Trying to lose 10 lbs. forever club

I am interested in finding others who have been struggling for a long time with losing the "last 10 lbs". .  I've been battling to lose 10 lbs for many years.  Actually, I've lost 10 in the last year but I needed to lose 20 a year ago (not just 10). 

I run, bike and swim now and have been participating in running 5k's and triathlons.  I have firmed up but would like to wear a size 8 comfortably.  I may want to go on to a size 6 next.


I think that if I had some friends with the same goals, then I would stay motivated.  Maybe we can share ideas and recipes. 

Let me know if you are out there and interested.

Hi all!

   Well today is weigh in day.  I was really disappointed.  I am still at minus 4.3 pounds.  I was hoping to see a drop this week.  Well, I didn't gain :)  Today I ran 3.1 miles and stretched for 20 minutes.  It is so hot here in PA and the humidity is brutal.  My son and I headed out at 7AM and it was already in the 80's.  Well I plan to keep my calories to 1350.  Yesterday, I went over by 200.  Oh well, today is a new day!

Good luck everyone!

Di

Day by Day

After my bike ride yesterday, I felt a twinge..... it's still sore today, so I walked with the dogs this AM and I am going to walk with a co-worker at lunch (it's not 1,022 calories of bike riding or a 9 mile run, but hey, I get what I can!)  Anyway, anyone have any suggestions?  I have a 10 K race this Saturday AM.  I have been trying to keep it loose, but...................

I am going to keep my calories low today, and TRY and take it easy, but I drive and sit at work....

Amy

Hi all,

Di, please don't be discouraged. Since your race, you've probably put on some extream muscle.  Also, I would be trilled with a 4.3 lb. loss in four weeks.  I also understand about the heat!  You're body might be holding water since it is so hot.

Amy, my thought is that you probably need to taper this week, anyway, for the race. Although you are training for a marathon (or 1/2 marathon, i can't remember which one), it seems like you still need to taper because you will be running at a "race pace" which is really draining.  So, take it easy.  You'll be ready for the 10k by Saturday- which will be a "piece of cake" for you.  P.S. Are you going to taper for the run-a-way bride thing"? (smile)

For weigh in:  142.8  (down a total of -2.2)  As long as I am seeing a decrease, I am not going to be discouraged.  Plus, it's TTOM and I had stir-fry with Soy Sauce (high sodium) last night.  I'm going to stay connected the TEAM (that's all of you) and keep- on-keeping-on... :-)

Tuesday (yesterday): i didn't do my workout as planned. My running partner canceled.  I did clean house for 5 hours so that should count for something.  I did stay within my calorie limit yesterday

Wednesday, June 27:  goal- 1450 calories; 9,8 mile bike (on the mountain bike which is a push); 2-3 mile run.  No great challenges today so far.

Keep up the great work everyone.  Thanks for all of the support. 

Toniahayes

Hi - forgot to weigh in this morning so I'll log progress tomorrow.  Good weigh in, Di and Tonia!  I'm feeling low-energy, allergic and crampy (TOM) so it's nice to see all the support on this board.

Today:  I'm craving starchy foods and haven't gone over my calorie goals yet, so I'm on the fence about an indulgent snack.  Only one workout but I just feel wiped out.

Tomorrow:  Calorie goal:  1300; Exercise - we'll see!

Good morning!

    I am really busy today, so I got up early and did a 60 minute pilates tape.  I will try to stay in 1350.  Gotta go!

Di

hi all,

since I'm new to this thread, I've got a few questions.  I hear a few of you talking about double exercises....what's the logic behind this exactly?  is it that your body is shocked, doesn't adjust to a rhythym?  it's curious how it works!

another quick question about exercise....I've been running about a half hour, three or four days a week, usually with another half hour of walking.  I have really strong leg muscles (thank you seventh floor apartment without elevator!) and my heart seems to be okay, I'm not out of breath.....my legs DO start to ache, however, after 10 or 15 minutes....I am wondering if this is because I am not stretching enough?  I try to stretch for 3 or 4 minutes before heading out, but maybe I'm not doing it properly?  I also have a cheap pair of sneakers, but I think that would effect my feet more than my legs?

