HLSG - Week of 10/08/2000

[Kelly]

Hello Everyone!

I'm starting this thread a day early since I know tomorrow will be very hectic for me.

How did everyone do this week?

I think I finally ditched my cold and I can now get back to some real exercise and healthy eating. I lost another 2 lbs last week. My clothes are getting loose now (yeah!) and I'm feeling a lot better. Going to the gym has become a habit now - I don't need to pysch myself into going anymore.

Hope everyone had a good week!

[Missi]

I did okay again this week, but better with exercise than with eating.

I went wedding dress shopping and found my dream dress. Unfortunely, it comes in only limited sizes and I need to lose 1 and 1/2 inches on my waist to be able to order the dress. I guess these next couple of weeks are going to be crucial, because I'm coming down to the wire on ordering the dress.

I am so impressed on those losing 2lbs per week on a consistant basis. I feel like I do good at the gym (5days a week 1hour of cardio each day and 3days a week lifting weights), but I guess I am still eating too much to lose 2lbs a week. Does anybody who is losing this much have some good suggestions for me? Are you limiting carbs or anything else (like going meatless?)

Good luck this week to everyone!

[Kelly]

Hi Missi. Congratulations on the up-coming wedding! How soon is it? I remember getting my wedding dress; it was much larger than I had hoped, but I didn't let that phase me - I was too excited about the wedding itself.

I am limiting carbs, but not fanatically. I actually started cutting back when my mother's diabetes got very bad a few years back. I started following her eating plan since she was living with me; it made it easier for her to stick with it because she wasn't doing it alone. Once I cut back, I realized how much better I felt when I didn't eat a lot of carbs; I found that I felt very sleepy and always hungry if I ate a lot of bread, cereal, etc. Now, I have carbs at dinner and sometimes at lunch, but very rarely at breakfast. I have also cut back on fruit, I found out that I was eating almost 1000 calories a day of fruit and fruit juices! It was still better than eating 1000 calories of M&M's though.

It's great that you get to the gym 5 a week - I wish I could! Maybe you need to vary your routine? I was into a great walking program (every day 1 hr/day high intensity), but not loosing any weight. I switched to aerobic classes, didn't change my eating habits and now I'm loosing weight. Also, maybe you need to increase the weights in your weight lifting?

You may want to check the library for cookbooks from Weight Watchers or the American Diabetes Association. Both organizations usually have an eating plan in their cookbooks so you can check out what you are eating compared to what they recommend.

Hang in there!

[lindrusso]

Well, I made it to the gym 3 times last week (though I was shooting for 4), but it was better than the 2 times the week before! My pants are a bit looser too, so things are progressing. I'm pooped now - I was running kids to school, cleaning the house, doing swim lessons with my son (he's young, so I'm in the pool with him) and then worked out for just a bit. So, this week is off to a good start.

This week I need to up the gym visits to 4, be more careful with calorie intake - it's not bad, just not as good as it could be, and get back on track with the water - I slacked off this weekend!

Kelly - I think I need to try what you're talking about and to cut back on carbs - nothing drastic, just a little less. What kinds of breakfasts do you eat? I'd like to eat more protein at breakfast, but I don't want it to come in the form of sausage or bacon!! I love them, but not the best for fat intake! I'm thinking of eggs and lean ham, but that could get boring fast! Oh, and yogurt is out - I keep "trying" to like it, but it just doesn't go down. Boy, between this and the food board, I'm realizing I have a lot more food aversions than I thought! But now I'm rambling....

Keep it up ladies!!! We can do it. The holidays are approaching......

[sage]

Well, not too bad this past week. Made it to the gym each day. Took the weekend off but got back in there this morning. The scale at the gym said I was down a pound - but I've learned not to trust it that much - just go by how the clothes fit - and they are definitely getting looser.

Eating wasn't too bad - although I still get the munchies on the weekends and really have to watch myself or before I know it I've eaten a whole can of Pringles and half a jar of peanut butter and half a box of cinnamon graham crackers (not together though). These seem to be my weaknesses at the moment.

Lindrusso - have you tried mixing some type of dry cereal in yogurt? I don't really like the texture of yogurt - kinda slimey - but I've been trying to eat it since I don't drink milk very well. I worry about not getting enough calcium/protein. I mix about 1/2 a container of yogurt (lemon is my favorite) with about 1 c. of Total cereal (The new total is calcium fortified too). I used to use grape-nuts but switched to Total since it has the calcium and vitamins. Having the crunch of the cereal in there gets me past the slimy-ness of the yogurt. It doesn't look real attractive and I usually make a big mess mixing it up - but I've gradually become ok with yogurt this way - can't eat it straight, though.

