Wagon Jumpers - January 25 - 31st, 2009 (Closed, Waiting List Available)
Welcome
(We are currently transitioning to 20 members (from 30). If you are interested in being on the waiting list, knowing that it will be a longer than usual list, please read below and e-mail me.)
Welcome to the Wagon Jumpers weekly thread. We are a group of CC members who have identified that one of our main challenges with achieving our weight loss, maintenance or general health goals is consistency.
This thread is designed to encourage long term commitment to our goals by publicly declaring them and asking the other members of this thread to hold us accountable. The primary focus of wagon jumpers is not how much weight you have lost, or need to loose, but what you need to do on a daily basis to meet your long term goals.
There are two rules for Wagon Jumpers:
1. All members must post once per week between Sunday and Friday.
2. All members must check the thread for members who have not posted by Saturday (a short list is posted on Thursday) or are on the MIA list on Sunday and send them a polite and positive message to stay involved in the group and on track with their goals.
If you would like to be a member of this thread please see the guidelines below and send me a PM if you are still interested (there may be a waiting list).
Medium Size Group = Some Time Commitment
The original idea of Wagon Jumpers was to create a close community where participants could get to know each other and hopefully form virtual-life and perhaps even physical-life bonds to create a support network as they attempted long term weight loss.
We quickly discovered that this was impossible with an 'always open' group as there were too many people coming and going. For this reason the group is capped at 30 participants.
A medium sized group means that we have an active thread that produces between 40 - 60 posts per week. Members do not need to read / respond to every post every week. I do notice that those who respond regularly do tend to keep their goals top of mind, and have a better chance to achieve them. I estimate the average time spent by an active member on Wagon Jumpers to be between 1-2 hours per week.
If you are looking for an always open group on CC there are several that operate by different weight criteria, similar motivational patterns etc... There are also many small groups that cap their numbers between 4-10 people to keep the group more intimate, and easier for members to keep up with.
Interested in Joining?
General Guidelines for Joining
1. Are you a wagon jumper?
Do you know how to loose weight, you often have success but then you find yourself loosing interest in your plan, or sabotaging your plan. It's not the "how" to loose weight that is the problem, it's the "how" to stay motivated.
2. Do you have a long way to go?
This group is designed so that members can get to know each other and support each other. Ideally you are planning to be a CC member and part of this forum for at least 6 months or more to achieve your goals and hopefully stay in motivation for a further 6 months or more.
Yes. This is, a long term plan.
3. Do you have the time?
This is a medium sized group, the thread does move fairly quickly each week. If you do not have regular internet access this is likely not the group for you.
Still interested?
Send Supersized a PM. (Please do not reply on the thread)
An overview will be sent to you, you will have a chance to ask questions and an invitation will be sent to you once a spot is open.
Wagon Jumpers Participants
Week 38 Riders:
Supersized (myself)
Week 34 Riders:
Week 30 Riders:
Week 29 Riders:
Week 28 Riders - Congratulations on 7 Months!:
Week 26 Riders:
Week 24 Riders - Congratulations on 6 Months!:
Week 23 Riders:
Week 22 Riders:
Week 21 Riders:
Week 19 Riders:
Week 18 Riders:
Week 16 Riders - Congratulations on 4 Months!:
Week 14 Riders:
Week 12 Riders - Congratulations on 3 Months!:
Week 10 Riders:
Week 9 Riders:
Week 8 Riders - Congratulations on 2 Months!:
Week 6 Riders:
Missing In Action:
Missing In Action - 1 Week:
Missing In Action - 2 Weeks:
Current Membership: 25
Current Waiting List: 3
Outstanding Wait List Invites: 0
12 Week CONSISTENCY GOALS
(as set w/o January 11th, 2009)
By April 4th, I will be...
Letsgetitstarted - consuming an average of 1,500 cal/day and 3 times a week for a minimum 30 minutes.
Rpete144057 - logging my food daily and exercising 5 days a week for at least 30 minutes.
Jessicaanne2001 - exercising 5 days a week for at least 30 minutes, and logging my food daily.
Supersized - logging all of my daily calories and eating in a calorie range of no more than 2,000 cal/day and no less than 1,500 cal/day (calculated by weekly averages).
