Me I Want To Be - Week of September 1

[pbutterfly]

Happy Labor Day! I hope that whatever you're doing (even if it's working!), that you're having a good unofficial-end-of-summer weekend.

Which brings us to this week's topic - fall. I know that officially, it's still 3 weeks away, but unofficially, it's here. School's starting back up, the weather's starting to shift, and it's September.
Happy Fall! So, what does Fall mean to you in terms of your weight loss and health journey? What are the special challenges and benefits of the season? Maybe as a group we can help resolve some of the challenges and find the benefits to celebrate.

For me, the biggest challenge is in eating. I find (and I know I'm not alone!) that when the weather shifts to cooler, I start to crave more carby-comfort-foods. Mac and cheese, for one. My solution? Focus on soups, which meet the comfort food criteria AND offer lots of variety in healthy options. Early fall is also still a great time for lots of fresh veggies - tomatoes, zuchinni, etc. - so I try and continue to treat myself with visits to farmer's markets for 'the good stuff'.

The biggest benefits this time of year for me are twofold. One, the cooler weather makes me feel more like exercising. It's more fun to take a walk when the humidity's lower and there's a nice breeze. It's even more fun to work out at home or in the gym, because I appreciate the heat I generate there more when it contrasts to the pleasant coolness of the rest of the day. The other big benefit to me this time of year is the "new start" feeling that comes with the change of season. Because growing up Fall meant "back-to-school" and new challenges and changes, there's still a part of me that associates fall with new starts and possibilities. Whatever's gone on up to now in the year, this is a new start - it's a new chance to reach for year-end goals, or to make new goals.

What does Fall mean to you?

Have a great week!
lynne

[JanetJ]

Happy Labor Day! I am enjoying this holiday by being completely lazy! Well, I did clean upstairs this morning and logged 60 minutes run/walking on the treadmill, so there is that. But, this afternoon finds me searching for the perfect reading for my wedding ceremony and watching cheesey movies. It's a good day.

Lynne, as I read your topic for the week my first thought was that fall means (to me) "a new start." As I continued to read your post I saw that we were thinking alike. I'm long past the "back to school" age, but with my mom and best friend being teachers I'm still very conscious of the this. I love fall - it makes me want to exercise since it's not so hot out (I can't wait for this crazy Seattle heat wave to be over). It can be challenging with food though. I also tend to reach for the comfort foods and baking becomes more appealing. The idea of focusing on soups is a good one...I plan to incorporate that, along with utilizing my crock pot more this year.

To recap August, I ended up 23/31 on workouts and that has got to be some kind of record for me. The key has been variety with different exercise videos, the treadmill and incorporating strength training more consistently. I never do the same thing two days in a row and so far, so good.

Have a great week everyone!

Janet

[Shalom]

Fall for the past couple of years has meant returning to school but not this year! I graduated on August 3 from Ga. State University. I really don't know what to do with myself other than look for a job. I should be happy that I've successfully completed my undergraduate degree. But it just hasn't hit me yet maybe soon I'll realize what's happened.:)

[pattiarl]

Janet, congrats on your workouts in August. I slacked off in the exercise department, but have vowed that September will be better.

To that end, my boyfriend and I went on a hard hike yesterday--the National Park Service guide told us it was a four to six hour hike and we did it four hours. Weather and darkness motivated us, but I was pooped--he was too and he is in much better shape than I am! When we got home, it was a quick shower and bed. I think we were asleep at 9:15!

And today, I went to a great step class so things are going well so far. My gluts hurt with every step, but I am happy about that!

I'm with everyone else as we enter the fall semester. The August recess is over, Congress is back in session and this is my favorite time of the year. I, too, want comfort food. My boyfriend found a chili recipe he wants to try so it's starting already even though it's still 80 degrees outside!

Welcome back to work all.

Patti O.

[Peggy C.]

Lynne great topic. I think many of us feel like fall is the new begining. I think you are correct that it goes back to school days.

It also seems like we face the same challenges and benefits. I also feel like taking more/longer walks when the weather cools off a bit, but also long for comfort foods. I think when I get one of those cravings, instead of making the old tried and true I'm going to be searching here for someone elses T&T and lightened version of a favorite.

I've also decided to pick up a calendar specifically for tracking weight loss and exercise. I think Molli is the one that has suggested using stickers as a quick visual reminder for what days you've worked out. I think I'm going to give that a try.

