HLSG: Week of 10/30/00

[Natasha]

Hope nobody minds that I started the thread this week.

So - how was last week for everyone?

[mightyh]

I only worked out four times last week, but they were all good sessions. I'm starting to hit my stride with my cardio workouts and am learning how to be efficient with the nautilus machines.

I've read in several articles now that beginning weight-lifters (and even pros who use a challenging weight)get the same results from one set as from three sets. So I can work more muscles in the same amount of time now... Yahoo!

I also think I am finally seeing the scale move a little downward--have to confess that I am an obsessive scale-checker (several times a day)--which is nice.

And one last thing... my exercise session have become sort of a habit (which was my unwritten goal). My muscles itch for some activity on my "off" days http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/smile.gif

[emilycat]

mightyh,
I hope it's okay for me to jump into the HLSG, but I just felt the need to make some comments.
First of all, it's awesome to be working out 4 times a week, most people don't make it there that often. You sound like you're really in your exercise groove. It's awesome that you're lifting weights, too, because they help so much with bone density and can help you rev up your metabolism.
I just wanted to warn you of something. You mentioned that you're an obsessive scale checker. I completely identify with your need to check the numbers; I've been weighing myself every morning for probably 9 or 10 years now. I also know how agonizing it is to rely on numbers to tell you how you're going to feel that day, instead of how well you've been eating or training. I'm not suggesting that you never weigh yourself, but just don't let it rule your life. (Like I can talk). I've only recently stop counting every single calorie (I had to when I was in Europe for a month, and that change has been such a blessing). Unfortunately, I jumped back on the scale THE DAY I got home, and that habit hasn't really changed. Anyway, sorry for my rambling...just keep up your awesome work!
Em

[andi]

I'm impressed mightyh! It's good to hear that there is some reason for optimism!
Welcome Emilycat!
I made it to the gym three times last week and I'm also starting to get into the groove. My stamina is improving. I think my legs are looking more toned although the scale has not budged. I try not to look very often but it seems to confirm my other measure of how well clothes are fitting. I also tried the smoothies that we discussed in one of the earlier weekly threads. They are awesome! I usually have them after I get home from the gym and am adding tofu, wheat germ and protein powder to the recipes. They really are delicious (and I'm picky)! I notice I've got alot more energy and don't have the same fluctuations in blood sugar. I've made it through PMS and three Halloween parties, now I have to stare at all my kids goodies for the next 6 months! My littlest one is sick so it looks like I'm not going to make it to the gym until Friday...Just when I get going there's a road block http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/mad.gif How's everyone else out there doing?

[lindrusso]

Well, now that I've had a very good day today, I'm ready to talk about last week. Or not. Maybe I'll just focus on my goals for this week http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/biggrin.gif .

I finally got back to the gym today. My son seems to be afraid of one of the girls who babysits there, so we've solved our problem by avoiding the days/times that she works. Fortunately for me, she doesn't work very often. Actually, I think that whole scene ended up being a good thing. Not being able to get to the gym made me really want to go! Go figure...

This week I plan to make it to the gym 4 times and I also vow to get back on track with the water! I was doing so well with the water at first but doing very badly the last few days.

I'm also considering going back to counting calories, at least temporarily. It's just too easy for me to conveniently "forget" what's passed my lips all day!! I think I need a reality check...

Hope everyone else is doing well!

[emilycat]

andi,
If you're lifting weights at the gym, that may be why the scale hasn't budged. Muscle weighs more than fat, at first, especially if you don't have that much weight to lose, you may not notice the scale going anywhere.
Happy working out! http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/smile.gif (Sorry, I'm kind of cheesy like that http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/biggrin.gif )

[BevP]

Reading everyone else is almost depressing me. I am not on track at all and it sucks! I think I've beat the tired all the time thing. Yea (!), cause I didn't want to go to the doctor. I'm thinking if I pay for aerobics classes for the month of November, I'll want to get my moneys worth and go. I certainly can't afford to gain any holiday pounds (my clothes won't fit then). Anyway, I gotta' kick myself in the rear and get on track. So that's my goal. Again.

[Laura]

Bev P -
I know how you feel. I had a few of those weeks in a row and I just couldn't figure out why everyone else could get in the groove and I could not. I got better by not setting my goals so high. At first I was wanting to lift 3x and do aerobics 5x per week. By Wednesday I would be so far behind that I would basically give up on the whole week. By lowering my goals a little, I found I was able to achieve them and it got me back into the habit of exercising. I am still not where I want to be but am getting better.

Last week I lifted 3x hiked 2x. I had high hopes for this week and then hurt my back last night. I am walking around like an 80 year old right now. I am really disapointed because I am sure it is my inconsistency that has brought this on. When I am stretching, lifting, running on a regular basis my back rarely bothered me. So this week will be a lot of stretching and walking and if I feel up to it upper body weights. Hope you all have a good week.

[ML]

Last week was OK for me- good on food but below average on exercise. I have started this week off however with a three mile walk/run last night. I will be going to the park again tonight for a repeat!

I have also planned my menus for the week- all cooking light recipes- actually just three recipes with plans to eat leftovers. Three nights this week I will be the only one eating dinner at home.

So anyway- I plan to keep exercising this week and eating better!! Have a GREAT WEEK everyone!!!!!

[Kelly]

Happy Day After Halloween everyone! Well, I ate my share of sinful chocolate last night - the ones that my kids don't like - BabyRuths, PayDay, Snickers, yum yum. I'm sure that I'll regret it when I hop on the scale this weekend, but they were so good and they were the small bars (yes, I'm rationalizing!). Meanwhile, I bagged up the rest of the candy the kids won't eat and it's going to work with my husband - out of the house!

I had an ok week last week. I got to the gym 4 times, almost back to speed after my cold and bout with the flu. I was a bit disappointed when I got on the scale and saw that I have not lost any weight in the last 4 weeks. I'm really trying to go by the way my clothes fit - and they are looser - yeah! It is difficult however to not see the scale move down.

So far this week has been good (except last night's chocolate of course - my one indulgence!).

Have a great week everyone!

[Pat58]

Hi All,

Everyone sounds like they're doing their best! And that's to be commended, we had official Sneak Chocolates Week (i.e., Halloween).

I'm having a hard time dealing with setting the clocks back. I just can't stand the loss of daylight compounded by the sudden shock of losing an hour of light at the end of the day OVERNIGHT! I just hate Day Light Savings Time and manmade adjustments to the natural rythmn of nature.

In spite of it, I managed to keep up with my regular workouts - just missed one aerobics class. I am already starting to miss the summer veggies from the Farmer's Market in my meal planning. Time to get creative with winter veggies and keep track of portion control - that's tough for me when it's cold out.

By the way - after losing 30 pounds, I am really feeling the cold this autumn! Brrr. Keep up the good work everyone!