Figurethefat - exercising a minimum of 1,500 minutes each month, and I will restrict using the scale to two weigh-ins per week on Monday and Friday.
Unlimitedana - eating between 1,500 - 1,600 cal/day and exercising three time a week.
Sarah1090 - logging my calories daily and eating dinner with my mom no less than 4 nights per week.
Cawilder - maintaining a 500 - 1,000 calorie deficit on a daily basis measured by my food log and, working out 5 to 6X per week combo of cardio and lifting.
Carryonandon - maintaining 300 - 500 calorie deficit daily and, exercising 3x per week.
Raven21 - drinking a minimum of 4 bottles (2L) of water daily and, exercising a minimum of 3X per week.
Nannygabber - doing the NROLFW program 3 times per week, and I will establish a 40/30/30 (Carb/Fat/Protein) macronutrient pattern on a weekly average for a minimum of 5 weeks of the next 12.
Germaica - exercising 3 times a week and logging my food for at least 4 days per week.
Pelkeyjm - logging my food daily and exercising at least 3x per week for at least 30 minutes.
The_Vitamin_Dominatrix - logging my caloric intake on calorie count at least six days every week and, exercising in the gym at least 3 days each week.
Tiegurl - eating 1,500 - 2,000 calories and exercising 5x a week.
Kyashiis - running 20 kilometers a week and making progress on the number of repetitions in my calisthenic exercises (starting at: 20 push ups, 30 sit ups, 0 chin ups, 2x 30 sec plank, 20-30 jump rope)
Lam7 - Logging all daily calories at least 6 times a week and, exercising minimum 40 minutes 3x per week.
Sjenn23231 - consuming and average of 1,500 cal/day and, doing SEAL team type workout 3 times a week.
Msmeg1984 - Following the 40-30-30 diet guidelines in NROLFW and working out 3 a week NROLFW plan.
Constanza - using the CC food log every day and, exercising an average of 4 times per week across the 12 weeks.
Defrog3 - eating with improved nutritional quality of food, specifically ensuring that I am getting enough daily protein and carbs and, walking six miles a week weather permitting.
Amber1l - working out 6 days a week for one and a half hours.
Wenchie58 - keeping my calorie intake between 1,400 - 1,500 a day and, drinking at least 2 liters of water daily.
Bigbitty - logging my calories daily and continue to drink at least 2 liters of water per day.
Previous Threads:
Wagon Jumpers - January 18 - 24th, 2009
Wagon Jumpers - January 11 - 17th, 2009
Wagon Jumpers - January 4 - 10th, 2009
Wagon Jumpers - December 28 - January 3rd, 2009
Wagon Jumpers - December 21 - 27th, 2008
Wagon Jumpers - December 14 - 20th, 2008
Wagon Jumpers - December 7 - 13th, 2008
Wagon Jumpers - November 30 - December 6th, 2008
Wagon Jumpers - November 23 - 29th, 2008
Wagon Jumpers - November 15 - 22nd, 2008
Wagon Jumpers - November 9 - 15th, 2008
Wagon Jumpers - November 2 - 8th, 2008
Wagon Jumpers - October 26 - November 1st, 2008
Wagon Jumpers - October 19 - 25th, 2008
Wagon Jumpers - October 12 - 18th, 2008
Wagon Jumpers - October 5 - 11th, 2008
Wagon Jumpers - September 28 - October 4th, 2008
Wagon Jumpers - September 21 - 27th, 2008
Wagon Jumpers September 14-20th, 2008
Wagon Jumpers September 7-13th, 2008
Wagon Jumpers August 31 - September 6th, 2008
Wagon Jumpers August 24 - 30th, 2008
Wagon Jumpers August 17 - 23rd, 2008
Wagon Jumpers August 10 - 16th, 2008
Wagon Jumpers August 2 - 9th, 2008
As always all members are encouraged to tag this thread so that it is easy to find.
Hi everyone, i'm just checking in. I hope all is going well for you ladies. So, I'm getting back into the swing of things. I have been off track for a little bit but I'm back and I'm glad to be doing better with my eating. I happy to say the weight is still coming off. I got compliment. My grandma told me I'm losing my but and that I should eat which is funny coming from her. She was joking about the eating part. I also found that under garments are starting to get loser around the stomach area and that makes me happy.