On an entirely different note, I have no idea how my weight is doing: I've been really bloated lately (I know, yuck), so I can't really judge on the size of my stomach (at least I know it's not fat!), and my scale is broken.....this is, in fact, great!  It helps me put things in perspective and reminds me that, as much as dieting is for vanity, looking better there are so many other benefits....feeling healthy, better, energized....of course, I may slowly be packing on the pounds, in which case I'll curse this post and burst into tears....

All the same....good luck to you all!

It's TOTM for many of us, myself included!

I worked out yesterday but ate 1500 calories. It's because of TOTM...I know it! Because I couldn't control it!

Anyhoo, tonight and tomorrow will be a challenge. I am part of a wedding on Saturday and tonight we are all going out for some drinks. Atleast i'm eating at home! Then tomorrow is the rehearsal dinner. Oh well, I know we're going to have a wonderful time, I just have to remember that I have to fit in my dress!!

Hey mcp!  Have a blast at your friend's wedding - don't forget to drink water (or club soda!)

I weighed myself this morning - down a pound from last week!  Huzzah!  So that makes a total loss of -4 pounds.  I'm feeling optimistic.

Borgesgreen, check out post #14 for more info about double workouts.  I don't know what the logic is, but I do know that it's working for me. 

Amyb, I hope you're taking care of yourself for your 10k race this weekend!  I hope your work schedule is not too hectic right now.

Di, don't get discouraged with slow weight loss - you did a great job with your tri last week.

Tonia, go team!  Thanks for all the positivity.

Thanks Trix! And congratulations to your loss!!!

Evening all,

yes I am here, feeling sorry for myself.  I have been in bed all day with this nagging back twinge.... It's happened before, it just needs a couple of days to work itself out.  No workout today, however, I am only at 1034 calories, so I've got that going for me.

Starry Night in the Garden:

I have had tickets for this concert since May. It supports the local botannical gardens... they have booths for wine and food tasting from the local restaurants and wineries. (I live near many wonderful wineries near the Finger Lakes region of NYS)  The feature band was REO Speedwagon's Kevin Cronin and Dave Amato~~ acoustic no less!! So, being a huge fan of REO since forever, we went.  Ate too many desserts and maybe not quite enough wine samples....  It was amazing!! We had a great time!  So now, here I sit..

Here's the dilemma/question/point to ponder:
We are all reasonably busy, active people (and I think mostly women)  When these sorts of events come up, I never want to miss an opportunity, but they always (I won't even say nearly always, because it's ALWAYS) make me blow all the good I've done.  Can we re-start the discussion about how to either avoid these situations all together orSTOP making bad choices?

My parents (who live in FL) are up for the summer.  They come by to visit once a week, or want to get together..... cooking at home is not really an option.  She is an extremely fussy eater (READ~~~ doesn't like anything even remotely healthy)  So we are going to PF Chang's tomorrow for dinner... any suggestions?

Hey Amyb - sorry to hear you've been laid up with what sounds like a major twinge!  But I'm totally glad you had a fabulous night out.

As to your dilemma, I hear you - I'm not looking forward to next week.  My husband and I are visiting the in-laws from Sunday thru Tuesday, and from Wednesday through the next Tuesday, we'll be entertaining friends and going to a wedding.  So I'm in a pickle since (1) I won't be able to access this great forum from this Sunday through July 10 and (2) I won't have too much control over my meals the whole time.  And I'll be with family and some dear friends, so it's going to be rough on the conscientious eating plan.

My plan -
No matter where I'm sleeping, I will do 40 pushups when I get up in the morning.
I will bring a bathing suit and tennis gear wherever I go, just in case.
I will bring a big refillable bottle of water (well, not to the wedding!)
I will drink as many club sodas and limes as alcoholic drinks.

If I'm being honest with myself I'm sure I will not have time to write down what I eat, so I'll have to go without a safety net.  We'll see.

Amyb, check out the pf chang's menu - each item has nutritional information with it:

http://www.pfchangs.com/cuisine/menu_main.jsp

Good night all!

Oh yes - goals for Friday:  1300 calories, 1 workout + pushups.
Biggest challenge:  I will be very very busy, so must remember to drink water!

Regarding pf changs - mother of pearl!  I randomly clicked on an item and the crab wontons have 520 calories and 26 grams of fat.  Be very careful, amyb!