Have a great week everyone.

[Jessica]

Good morning, everyone. I love Mondays that are really Tuesdays!!

We had a terrific weekend and I got in two workouts, one Sunday and one Monday. I also set my weekly sugar reduction goal--three days in a row sounded very intimidating so I decided to do Monday, Tuesday and Thursday. Monday went well--I had a sweets craving after dinner so I just poured some pineapple juice and added a little sparkling water. My brain KNEW it wasn't chocolate but it satisfied my sweet tooth.

I agree with Lynne--the cooler weather makes exercise a lot easier. August was OK for me in terms of workouts, but not great. Also, I never really got out of the schoolday mindset that the New Year begins in September (plus I am Jewish, so our New Year really does start in the fall). I view this time of year as a second chance to recommit to my goals from January and see what I can accomplish before December.

Weight is holding...I think once I get to 5 or so days without sugar each week, it may drop again.

Have a great week!!! Oh, and I can come up with a topic next week.

[pbutterfly]

Janet - Way to go on the workouts for August! That's awesome!! I had made a workout contract with myself for August, but then had back pain all month, so wasn't able to meet it completely. Crockpot cooking is something that I keep meaning to do more of, but haven't yet... maybe that will be a goal for me this fall as well. Oh, and as for wedding readings, there's a great book called "Weddings from the Heart", if you're looking for sources. :)


Shalom - Congratulations on your graduation! This fall truly is a new start for you! :)

Patti - That hike sounds amazing. And good for you for getting to step class the next day. Wow.

Peggy - I think you've got a great idea in looking for new versions of old favorites to satisfy cravings. Some lightened recipes are as good as - if not better than - old faves, and they 'hit the spot'. Satisfaction is important.

Jessica - 3 no-sugar days! You're really on a roll! Fruit and fruit juice is a great way to calm the sweet tooth -- you know my fave is frozen grapes! :)

I'm off to work early today so that I can take a long lunch break with old friends who are passing through town. Luckily, they asked me to choose the spot, so I know there will be healthy options! :)

Have a good Tuesday, all!
:)
lynne

[greysangel]

Good morning everyone!

Count me in with the fall=new year outlook :) I used to LOVE going back to school. Fall is my favorite time of year. Despite it being the big food challenge season, I also feel like it's the perfect time of year to sort of set new goals, to get out there and enjoy what the harvest has to offer. Heck I'm just happy that my beloved spaghetti squash will be cheap soon :D

Have a great day everyone.

JeAnne

[badunnin]

Yay fall! Can winter be far behind? :D

I'm back on board here. With school starting again, I'm on a more regular schedule (thank goodness - this Goddess needs a regular schedule!) I have a PLAN for the gym as well, which is a first for me. I won't be playing league hockey this time around, which is also a first for me. I will still play drop-in in the mornings. League got too expensive for me, for the first time ever, what with tuition and all.

My plan: 5 days a week - MTWR at the gym at the civic centre, Sa down on campus after my morning class. MWSa will just be cardio (45-60 minutes) and TR I'll throw in some weight training.

8.5 lbs to lose. Oh, and those cute new pants I have from H&M? I want them to fit better.

[rosie_one]

Hi there... I'm new, but this seems like an interesting topic and you all seem like you have much better things to eat for lunch than newbies so I'll dive in.


Fall is absolutely my favorite and it is definitely arriving. Not quite time to dig out the sweaters yet, but that little crispness in the air is here. We have a great Saturday morning farmer's market that is just a few blocks from my house. It's a very festive place and every weekend we truck the kids in the wagon and load it up with great fresh stuff. This week was super sweet corn, cilantro, basil, tomatoes to die for, peppers, onions, early apples, and a HUGE bunch of zinnias (sp?). It is the best cooking inspiration. The best this week was DHs sliced tomato and fresh mozzarella salad in balsamic vinagrette. YUM!

The back to school thing gives me a little more time to clean up our act and get in an exercise habit. My baby boy (he's huge, but he'll always be the baby...) is headed for pre-school this year so I'll have 6 precious hours a week to myself! Can't imagine what I will do with it! (Ha, actually have a zillion things on that list.)

The other very cool thing, literally even, is that my metabolism always cranks up when the weather gets colder. One of the very few advantages of living this far north is that little bump in the calorie burn.