Original Post by supersized:
This Week's Topic: Motivation
Why should I keep doing this?
Four weeks ago we had just made it through the holidays, there were a few slip ups, but it was a new year, we were energized and committed to making goals, and achieving goals...
Now, we are four weeks in, we have been working hard, and maybe we're not seeing the results we want to see. The work is hard, it takes a long time, and with no obvious carrot we begin to question:
Are we doing the right things?
Why am I not seeing the results I thought I would see?
I can't be expected to do this ALL of the time?
Isn't there a faster / easier way?
The temptation to change the plan increases as we ask these questions. So let's ask one more:
Why should we stick with the plans we set out for ourselves at the beginning of the year?
Wow, I am really happy with my progress this year! So I think I am doing the right thing, I have some slightly changed circumstances, so I need to be even more careful than before, but I think I can do this!
I need to stick with this plan even more than ever bc I just found out that I am pregnant, and I am determined to stay healthy this time, and do the right thing for babybitty and for my body. That includes making sure I log and get adequate nutrition, and drinking water to prevent my (frequent) dehydration.
I cant believe its been 3 months!
Ack - my first reaction to this week's topic was that I can't believe we're already 4 weeks past the holidays!! Time goes too fast.
Update: I'm doing a lot better than last week at keeping my 300-500 calorie deficit, but I still have not added in the exercise bit.
Topic: Some of the questions Sara listed have definitely run through my mind - especially the one about a faster/easier way to reach my goals. The biggest reason to stick to my plan is that my goal is to maintain my weight and nutrition in a healthy, sustainable way. A quick fix isn't what I'm looking for since chances are a gradual change will make yo-yo-ing back up to a higher weight less likely.
Another reason to stick to my plan is that I'm actually seeing some result! Not much, but a little. Sometimes there are set-backs, but for the most part I feel successful. Also, there is a good feeling that comes with being in control of something that at times seems out of control. Even a little success shows me that what I'm doing is actually working.
WEEKLY CHECK-IN
Last week was pretty good... not counting Sunday and Monday. It was my mom's birthday and definitely ate everything that came my way. I managed to do only 2.5 exercise routines (goal is 3, and I missed a lifting routine). This week I'll think I'm only going to make 2 at most (very busy week) but I'm not giving up on my goal for good.
THIS WEEK's TOPIC
Why should I keep doing this?
Because it's working. Because the weight loss has maintained for almost a year. Because at 21 I'm healthier than at 15. And because I can, and giving up is not as rewarding as fighting to keep going.
Why should we stick with the plans we set out for ourselves at the beginning of the year?
Because it helps you to form a definite strategy and helps you to lose weight ina healthier way.
Weekly Check-In: So far, so good. Despite my weight creeping up, I've stuck to my goals. I have started back at school and the stress is starting to increase but I've created time in my day for activity to make up for excuses like stress. Today i did legs at the gym, a friend and I were going to go to a kickboxing class but it was cancelled because we are getting a lot of snow right now. I bought a magazine and it has a lot of exercise tips in it. I can't remember the name of it but i'll get it and let everyone know!!!
Weekly Topic: I think we should stick with our plans set at the beginning of the year because it will keep us in check and remind us that we are dedicated or were dedicated to a goal!!!
I know that I'm not succeeding very quickly because I am not eating the best. It's something that I need to work on and I struggle with it every day. Some days I feel like food controls me. I don't want to feel like that. I never had any weight problems until about 2 years ago when I put on 20 pounds. It doesn't seem like a lot but to me it feels like a ton. I've always been the thin girl who could eat whatever....now every morsel I eat goes to my love handles...lol. I want to overcome this and be fit and healthy with healthy habits.
I don't think that there is a fast or easy way to lose weight healthily. It's just making great choices every day.
I hope everyone has a great and healthy week...I need to get some sleep!!!
Jen
Why should I keep doing this?
I am tired.....so tired of looking this way......I was in a walkway and some kids asked me why i was so fat......I don't want to try on ten different outfits before I pick what I am wearing to work.......