S.Sage.

[lindrusso]

Originally posted by sage:
Lindrusso - have you tried mixing some type of dry cereal in yogurt?

Sage - thanks for the suggestion, but yes, I've tried it that way too! I used to try mixing it with granola, but I just can't get past the taste. Now FROZEN yogurt I love, but that's not quite the same thing, now is it??!!

[Laura]

Well I did better but still did not achieve my goal. I ran twice and lifted twice but also helped my fiance move lots of heavy furniture so I figure that must count for something. I am trying to be better about not eating all the time and need to find ways not to snack so much.

Lindrusso- What about smoothies, you can throw yogurt in there as well as soy protein powder, fruit, ice etc. I get an energized soy protein powder from Shaklee that I really like.

[mightyh]

I did great last week--made it to the gym 5 times for productive sessions. Even added some weightlifting to my regimen... And then the weekend hit. I stopped being as careful about what I ate and took my two days off.... and now feel like I am behind for this week. Will start with the gym again tomorrow and have eaten pretty healthily today. Kind of down about my [lack of] progress, though.

[lindrusso]

Originally posted by Laura:
Lindrusso- What about smoothies, you can throw yogurt in there as well as soy protein powder, fruit, ice etc. I get an energized soy protein powder from Shaklee that I really like.

Laura - good idea! I was thinking smoothies weren't an option, but I just finally replaced my blender, so I CAN do them now.

Do you - or anyone else - have a recipe? Or do you just throw things together?

I tried a CL recipe once and didn't like it, so I'd love to find a good recipe. Think I'll search the food board too - seems like this may have come up before....

[Missi]

Lindrusso--
I make smoothies just with whatever seems to be on hand. I always make sure some of the fruit is frozen , like a banana or blueberries (seems to give it a better texture).
Speaking of texture.... Have you ever tried freezing a container of yogurt? It isn't exactly the same as frozen yogurt, but it does take out some of the "slimyness". Also, maybe there is an aftertaste to the yogurt that you don't like. Sometimes the yogurt with some fat in it tastes a little better than the fat free stuff. (We are going to get you eating yogurt yet!!)

Kelly--
My wedding is Jan 20, so I still have some time to lose a little more weight. Thank you so much for your helpful suggestions. I think you are right about varying the routine at the gym. I am also going to cut down on carbs somewhat, because I really seem to crave them a lot. Thanks again http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/smile.gif

[Laura]

Lindrusso

Personally, I usually start with an orange juice base, add at least 1/2 frozen banana, whatever yogurt I have on hand and then various frozen fruits (strawberries and blueberries are my current favorite) I also add my protein powder but that is a personal preference but I do find it keeps me from getting hungry and the soy isoflavones (spelling?) are supposed to be great for women.

[Kelly]

Kelly - I think I need to try what you're talking about and to cut back on carbs - nothing drastic, just a little less. What kinds of breakfasts do you eat? I'd like to eat more protein at breakfast, but I don't want it to come in the form of sausage or bacon!! I love them, but not the best for fat intake! I'm thinking of eggs and lean ham, but that could get boring fast! Oh, and yogurt is out - I keep "trying" to like it, but it just doesn't go down. [/B]

Hi Lindrusso. I have actually become hooked on smoothies. I start with 8oz yogurt (low-fat / no-fat), break up a banana into it, toss in 2 tbles (or so) of wheat germ, some frozen fruit (or fresh), and a little orange juice. Whirl it in the blender and I'm all set. I suppose I should get some powdered protein to put in also. I used to be starving by 10:30 in the morning when I ate cereal for breakfast; now I'm not hungry til lunchtime. My mornings are short on time so eggs & ham is not a week-day option for me (sounds yummy though!). I have noticed a big difference in my energy levels when I don't eat as much starch/carbos; I'm not nodding off to sleep during the day.



[This message has been edited by Kelly (edited 10-10-2000).]

[Natasha]

I'm glad to see last week come to an end. It was without doubt one of the worst weeks (just life-wise) I've ever had in my life (well, so far!) http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/frown.gif , no exaggeration, so meeting any healthy living goals hardly even came to mind. I guess I did keep pretty active, but it was not a priority. That's life, I guess.

Seems like you guys are all doing well! Glad to see it. Keep it up! I do like hearing how you're all doing.