Enjoy your short week! Thanks for letting me in on your conversation.

Rosie

[Chefzhat]

Fall is here - which means school has started and I have limited time on the computer for entertainment, I am researching papers instead.:)

But, I love fall, getting back onto a schedule, a focus for my day rather than the kitchen, fall clothes, fall colors. I have an easier time keeping my eats healthy when I have a schedule.

Congrats everyone on the losses! And the great workouts! My yoga classes start today and I can't wait to be able to exercise while I'm at school - no way to bail out then. Peggy, the calendar idea is a great one - I might poach it myself to keep track of things.

Debie

[Peggy C.]

Thanks Debbie I actually stole the idea from Molli. But I was thinking about it this morning and figured out a couple of ways I can customize it. I plan on buying dog stickers today to symbolize when I've walked the dog, and maybe a clock sticker or food stickers to symbolize when I've walked at lunch. I also plan on recording my weight on it once a week. I think that will help prove to me that exercise is a big part of this also. We'll see.

Welcome rosie_one, your farmers market sounds great.

[zippy478]

So I've decided I need to take advantage of all the support you all offer and I'm going to join in a little more!

Fall to me is definitely a new start. I'm back to the classroom learning away and I love the comfy clothes I can dig out of my closet for this time of year. There's nothing like coming home to the smell of a soup cooking on the stove or a roast in the crockpot. A recommendation for the crockpot users here is the Fix It and Forget It Cookbook. I have found a multitude of recipes in here and the possibilities are truly endless. CL should do a crock pot feature for one of their fall issues!

I'm also going to steal the calendar idea. And, I like the idea of different stickers. Staples, here I come! :D

[pattiarl]

Welcome rosie_one. And Zippy, glad to have one more voice in the group.

Yesterday was a bad day--no exercise and a big fattening dinner. But today is a clean slate, thank goodness.

Better run to work.

Patti O.

[pbutterfly]

Welcome Zippy and Rosie! The more voices, the better - more ideas and more support! :) I have the Fix It and Forget it Cookbook, but haven't yet made anything out of it - any favorites you'd recommend? Rosie - your veggies sound heavenly! Yum.

Bethany - Sounds like a good workout plan. It's inspiring!

Not much to report from here, though I'm going to give my dance class a try tonight... will be the first time in about a month, and I'm going to tread carefully and not push my back too much.

:)
lynne

[greysangel]

Welcome rosie and zippy! :D

I have a notebook/journal...on one side is food/thoughts and the other side is workout/notes. I use little stickers too...I have big and small stars and have hello kitty ones :)

J

[staynfit]

I'm new here also. Hi everyone!

I love everything about Fall!
Cooler temps, soups, falling leaves and brand new starts!
I NEED,NEED, NEED a new start. I am in such an exercise rut!
I'm in the process of shopping for a jogging stroller.
I'm really hoping that I will catch the running bug and learn to love it.
I am so BORED of running on my treadmill.

Love the calendar idea!!! I've not worked out YET this month (the rut) so I need to get some stickers and get BUSY!

Happy Hump day to you!:)

[leightx]

Hi everyone - I feel like I've been gone forever!
I've missed this board, and especially all of you! :)

Fall - let's see...that will hit here sometime in oh...December maybe?? Well, we'll have a few days of fall in early October, then mostly summer again. :p And while I love the cooler weather (especially those blissful 2 days a year when the high is only 65), I have to admit I dread the return to pants. They just aren't as comfy as shorts! Maybe I'm wearing the wrong jeans?!?!

The best news about fall this year - I have 2 whole mornings a week to myself!! Yep - both of my kiddos are finally in preschool on Tues and Thursday mornings. Their school is next door to the rec center, so I'm planning on dropping them off, then running over there to work out. Ok, not running. Driving out of one driveway and into the other. Jeez - pretty pathetic!! But there is a big fence, and then a huge ditch - honest!!! It will be a relief to workout without getting interrupted every 10 minutes because someone is crying, or has wet their pants (at least, I'm hoping this doesn't happen anymore!!) I'll also have them in gymnastics on Wednesdays, so I'd like to workout before we go. I'd do it during the class, but I like watching them too much!