Why should we stick with the plans we set out for ourselves at the beginning of the year?
It is time to take control of my life........no more letting anything pass my mouth.....in a way it is a little like being a whore....lol....whatever is easiest goes in my mouth.....sorry guys I am delirious.......I will chit chat with you all later......oh and by the way I haven't been to the gym in 2 days.......those new goals are going GRRRRRRRREAT......do we have anyone on here who lives in New York......I need to meet some new supportive friends here.....
I'm just posting to say that I had a real urge to get on the scale today and see that magic number of 129, but after reading Sara's post about it not being all about a number, etc. I know I can wait till tomorrow. Friday and Monday are my designated weigh in days because I don't want it to be all about a number, it's just about recording progress.
And thanks to constanza too for bringing up the weight/deadline habit. I was looking through my journal from last year and I saw that several times I had set myself some silly goals and not followed through after the first couple of days. I can definitely relate to that fabled 2lbs/week loss!
Tiegurl As always the sooner you pick up and are back on track the less it matters that you 'fell off', over time it will simply be part of life, and life will bring you back to your new (by then old) routine. Yay! Grandma.... I think Grandmothers are genetically wired to tell grandchildren to eat.
BigBitty Congratulations on your pregnancy! We'll have you give you and Denise a "healthy lifestyles for healthy mum's" week.
Carry I know I was sure it was only last week I was packing up the decorations! I really don't feel like I'm 'back' yet. The faster/easier is the one that gets me the most as well. But like you it hasn't worked in the past. So now time to stick to it and make it manageable.
Ana Being healthier at 21 than at 15 is a very powerful image.
Jen School hits most of us, it's not just the convenience food, it's the lack of time, the increased stress and the lack of exercise. Keep with your goals and you should be able to slowly go into maintenance and then a sustainable loss of if not weight then size due to muscle building.
Amber I'm not really compassionate to kids I likely would have told them off... sorry, kids are (I want to be more explicit here than 'mean') sometimes.
I'm not in New York, but one thing that did help me out here in Toronto (Canada's largest city) was a site called meetup.com, I know it sounds like a dating site, it's NOT. It's an interest based site. Basically you find a group that you think you would like based on interest / activity... anything from fitness to movies to bookclubs and more. Then you go and hang out. It's a bit weird the first time because you don't know anyone, but not many of the people there do either, and it is typically used by a lot of people who are new to cities. I found the arts and culture groups great for a wide mix of people and I got to see the sites of the city. I've met tonnes of great and now very close friends through meetup.com and now I often host events on several of their Toronto based sites.
Here is the link to the New York Site NYmeetup.com http://www.meetup.com/cities/us/ny/new_york/g roups/
Laura Good job on sticking to your plan, breaking the number cycle and self evaluating on more than the number is a really big lifestyle change.
Sara.
TWO DAY REMINDER'S
That time of week again folks (this one has gone by fast for me). Below is a list of our members who have not yet posted this week. Please watch for them to post today or tomorrow. If they have not posed by Saturday or are on the MIA list on Sunday please send them a polite and positive reminder to stay with the group and on track with their goals.
Missing In Action:
Thanks for the reminder Sara... I swear I thought I had posted this week...and may have even typed it out and just not submitted it...
I'll fill in the blanks next week though...but I'm maintaining this week..eating well, and even fitting in SEAL team, just no time to post.....Work is hectic -- we're a trade association that also lobbies (Local only) and the VA General Assembly is in session unti March, so things are hectic. I know several of you are involved in the political arena, so you know what I mean. When they say jump, you say how high if they are asking for information for legislation.
Be back Monday!
~Susan
I am not following my goals well this week at all. I could blame it on hormones, but that excuse doesn't really fly. I've eaten cookies, ice cream, and brownies this week in amounts that really don't qualify as moderation. At the very least recording my calories is showing me the error of my ways and it will hopefully snap me out of this.
I'm just so frustrated with myself.
Original Post by supersized:
This Week's Topic: Motivation -
Why should I keep doing this?