The smoothie idea is a great one. Here is a link to a thread you might find helpful, Lindrusso:
http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/Archives/Archive-000001/HTML/20000718-1-000184.html

There is also another thread, but this one had more recipes.

Also, do you like cereal with milk? Cottage cheese (I doubt it if you don't like yogurt!)? Another option is instant oatmeal packets prepared with milk instead of water. Creamy, filling, and oh-so-comforting in winter.

[This message has been edited by Natasha (edited 10-10-2000).]

[lindrusso]

Thanks to everyone for all their help so far.

Another smoothie question. Can you freeze them and then thaw them to eat in the morning or do you always make yours fresh each morning? I'm just looking for some time savors and hoping to not have to drag the blender out each morning.

I bought some vanilla soy milk as suggested by someone on the smoothie thread, but I forgot to get any strawberries - whoops! I won't be able to get any decent fresh ones, but back to the store....

And Natasha, you would be correct about cottage cheese! I do like it in lasagna or ziti, but I can't eat it plain http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/tongue.gif . I have weird texture problems!! Hope you have a MUCH BETTER week this week!!!

[iqueen]

Well I had a very interesting week. Started out very well and had my weigh in Thursday where I had lost .6 lb. Only 1.2 lbs. left to goal. However, then the long Columbus Day weekend hit and everything went downhill from there. Am not looking forward to this week's weigh in but that's okay, I will get back on track this week and hopefully get to my goal next week. Have a good week, everyone.

[andi]

I've had sick kids all week and really am feeling itchy to get back to the gym. I think because I've been home and restless I went wild with chocolate chip cookies (hot right out of the oven), hot chocolate and cheese curls. I think I'll just write last week off (and this one too...) http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/frown.gif

I'm soaking up the suggestions for proteins/ smoothies for breakfast. I find if I eat cereal I'm famished and shaky by 10:00 am-I actually wonder what my blood sugar is doing! I love the McDonalds yogurt/fruit parfaits and have noticed those go a long way to keeping me full. Need to figure out a way to replicate this one.

Has anyone tried the protein powders? Any suggestions as to palatible ones?

I think my blender is ready for the junk heap too. I wonder if that should be my next investment or the food sealer that was discussed in a previous (very informative) thread...

Natasha, hope your week is a better one!!

[mightyh]

I'll give my two cents worth on smoothies.... I'd suggest you get used to your regular smoothies before trying protein powder in them. I make mine with about 3 TB of vanilla low fat yogurt, a handful of fresh or frozen fruit (mangoes are really good with a little honey drizzled in and I like berries, too), and some milk to get it to your desired consistency... Very good.

I use vanilla soy protein powder (GeniSoy brand) and put a scoopful in with my smoothie... It tastes OK to me.... Kind of adds a floury, lumpy consistency, but nothing unpalatable.

[Laura]

I add a vanilla soy protein powder from Shaklee. Yes it does add a slightly powdery texture, but it doesn't bother me in the slightest. I guess you could add soy milk and get many of the same benefits.

Oh by the way Natasha, while I did do better in exercise last week, I not doing so well in the eating department. I went for a run this afternoon and then came home and had guacamole and chips. I hope that this week is better than last. You seem to have a great attitude about not letting it bother you too much. Have a great week everyone!

[This message has been edited by Laura (edited 10-10-2000).]

[BevP]

Wow, maybe I need to cut out the morning muffin and try smoothies. Right now I'm always tired, thought that is probably the cold I just can't shake. It's near impossible to be healthy when you don't have the energy to exercise yet eat junk food. I made pralines for friends on Saturday but had to cancel their visit due to my cold. Well, the pralines sat there and called to me. Oh well, a new day, a new chance.

[andi]

Appreciate the suggestions on the soy powder. I'm going to have to head out to our new health food store and try some. I've also been munching on the soy nuts- They are delicious and are a great nutrition boost-I also wonder if they may help with the PMS challenges?

[BethH]

andi--My blood sugar is the same way! I get clammy and shaky if I go too long without eating. Its horrible. I never try and skip meals!

I've kind of fallen off the wagon the past two weeks. Things have been really hectic and stressful. I've eaten more than I wanted and worked out less. Pants were getting looser but are tight again. Sigh. I'm hoping to get the eating back on track.

I'm usually just a silent observer of these threads but decided to post. Just made me feel better to admit the fact that I've lost my willpower!

