HLSG: Week of 11/27...

[lindrusso]

Okay, how did everyone survive??? Or doesn't anyone want to discuss it http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/smile.gif !

I think I did okay. I made it a total of 4 times to the gym last week, two of those times were over the weekend, so that made me feel better for all the indulging on Thursday (and Friday, and Saturday....lots of leftovers!).

I guess I'll find out for sure with my first weigh-in today. It looked like I might have added 1 1/2 pounds over the weekend, but that could have been water weight or PMS. I'll take the results next week as a truer answer!

Hope you all had a great holiday - no matter how you ate or exercised!

[mightyh]

I want to be one of the few... http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/smile.gif I've been off the board for a few weeks due to vacations and family visiting, but I'm back. And sorry to report that I've been kind of discouraged lately with my healthy living plan.

First, I ate too many desserts over Thanksgiving and didn't exercise enough. But that was probably to be expected.

My real complaint was even before the weekend... I got to a point with my regimen where I felt like I wasn't making any progress, could barely motivate to go to the gym, wasn't seeing any progress after all these months, etc--it's been discussed many times before on the motivation threads.

So I think I need to change my routine. I'm going to go to the gym only 2-3 times a week and try to do a weightlifting tape (Kathy Smith Timesavers Lift Weights to Lose Weight) twice a week. I've done it before and was happy with the weightlifting results. Anyway, I did the tape once last week and it killed me... I guess it's proof that Kathy is more thorough in working all the muscles groups than I am at the nautilus machines...

Now I just need some motivation for my cardio workouts. I am anxiously awaiting X-mas cause I got my husband a bike trainer (and obviously I look forward to using it sometimes, too)--maybe that will fill the gaps in my day with exercise instead of everything else.

Sorry for rambling. In short, my Thanksgiving didn't ruin me, though I was not good at all. The scale didn't move and my clothing still fits the same way. I wish I had been able to give reports like progressing over the weekend, but alas....

Can't wait to hear from the rest of you! I do look forward to your progress and it provides me some motivating thoughts (at least while I read the board it does).

[Kerri]

I actually did very well over Thanksgiving. Well, good for me. In my head, I knew that I wasn't going to be perfect and I decided to allow myself certain indulgences but try to be good about portion sizes and snacks. I am sure my calorie intake was up, but hopefully only in a reasonable, non-destructive manner. The result is that I truly enjoyed my holiday! I am going to probably do much of the same over Christmas. Eat well when I can, but try not to completely restrict myself. It will be much harder because for Thanksgiving I was at my own house and for Christmas I will be traveling.

Excercise I didn't do so well, but not for a lack of motivation. I just didn't have time. I only made it twice. However, it made me really motivated to get going again, although now I feel as if I have a bit of a cold. Hopefully this won't derail me another week.

[Jessica]

I was pretty pleased. I did not lose any weight during the holiday week, but I did not gain any either. I got four workouts in but only two weight sessions, because our hotel only had very heavy weights. This week it is back to the drawing board--and now I have my husband on the plan, too!!

[BevP]

The few, the proud (You know, my husband IS a marine). Thanksgiving week wasn't a total wash. I didn't walk the (borrowed) dog very far because it was way too cold but we did go out some. The coldest week so far with temperatures about 10-20 degrees below normal (and my first winter in years). And over the years, I've replaced my high fat dishes with healthy alternatives. So all things considered...I'm happy.

Biggest news is that Wednesday I have my appointment with the Doctor about my constant tiredness. Which probably means being poked and prodded and tested and all that other nasty stuff but if it helps, I'll do it.

I went for a nice walk today. And I went to the library today and checked out that Tae Bo tape again, so I have that for a couple days. It's on my wish list!

Goals this week, hmm, work out at least 3 times. Finish (?) painting the bathroom (I'm doing a mural). Get all my complaints and symptoms clear to the Doctor. Drink lots of water. Find the Christmas spirit. If anyone sees him send him my way, ok http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/smile.gif.

Mightyh - a lot of us seem to be lacking in the motivation department lately. Don't despair. That change in routine may be just what you need.

Lindrusso - Congrats on the gym 4 times last week! Horray!

Kerri - I love your attitude about holiday eating. Good for you.

Jessica - "Only two weight sessions"! I'm impressed. I just can't get myself to exercise when in a hotel. Pat yourself on the back for great maintenance.

[Natasha]

Lindrusso, hope your weigh-in went well!

Everyone, sounds to me like you all had a healthy and happy Thanksgiving with just the right amount of indulgences. Keep on the same path throughout December and you ll be doing fine! Hang in there; you re strong and I know you can do it.

Bev, good to see that you re going to the doctor. Good luck and if you do feel like letting us know how it goes, you know we re interested - but no pressure!

[kwormann]

Care if I jump in?

I have been on Weight Watchers trying to lose. I think I gained 2 lbs over the past 10 days, which means I now have 14 lbs to go. My hubby and I made a pledge to help each other get to the gym and to make healthy meals and not to eat out as much. I am planning on the gym 4 times this week. Id like to lose the 2 pounds by xmas.

kim

[BevP]

kworman: try not to worry too much about 2 pounds, especially during the holiday food fest. You seem to have the right attitude. I've never done weight watchers but they seem to be a good life plan. You and your DH can do it.