I'm liking the calendar idea too. I keep saying I'm going to do this, and then never follow through! :rolleyes: Now is a great time to buy school-year calendars though - the perfect excuse to buy office supplies (my weakness, after magazines).

[badunnin]

I've worked out my own personal calendar system, based on Molli's great idea. I am now on the "Happy Penguin" plan. Penguin stickers represent 30 minutes of workout, smiley faces are 15 minutes. Yesterday was a 4 penguin day! I had a great 7 mile walk (and does my toosh hurt today - darn hills!) Today will be a penguin-smiley day - 45 minutes at the gym. Possibly a walk later for another penguin. (This is insane!)

[pbutterfly]

I keep thinking, "Stickers would be fun" and yet... I don't have any. So, my promise to myself and y'all is that by the end of this weekend, I'll have some stickers and be using them. I think seeing the workouts in colorful fun on my calendar will be a huge motivator.

And fun!

:)
lynne, who's feeling pretty darn good today even after the dance class last night. :)

[zippy478]

pbutterfly - I don't have any specific favorites from the Fix It and Forget It cookbook that I can think of off hand. I have a tendency to use it primarily for a general idea of the things that have to go into the pot and then tweak it a little. I've done pork roast, meatballs, sausage and peppers, soups, some appetizers and various other things from it. One thing that I've noticed is that all crock pots are different and sometimes what the recipe calls for in terms of cooking time is too much or too little. It takes a while to get used to it but it is probably one of the most worked appliances in my kitchen! :p

I'll have to take a peek at the cookbook and see if there are any specific recipes that I would recommend and I'll get back to you but I'd pretty much say take whatever tickles your fancy and run with it! :D

I also promise to have stickers soon, too. ;)

Badunnin - I wouldn't call your penguin days insane - I'd say they are motivators for people like me! I want penguins on my calendar, too! :D

Leightx - I'm a sucker for office supplies too and am actually on my way to the store after lunch! The Staples near me has these different shaped post-its that I want! Stars, apples, and something else but they are pretty darn cool and fun! :p

Have a good afternoon everyone...I'm off to Staples for my office supply binge!

[pbutterfly]

Zippy - Thanks for the cookbook review. I'll be pulling that one out soon and seeing what looks good! :)

Different shaped post-its sound cool and fun... now I'm trying to think of motivational uses for those!

School supply shopping was always one of my favorite things about going back to school - fun pens, notebooks, and whatever really cool things I could sneak into the basket! ;)

lynne

[Jessica]

Wow, you all are so organized with your calendars and stickers. I'm impressed. I chart my cycles (TMI?) and there is a place for exercise, so I jot my workout notes on that chart. I've worked out four of the past five days!!!

Just wanted to say I did manage my M-T-T without sweets. My next goal is three days in a row--poor DH will have to deal with my grumpies. I am going to try for Sunday-Monday-Tuesday, because Wednesday a friend and I are going out to dinner for her birthday and I know we will want dessert.

Thanks for listening to my boring litany of sugar and non-sugar days. It really helps to be accountable to this board.

TGIF!!!

[greysangel]

hey everybody;

sorry I've been MIA from this thread...I've been under the weather this week with an intestinal virus :( Needless to say, my eating has been eratic and my gym out the window. I got my eating back on track today as my stomach seems to have settled a bit. Hopefully I will be able to make it to the gym tomorrow which means I'll have only missed one workout.

stay strong everyone and have a great weekend.

JeAnne

[Josh's Mom]

Hi! I'm a long time lurker who has finally decided that to take the plunge and join this group.

I just turned 39 (yesterday) and have decided that this to going to be the year that I become healthy and fit. Weight has never been a huge problem for me but over the last several years it seems like I've added a couple of pounds here and a couple of pounds there. Now I'm at the point where I have to try on an outfit to make sure it fits (because alot of them don't :mad: ) before I can wear it. The fact that I have a HUGE sweet tooth and am not in love with exercising certainly doesn't help. But am I motivated to finally do something about it!

Here are my goals:
1) Lose the weight that has crept on so that I finally get back into my clothes.
2) Start eating healthy (more fruits, veggies, whole grains, etc.) and drinking more water
3) Start exercising regularly

There is definitely a ME I want to BE inside this body and I am determined to find her!