In my case, it is because I know how I feel, look, and the confidence level in myself is at it's strongest. You see, my hubby and I have this saying and vision, which are, we want to grow old together, have our health and execute on some of our long term dreams...like owning a place on the water with a porch. What is important here, is health. I want to be able to physically run, and roll with my grand kids. Having a 17 and soon to be 7 year old... there are many many many wonderful healthy years left to enjoy. I wish to attain those milestones by being fit and healthy. It is sad to say, but at the moment, I am overweight, so when I slide with my 6 year old right now, it can be tough. Wholly tamolie, just fitting into my snow pants is tough. At the moment, I comfortably fit into my son and husband's snowpants, which are size 32 for men. My pretty purple and white ski suit has been collecting dust, since Matthew (my second) was born. Still have it, thinking I will fit into it again. Unfortunately, by that time it will go out of style. LOL.
Why should we stick with the plans we set out for ourselves at the beginning of the year?
In this case, I weigh heavily on Sara's words "consistency" and "measurable". It is important to understand what works, and what does not work. If I do not work with such goals over a period of time, it is very difficult to measure success. I know strongly that logging my food accompanied by regular exercise produces positive results. I also know that not logging food or doing exercise moves me to the wrong side of the scale.
So, on that note, I must confess...I unfortunately had to fight another wicked cold this week (yes, the second in less than three weeks...something to be said and understood here too folks), so, no food logging, or exercise happened while I was out of commission.
Thanks for the reminder Sara, as I was planning on logging in today anyway, but the continuous support here is very much appreciated. I will sit back and reflect on the words I just wrote, to encourage me to get back on the wagon and execute on my goals.
Have a great remainder of the week everyone!
Lee-Anne
Why should i keep doing this?
Because i've never felt this good in my entire life! I love being skinnier and in shape... and most of all - i love my muscles!
This week is super hectic for me and the temptations are abounding since today is my b-day and superbowl is sunday.... Trying to be strong!
Happy Birthday Msmeg! I was just looking at your gallery photos and wow your puppy is adorable! How's the house training going? I was also looking at your photos during your first few weeks on the NROLFW. How many weeks in between the first and second sets of photos? Great job on building up your strength and showing that women can and should have muscles too 
Where does the time get to?? Thanks for the reminder..I have been reading the posts and really thought I had replied...must have been hearing those voices in my head again...
Why to keep this up? I feel better than I have in years!! I don't know the bloodwork numbers yet but I just feel absolutely great.
I have been on track this week, I have been switching days on the treadmill and bike,,,and now working on adding more mph to the treadmill so I can burn more fat and hopefully build a bit of muscle somewhere...I am not sure I can get into weight lifting so I am not going to rush out and buy a set so it can just collect dust...because in the nice weather I am outside!!
Amber...I really felt for you reading your post..kids can be so awful sometimes..Please don't let it sidetrack you! You are doing great and don't give up..
have a great evening.
Robin
Susan Perhaps cc is eating posts, looks like you and Robin both may have lost one. Great job that you are fitting in the SEAL team with the work schedule.
The Vitamin Dominatrix We've all been there, good job on recording the calories. Sometimes when I'm in a bad week rather than fully giving into the all or nothing mentality I cling to the logging, at least that way I know what a bad day or week looks like and I can work myself back from that point.
Lee-Ann I don't have kids yet, I can only imagine the motivation they must be especially when you want to be out there playing with them and you are feeling your own body as a barrier to doing so.
MsMeg I snuck a peek at your pictures after Raven mentioned them, the difference between Feb (165) and May (150) is dramatic, it's interesting and a testiment to NROLFW that there really aren't that many numbers, only 15 between the two weights, but your posture, your abs, and the general tone of your body are dramatic. I've certainly (in my could of years on here) see a lot of weight loss pics, and while 15 lbs usually does show some difference it's often hard to tell, it's rarely dramatic, and without the weights it never seems to make that kind of difference to the body shape. Amazing job!
Robin For all the logical reasons that we can give ourselves to continue, once we have those 'feel good' endorphins going through the body form eating right and exercising that is the best motivator.
Sara.
CHECKIN:
I created a chart in Excel based on the data I have been entering in CC for the past month. I have been intensely detailed on logging all calories and exercise.