Good glaven - a dinner order of beef and broccoli is 1120 calories!

Be extremely careful!

Good morning everyone!

    I am still doing great and I haven't had to many tempting situations, but on Sunday, we go on vacation.  Nine days of very tempting food and tempting opportunities and excuses not to exercise.

   Mcpchants, good luck with the wedding.  You have that bridesmaid dress to get into, so that should keep you in check.  Lucky you!

   Amyb and trix, I continue to think having a good plan will help keep us on track, but what about a reward.  I think if I am going to say,"no thank you" to icecream, I should get a reward!  So I will be on vacation from the 1st through the 9th and if I stay within my goals and exercise 60 min per day, I think I will give myself the freedom to buy one piece of jewelry on the last day of vacation.  I really do not need any more jewelry!  I don't drink, smoke, gamble, party, but I love my jewelry.  What do you guys think? 

Di

I think that's a great idea.  If I accomplish my goals every day of vacation, I will buy myself a new top when I get back.  That's excellent motivation, Di - and you're right, if you say no to ice cream you deserve a reward! 

I'll have to figure out how to work wedding cake into these plans....

Hello Everyone,

I didn't post for a couple of days because my internet was down. 

 I have had some great workouts:  Wednesday Morn: 9.8 mile bike ride in morning; 3 mile walk/run in the evening; Thursday morning: 3 mile walk/run.  3 mile walk/runs are not a lot for me but in the heat it is enough for my training. 

Today, Friday: REST DAY

Borgesgreen, Hi... double exercises were a suggestion that many are trying.  I do them because I am training for a Triathlon and sometimes it requires two workouts.  It's not a requirement for this forum.  I believe the logic was that we would burn more calories.  Good greif!!! 7 floors with no elevator.. no wonder your legs are aching... No really, what part of your legs are aching?? Your quads, hamstrings, calves?  You might be out of glycogen in the muscles... what do you eat or drink before and after your workout??? 

Amy, Wow! I love wine from the Fingerlakes Region, like Red Cat & Goosewatch... yummy.  Would love to try others.  What a blast of a night with the concert... I would have taken that opportunity to indulge also.  I hope you get to feeling well soon...

Trixi... your suggestions to Amy sounded great... especially planning ahead by looking at the web. 

One thing that happened to me today is that I found myself in a Chinese Buffet... and you know how that goes.  I overindulged myself yesterday at a Greek resturant;  so, today I decided to fill up on the low calorie selections like hot/sour soup, steamed shrimp, steamed beans, and some fruit.  By the time I finished all of this, I was satisfied; then it was easy to go back and make  good selections. 

PF Changs probably has fish and good salads.  Try to fill up on salad and lowcal soup first. Maybe that will help. 

Dievans, I like the reward idea... whatever keeps us motivated...we should do.  I always feel so much better when I keep my promises to myself. 

I asked my husband what we should all do about the events blowing our weight-loss efforts: his answer.... SHOW UP AT THE EVENT WITH DUCT TAPE OVER OUR MOUTH, COLOR COORDINATED WITH OUTFITS, OF COURSE;  THEN NO ONE WILL EVEN QUESTION WHY WE ARE NOT PARTICIPATING IN THE HIGH CALORIE CUISINE.

TODAYS INTAKE:  Didn't count, but if I don't have another glass of Syrah i will probably be within range.

Tomorrow, Saturday:  Swim 600 meters; 1400 calories; Sunday: Bike- 15 miles; 1600 Calories

Have a good-night and weekend everyone.

Good morning!

Went for a 10mile bike ride this morning.  The weather is gorgeous!  Yesterday, I stayed within 1350 and felt pretty good about it.  Today, same calorie goals.

Tonia, when and where is your tri?  Trixi, I think a new summer top sounds great as a reward.  Maybe even two with the great sales everyone is having.  amyb, how are you feeling?  I hope the back is feeling better.  Also, Tonia, I told my husband about the duct tape and he said sounds great and Walmart carries a good variety of colors. I hope we don't have to follow through with that plan!

Good luck everyone.  My vacation starts tomorrow and I don't know if I will have internet access or not.

Di

tonia,

my hubby to be loves your husband's suggestion!!!