By the way, I LOVE the calendar/sticker idea. I get so excited over office/school supplies! Having a REASON to buy some thrills me! I think adding stickers will make keeping track of my food and exercise fun and will definitely help keep me doing it! I've been keeping track of what I eat and now I will be tracking my exercise as well. Thanks for the great ideas.

Thanks for letting me join in.

[pbutterfly]

Lisa - Welcome! I love seeing new people around here, because they're one more source for advice, tips, and support! It sounds like you know what you want and have started along the path towards getting there. Are you following any specific eating plan/program, or simply making healthier choices? Do you have workout plans or someone to make exercise dates with? In any case, I'm looking forward to hearing more from you as you find the YOU you want to be!

JeAnne - So sorry to hear about the bug, but glad that you're getting over it. Only one missed workout when you're feeling that crappy is a victory in and of itself!

Jessica - I actually really LIKE hearing about your sugar battles... it inspires me to think about my own relationship with sugar more... and to consider what my own plan of attack should be! :) You're wise to think ahead about things like the birthday dinner and be realistic about what you'll want.... and to schedule the 3 no-sugar days to be just before that dinner will make that piece of cake that much sweeter! (Pun intended, I couldn't resist!)

Have great weekends, all!
lynne

[ebobbitt]

Hi everyone! I've been so busy at work this week I haven't had time to comment on the topic. I love fall. Like everyone has said, it's got that "beginning" feeling to it. It gives me a chance to plan for the upcoming holidays so I won't (hopefully) make a pig of myself. I also do the sticker thing. I love stickers. I've been using my WW journal but I'm thinking the new journal is going to make that difficult to do since there's not a specific page for each day. I believe I'll give the calendar a try.

I've been exercising a lot but some of it has been rather unconventional. Or at least I think I can count this as exercise. I had a barn built at my house but only the shell. I had to put the plywood on the walls, build the partitions for the stalls, hang the doors, etc. It was rather physical, usually done when the heat index was well over 100. I've continued to walk the dog but only for 2 miles each day instead of 4. Gee, I only had so much time after the barn chores!

[badunnin]

Elizabeth - putting up plywood and all is very hard work, especially in that kind of heat! Go you!

I'm feeling much better today. I waited 5 days and 3 workouts to get on the scale, afraid that despite my efforts, it would go up, and I didn't know if I could handle it. Guess what? It went down! 2 lbs! I'm sure some of it is just water (I'd been underhydrated and drank about a litre yesterday evening - was up every 3 hours last night! :eek: ) but it still helps motivate! When I was on campus yesterday, I found there is a pilates/yoga class that fits in nicely after my Tuesday class, and it's only $25 for students, so I think I'll try that for a few weeks. It will be challenging at 7:30pm, but if I can get up at 5am for hockey, I can do this. ;)

Keep up the good work everyone!

[ebobbitt]

YAY BADUNNIN!

[ziggy]

i'm new to this board also (actually i've been reading the me I want to be thread for a few months now)

What does fall mean to me? A new beginning, about 3 years ago I lost 90 pounds, I've now gained back all but 10. I'm been trying to get back on track for the last few months (yo-yo dieting), but I'm sick of being yo-yo and just trying to get back on track.

[rosie_one]

Thanks for the warm welcome!


I'm in the middle of potty training my three year old and have been thinking I should make a sticker chart for him... now I can have one for me too! Visual reminders are great for tracking progress.

My "me" goals: I've got that stubborn post baby bulge (yes, the three year old is the baby... it's not new) and some strength to build. Life never slows down here so I need it! Has anyone taken strength training classes? I'm very interested in them. I also feel like diet is key to feeling good so I'm trying very hard to find a balance for my wicked sweet tooth.

The other thing that I'm very much wanting to do in my life is to GET ORGANIZED. Ack. We moved this year and so Stuff management has taken over my life and I have to tame it.

[pbutterfly]

Ziggy - Welcome!! That you lost the 90 before (and kept some of it off) is great! It makes me sure that you can do it again -- and that you'll have some great insights to share. Let us know what we can do to help you get and stay back on track!

Bethany - I love my yoga class (and it's at 6:30 pm). Some days it's hard to get there, but I always feel more energized and more relaxed afterwards. I hope you find the same. I've been interested in giving pilates a try, so I can't wait to hear what you have to say about that part of the class.

Elizabeth - That sounds like a physical challenge, for sure! wow!

Another new week.... :)
lynne