[Pat58]

The smoothies conversation is a great idea! I'm getting tired of the same old stuff for breakfast. My week last week was OK, I had cut back a little on workouts but I think maybe I had overdone it for a few weeks. So far, this week hasn't been great. Between frustrating study sessions for a test tomorrow, applying for a new job, AND suffering TTOTM (which always knows the worst times to arrive) workouts are on the back burner. I haven't even been eating my usual super-healthy meals, but give myself credit for limiting stress eating. After my test is finished tomorrow night I'm going to check out the smoothies threads and recipes ideas. I think I saw some on a silken tofu thread once, too. Have a great remainder of the week, everyone!

[lindrusso]

Originally posted by BethH:
andi--My blood sugar is the same way! I get clammy and shaky if I go too long without eating. Its horrible. I never try and skip meals!

Me too! The worst time this ever happened I was standing in line for Tom Petty tickets. I thought I was going to pass out for sure - cold, clammy, the works. But I was NOT going to relenquish my spot in line when I was so close! I made it through the line and immediately went to the lounge to lie down.

I didn't connect all this with low blood sugar for quite a while. My mom used to tease me for getting so cranky when I was hungry. I got my blood sugar tested (one of those yucky 7 hour tests!!) when I started getting a "thick tongue" and would slur and get confused if I didn't eat on time. Nothing big showed up, but the test did show a big dip in my blood sugar. Things seem to have leveled out now, it seems to come and go. My doctor recommended protein or complex carbo snacks to help - like a handful of peanuts, etc.

[mommywannabe]

Hi all http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/smile.gif Hope you don't mind a newby joining in.
Missi - If you're doing weights, don't stress about the pounds not coming off. Muscle weighs more than fat, so you may just be building muscle, which is a good thing. As far as having an inch or so to lose to get in to the dress...I had the same issue. I bought my dress in early March and got married in May. I actually had to have the dress taken in an inch or so. At that time, I was working out about 5 days a week, like you, and eating really well. Just keep the image of yourself in that dress in your mind to keep you motivated!

lindrusso - have you ever tried Kashi Go Lean cereal? A 3/4 cup serving has 120 calories, 1g fat, 28g carbs, 10g fiber, 8g protein, and very little sodium. I have it about three times a week; add some milk and fresh berries...yum! It's also good enough to have on its own as a snack. As to the soy protein supplements, I've tried the Genisoy brand as well (the chocolate) and it's pretty good. You get 14g of protein for only 120 calories. It does have a little bit of a different taste than regular chocolate drinks, but it's not bad.

[andi]

Welcome Mommywannabe! I just noticed an ad for the Kashi Lean cereal somewhere and made a mental note to try to find some because it had so much fiber and I thought that might help with the blood sugar crashes as well. I know if I eat more on the protein/fiber side the blood sugar must be more stable because I feel so much better! Beth and Lindrusso, I'm so glad to know I'm not the only one out there with this problem! I loved your determination to get those tickets though Lindrusso http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/smile.gif

[BethH]

I eat Kashi Good Friends for breakfast every morning! The fiber really sticks with you. I eat a BIG bowl of it to help get me through to lunch without having to snack (or getting the cold, clammy, pass out feeling)!

I figure, eating a ton of cereal and milk in the morning is better than breaking down and getting M&Ms from the vending machine.

Its very tasty with vanilla soy milk! Yum!

[iqueen]

I too eat Kashi Good Friends every morning with skim milk and at least 1/2 cup of some kind of fruit. I love it and it gets me through until my mid-morning ff yogurt snack.

[Missi]

Thank you, mommywannbe, for your encouragement!!! And welcome to the board!

I think I will try the Kashi cereals and vanilla soy milk, too. I never thought of either one until reading these posts!! It's great to get feedback about what others eat and like.

[Natasha]

Lindrusso, Andi and Laura, just wanted to thank you so much for your kind wishes. Very much appreciated.

Welcome to the new members on this thread! I look forward to hearing from you in future.

Have a good weekend, all.

[This message has been edited by Natasha (edited 10-14-2000).]

[mommywannabe]

Wow! A lot of Kashi lovers out there http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/smile.gif They have a website that you can order from that shows their other products that you may not see in the stores. The only thing I don't like is that it takes 2-3 weeks to receive your order. They also have some great recipes...you can sign up as a "Kashi Fan Addict" and they'll send you links to recipes and news.
Missi-glad I could help http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/smile.gif Another thing about muscle: more muscle increases your metabolism, i.e. burns more calories, so it's one of the best things to add to your routine. There are a couple of really good magazines out there...Shape and Fitness. Both are female-oriented and have some great articles on exercise and nutrition.