PF Chang report - - Cantonese Shrimp and brown rice=  330+ 200..... with the glass of wine (come on, I was with my MOTHER!!!!  sometimes wine makes her easier.....)  I was still in good shape, thanks for the insight to their menu......

Twinge seems to have disapated.... went to the 10k race today.......59:00 EVEN!!! For me that is insane!! My beau did his best as well 49:15.  nice cool morning..... lots of dogs to pet (it was a benefit for the animal shelter)  flat course...

Rewards are what keep me motivated.  Right now my only reward is fitting into that modest bikini I bought for the honeymoon.  It fits, but the belly........... yes, it needs work.

Red Cat.........yum!! THAT's my problem, there are very few wines I DON'T Like.

So, we have been at this for a whole month now.  What's up?
What can we do to change/modify/freshen/motivate?  Are we happy with what we are doing?

I can say that at the start of this, I was fluctuating between 148 and 145..... I am now fluctuating between 141 and 137!!

I call this progress ladies!! Don't give up, be discouraged by LIFE's little setbacks,inconveniences, or obstacles.  We are doing the best we  can.  The slower we lose, the more likely we are to keep it off.  I am still able to reach my goal at this pace, so THANK YOU!!!!!

Keep focused, have a glass of vino for me, and celebrate one month of new friends, goal setting, little accomplishments, and getting back on the wagon, even when we don't want to.

We should start our own little support group......:)~~~ oh, I guess that's what we are already doing!

I think I was supposed to be in this group, but I keep missing the weigh-ins -_- .  Sorry!  My scale is being weird, as always, and doesn't wanna decide on a number.  But currently it's saying anywhere between 107-109, depending on its mood, so hopefully I'm finally starting to move in the right direction.

Naia- welcome, but what direction are you trying to move in??

Dievans, My Tri is in Clermont, FL on July 28th.  You can check it out at Sommersports.com

Amy, I am so proud of you for persevering this week and going out and running that 10K.  What an awesome time!! You ROCK girl!  You are an inspiration.  Thank you for all that you have shared with us concerning you triumphs and challenges.  I feel like I ran that race with you (smile).

Also, I've been thinking about what you said: "what can we do to change/modify/freshen/motivate", and about the challenges that we've all dealt with over the last month.  I appreciate all of the encouraging words that all of you have spoken into my life this last month. I am thankful for the accountability and I am grateful that I am not the only one with the struggles that I deal with. 

Once again, we are all social people, and food is so much a part of being social.  I read something this morning that really spoke to me and I hope it will help all of us.  I was reading that we should not look at the foods we enjoy as cheating, but we need to enjoy them but still be in control.  In other words, I love a glass of wine in the evening.  When I tried to not have my glass of wine, I ended up trying to subsitute with juice and a splash of diet soda.  It didn't satisfy me like my glass of wine; so, then I tried another glass of juice etc.  The juice was 180 calories before it was all over but the glass of wine was only 80 calories.  Which one would I have been better off with?  At a social event, when we try to stay away from something  that we really enjoy (such as chocolate cake) we will try a lot of other things on the table that don't satisfy;   then we lose control because we are not as satisfied as we would have been having something we really love.  Therefore, we end up grabbing the chocolate cake and feel like we've "blown it", and we all know where that leads.

He, the author of Picture Perfect Weight Loss, said... "To lose weight successfully, you have to figure out a way to have that occasional piece of cake and still feel like you're in the driver's seat." 

My suggestion is that we continue to post our goals and calories.  I really feel like this is working for me... I am much firmer from the exercise and I feel great.

Secondly, I suggest that we focus on staying in the "drivers seat" at our social events and family functions.  Maybe we can report to each other how we plan to do this and then share our successes.  This will cause us to think ahead, like Amy did with PF Changs.

Today: I hosted a barbeque and thought ahead of time about how I could enjoy my awesome baked beans, my friend's potato salad, and dessert and still stay within my daily  calorie goals.  So far, I am under 1400 calories and I even enjoyed my red wine!! Huzzah! 

Exercise:  Enjoyed a 10 mile bike this morning.

July 2, Monday: Exercise- 2 mile run with a 5 min warm-up and cool down.  I also hope to attend a pilates class.  Calories: 1400

I hope all of you had a great weekend and I look forward to hearing from you this week and hearing your ideas going forward.

Toniahayes