i'm going for 10 more lbs). I am a basketball player for sure! It was really funny the other day i met a new co-worker who apparently puts together intramural teams and she said "Yes, i'm puttingyou on the bball team and volleyball team! you play sports right?" and i said "no, never did" in a VERY sarcastic way as i was also wearing 3" heels and she didn't get it :(. So i had to explain that i was joking and love to play. I've only been able to play with guys since college because girls that play and are decent are hard to find :(.. BUT I also get to be a three point shooter now because i cant play post anymore with the bigger guys :).what are you in grad school for?

Hi Skooks, good job on maintaining! And if you and danielle have very similar body shapes at 150 i think that may be my new goal! you ladies are smokin! it's a bit far away for me at the moment...considering it takes me a good 3-4 months to lose 10lbs ;). Anyway, look to make it a quadruplet set by July? Maybe?! that would be awesome! a great exercise for that glute/ham tie in at the lower butt is the glute-ham raise--look it up at exrx.net. it's killer and really hard to do! also, stiff legged deadlifts really target that area too.

hi nybanana-i used to sabatoge myself A LOT at certain weights. i've found it helps me to put more "weight" on my measurements...maybe you can try that?

Well, no pics for me this time...hubs didn't bring his camera. oh well. i ate terribly this weekend but felt in control the whole time so that is very exciting. i did notice my head startign to make me crazy about food around him. i've told him before to 'watch' me and my food intake but now it;s just too much pressure for him to question the things i eat. i'll need to make that crystal clear before we move back in with each other *sigh*.

Happy Monday!

Memphis - I would like to take credit for hiking through the ice and cold, but here in sunny CA it has been tank top & shorts for hiking for the past two weeks.

ErinW43 - I eat to maintenance (1900) and count on exercise for my deficit.  The losing is slow that way, but I don't feel deprived.  

Can someone explain to me what the second number on the burn meter means?  Not the overall amount in smaller text  - but the one that has #### cal? Same size as the caloire amount itself.

Forgive me if that's a stupid question - I guess I just don't get it :)

Etah & Carol- thanks for the compliments!  Carol, I’ve been to London twice, I’m no expert but my friend lived there for a year so if you are looking for any specific info I’d be happy to pick her brain for you. (she’s an expert in the categories of shopping and going out!)

Inittowinit- that’s great that you track your measurements, and congrats on the losses! Also, thanks for the exercise tips, you rock! 

Melissaann & heatherket- welcome to our lovely group!  I hope that we can help you in your journey.   I think this is a great group that can help to motivate!

Lindsayann- welcome back lady and WOW! Great job on your loss!  I find it admirable that you can stick to your guns while traveling, it always messes me up so much.  WHY can’t I grasp the fact that when I am out of town that calories still count? Lol I guess you have the right idea!

Yoga- yay for your loss!  Those measley 2 lbs are nothing, look how quickly you conquered them!  Best of luck with this week.  And 13 lbs since August is still something to pride yourself on!  I’ve stayed within about 5 lbs of my August weight, unfortunately.  Time to kick it up!

Memphiskate- you and I are essentially diet twins!  I’ve been right around 150 for MONTHS, with the same sort of pattern, where I will do well and not see a difference, then do “bad” for awhile and also not see a difference.  I think that means our bodies are at good, healthy weights that they like.  For me, I believe it means I need to vary my workouts beyond just running.  I know you are a runner too, so maybe its some rut related to that?  My goals for this month are to do varied exercises 3 times a week, and run 3 times.  I am also going to begin logging again, daily.  I will keep you updated on results !

Skookum- I am very intrigued by your observations about energy and cutting out sodium/sugars.  I know from observing my logs that these are both problem areas for me.  Any tips on easing into this eating lifestyle?  I’m curious to the effects it would have on me.  Also, cheers to being twins J  Although I highly doubt your legs are bigger than mine- you are technically lighter than me b/c I think your about 2 inches taller than me.  But I am DYING to get leaner legs.  Also, this past weekend I was on a family ski trip, and we noticed all of the ladies in our family have large butts (it wasn’t a revelation for me haha) anyhow, my cousin is 17 and we’re built similar, and my one aunt commented that my butt just wasn’t as high as her “ghetto bootie”.  Now I’m super self conscious that I have a saggy butt or something, so its on the list of VIP areas to tone!

I was out in Colorado for the weekend on a ski trip with my family, and I picked up the January Fitness magazine at the airport.  Let me tell you ladies, there are about 20 recipes that are “healthy AND inexpensive to cook”, and most are pretty simple and look great!  I can try to type them up for you all if your interested J