As you know, I have been frustrated by my lack of results. I wrote an email to Lou Schuler himself. I got the exact answer I needed by asking a very vague question:
"I am doing everything right, but not losing lbs or inches... what am I doing wrong?"
He answered me with something so simplistic! I even knew the answer before I asked the question, I just had not taken it to the level of analysis.
Julie, I really don't know how to answer this, because I don't really know what the question is. If you're doing everything right with the workouts, then you should be getting stronger and feeling some structural changes to your posture and shoulder width, at minimum.
Pounds and inches would depend on two variables: total energy expended, and total energy taken in.
If this is a lot more exercise than you're used to, or a more metabolically demanding type of exercise than your body is used to, then you should see some changes in pounds and inches without changing your diet.
If this is the same amount and type of exercise you're used to, then you'd have to change the amount of energy coming in, or at least the way it comes in, to make your body use it more inefficiently (that is, to burn more of it off).
That's all I have in my playbook.
Lou
I must say, it was awesome that he replied to me, and even awesomer that it prompted me to do all the figuring. His answer just made me want to know! Now.... I can SEE that it's obvious why I am not losing... At an average deficit of 457.542, multiplied by 31, divided by 3500.... I should have lost 4 lbs this month... which I did not, I'll attribute that to muscle gain... is it possible to gain 4 lbs of muscle in a month?
I do feel stronger, taller (LOL... posture...), lighter... I feel strength in my shoulders, arms, abs, hips, thighs... a lot in fact. All those squats make picking up the soap when I drop it feel like I could lift off through the ceiling... LOL! I am really looking forward to the next Stage!
About Stage 1 (which I complete today!!!): I had already been doing a pretty fair amount of lifting on machines, and doing some cardio... so when I started doing the program, I kinda felt like it was less than what I had been doing, so I did adjust it some.... including HIIT for 20 minutes before lifting, and I do yoga twice per week. Plus I added a chest press to the A days (to try and help with pushups, and I am up to 125lb/5x/3sets)... My calorie target was set at 1800, and actually averages out nearer to 1700. The chart also showed me that I am sometimes eating more on non-workout days... need to change that. (I cop an attitude like... whooo hooo, my day off... partayyyyy... LOL! NOT!!!)
SO here's the plan... reduce target to 1650, increase cardio by two additional times per week (total of 5). I just need to lose some fat... LOL! THEN... when some inches are lost (several reasons... I can't lift my own body weight in regular pushups, I have to go hide in a side room at the gym to do my girley ones... LOL!...) I am def stronger than I was, but I guess not strong enough... So I am back to reducing fat while building muscle.... I hope this works out! As usual, I am my own guinea pig. So Stage 2 which lasts only 4 weeks, will tell me what else I need to adjust.
I am at 190 lbs, stuck there for the past 4 weeks. So I have to do something different. The numbers in the chart tell all. While my diet composition has changed completely over the past month, thanks to all the yummy suggestions in Lou's book (New Rules of Lifting for Women, for anyone wondering... ). The recipes, by the way, are definitely something I can do for life... I am still getting my macronutrients under control. Its taking some doing, but will get there very soon, as I am still transitioning the food stocks to things conducive to the plan.
The homemade low-fat hummus, and the homemade non-fat sugar free yogurt are really super additions!
I attempted to post the chart, but CC chewed it to shreds and spit it out on my screen... if anyone is interested, I am trying to post it into a journal entry. If I can't make that happen, PM me, and I will email it to you, I don't mind sharing!
Happy Healthgain to all,
~Julie
Julie Some thoughts:
Lou mentions that if this is a lot more exercises than you are used to you should see some changes in pounds and inches. You are clear that you have not seen changes in pounds, but have you seen changes in inches?
If it is possible to loose 4 lbs of fat a month (about 1 lb per month) then since muscle is smaller and denser and you need to loose 10X the fat volume to equal the same volume in muscle then 4lbs of muscle does not seem like a stretch of the imagination... although I know nothing about the metabolic rate to build muscle.
It's interesting that you are calculating your calories needing to go down. I'm currently about 20 lbs heavier than you. Not sure what our height difference is (I'm about 5'10"). Which puts my BMR slightly below 1,500 and gives me according to NROLFW an average 'maintenance' range (which he notes that if I start this exercise program and it is significantly more exercise than I am used to, which it is then I should loose weight even in these ranges.... which I did last time even with a cardio and light lifting program) of 2,200 - 2,500 cal.
I know that MsMeg was eating close to the 2,000 cal/day mark on NROLFW. With the activity you are doing on NROLFW plus all the extras (yoga, HIIT) are you sure you are eating enough.
One of the sections that really caught my eye was the "you aren't what you don't eat".
Specifically the analysis of how cutting calories slows down the metabolic rate and the thermal effect of food. Once this was explained it was a total 'penny drop' moment for me linking up both why I was able to loose weight last time in the 2,000 - 2,500 cal/day zone but have in the past put it on so quickly after coming up from 1,200 - 1,500 cal/day diets. Basically that it events out to the Eat Less = slow down your metabolism, and Exercise More = the speed up your metabolism. That the two are not necessarily complimentary. Every single health and fitness article I'm reading lately keeps saying how women are eating too little. Now maybe I just want to hear this as a blessing and use it to eat at a comfortable level. But it still keeps coming back to me that I lost weight eating above 2,000 calories and exercising.
All this to say, if you are dropping your calories and altering your plan be sure you have the math straight and you are doing this for the right reasons, measure the results closely.
Good luck
Sara.
Hi, all! I feel so terrible that I've not been on line and as active in this community as I had been previously, but I just have a lot going on. I have tried to keep up with reading the forum, though, and I want to thank everyone who has given me advice in the past few weeks. It really helped me to get thru some of the rougher days!
I'm 10 weeks along now, and the exhaustion of the early pregnancy seems to have faded, for the most part. For that I'm very thankful, as I'm not one to sit around on my duff all day! I've gained 4 pounds during this time, which is OK in my book, as I've been eating a lot more (especially carbs, to keep my stomach settled!!) and not exercising nearly as much. I'm a little betwixt and between on whether I should go back to my personal trainer yet--I want to exercise, but the sessions are so expensive, and she's not going to push me very hard now, given my situation. I don't know...
I'm SO excited--found this book, titled, I'm Pregnant, Now What Do I Eat? It has some really terrific recipes in it--healthy, balanced meals that appeal to my changed palate. I don't remember if I shared with you how my husband made one of my favorite kale recipes a few weeks ago--Sweet and Savory Kale, I think its called. Well, I took one whiff with my new nose and had to go heave in the bathroom, the vinegar and garlic smell was just too much to handle! This book was written by a husband/wife team (professionally, they're a chef/doctor), and I'm loving the meals! Last night, we had Kale with Hot Italian Sausage--it was in a chicken broth--YUM! A few nights ago, I made Chicken, Corn, and Black Bean Enchiladas that were also tasty. And Steak with Many Mushrooms!
So, why am I still here? Because, I feel better as a result of eating better and exercising! Even if I'm not going to lose any more weight for a while, it will be great to be able to gain in a healthy way over the next seven months (gosh, its it really only seven left??), and hopefully that will facilitate me getting back into shape after the birth!
msmeg--happy birthday! go a little wild!
bigbitty--Welcome to the preggo club! how far along are you/when's your due date? hope you're feeling OK!
I know how you feel Amber, I’m sure everyone here has felt the same way. A feeling of hopelessness and even disgust at myself and shame. Thinking “I can’t believe I let myself get this way!” And often in times like this, weight is not the only thing going wrong with my life. “Whatever is easiest.” I think all of us are on that boat with you. It’s what got us here. Taking the easy way, effortless, comforting. Walking that well-worn path is much easier than breaking a new, uncharted path. This new path that rakes at my calves, makes blisters on my feet. Sometimes I don’t even see my goal anymore. And that well-worn path is calling to me: “Come back, it’s easy over here!” But I know now where that old path is taking me: an unhealthy mind, body and life. More sadness, more frustration. It takes courage to walk a new path. You are courageous Amber, don’t forget that. You have to forgive yourself when you stumble.
Is jump roping as good an exercise as running?
In terms of calorie burning, moderate jumping is about equal to running a 10-minute mile, although calorie burning is always a function of time... Read more