[emilycat]

Kim and Alysha (lindrusso),

You know, it's kind of unlikely, unless you really pigged out, that you actually gained two "real" pounds. It takes 3600 (or is it 3500?) extra calories to gain one pound, so unless you were really chowing down, your weight gain could be, in part, water retention. When you consume more carbs and salt (of which Thanksgiving fare is enormously abundant)than usual, you tend to retain fluid, resulting in excess water weight. So don't sweat it...you seem to have a handle on things (4 times to the gym during Thanksgiving week is awesome! http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/smile.gif )
And mightyh, don't give yourself too hard of a time about your dessert splurge...unless you make it a habit, it can only make you feel better about your healthier eating habits the rest of the year! http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/wink.gif You all sound like you have clear perspectives and solid plans...you can do it!

I guess I'm cheating on this board unless I give a little of my own feedback...Thanksgiving's never a huge deal for me...my immediate family aren't especailly big eaters, and since I'm the one cooking, I don't really have to worry about barring against any guilt-laden foods; everything was yummy, but it was a pretty normal time for me. So, no worries.

Have a great week, everyone!

Em

[mightyh]

BevP - just wanted to remind you to be proactive with your doctor tomorrow. Thyroid and iron problems are common reasons for tiredness in women and some doctors tend to gloss over those possibilities. I had a bad experience last year with several doctors not "hearing" what I was saying and I wound up needing IV fluids from massive dehydration a few weeks post-partum--so, though I'm not normally a forceful person, I'm a big advocate for suggesting possible diagnoses to your doctor so that he can be sure to consider them before shooting them down.

Something you probably already knew, but I just wanted to make sure. Good luck!

[Gina O]

My week went good as far as the running went. I did the usual 30 minute program 4 days, then the "race" on Saturday. I did eat too much, but that was expected. Fortunately, Brian's sister, the chef for Thanksgiving, must be a huge onion fan. She put onions in everything but the cranberries best as I could tell. That really helped me not to over eat because I do not like onions.
Although knowing that would probably happen, I asked my mom to save me some stuffing, which I pigged out on Friday.

That said, I am still frustrated by the fact that I have been running at least 4 times a week for over 5 weeks and have not lost any weight. This is the first time in at least 10 years that I have exercised this hard this regularly. I really expected to see some weight loss. http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/frown.gif

This week the plan is to run 5 days. Two done so far. Tomorrow will be the hardest, a cold and windy day is predicted. Gina

[Jessica]

Keep at it, Gina. I worked out for months before I saw any change on the scale, but when I put on some old clothes, I could tell the difference. It takes a long time, longer than any book or magazine or trainer said it would. I think you just have to keep plugging.

[Jessica]

Me again. Hey, I'm a member now.
Anyway, Gina, you also are doing something great for your heart and your health. Kudos and such...

[Pat58]

Hi Gang - maybe we should make "Variety" our goal for the holiday season. The same old workout leads to burnout; eating the same lo-cal foods all the time makes you head for the pizza (or Ben & Jerry's or [fill in blanks]) like a bee to a honeysuckle.

I felt some real boredom kicking in at the gym and have been doing what I call "ad lib" routines. One morning I felt strong and took over the Smith machine for squats, lunges, and then pulled in an incline bench for chest presses (that was the only strong morning this month!) All the other workouts have been either light circuit training, or light weights mixed with 5 minute intervals on the stair machine, or maybe just stayed home and did my Balance Ball workout videos then went for a walk downtown on my lunch break.

We need food variety, too. Yes, we have CL for recipe ideas. But I usually don't want to make a lunch that requires 15 ingredients. Try a different vegetable, or a tropical fruit, and see if you like it. I'm experimenting with tempeh this week, that's a first for me! This morning I "scrambled" some silken tofu in a non-stick pan sprayed with Pam and sprinkled it with Chef Paul's seasoning salt - I had no idea what I was doing, but it wasn't half bad! That was only 1 point so I added half a bagel and 2 clementines to my plate. My husband walked by and said, "What the h**l are you eating now" - Variety!

Also - those of you who work - pack healthy snacks and a lunch the night before work and BRING THEM. The candy dishes and fruitcakes are starting to come in at my office. Don't deny yourself, but decide what holiday foods you really want and savor them. Put YOU first! There's all kinds of junk now, but I'm saving calories for Mrs. Pescatello's homemade biscotti - that beats any foil-wrapped Hershey's kiss.

OK, this was too long and chatty, but everyone ... put YOU first. You need to take care of yourself so that you're strong enough for all the demands of those who depend on you! (Jeez - we really are Marines) Happy Holidays and Survival Best Wishes to all! :-)

[lindrusso]

Originally posted by emilycat:
You know, it's kind of unlikely, unless you really pigged out, that you actually gained two "real" pounds. It takes 3600 (or is it 3500?) extra calories to gain one pound, so unless you were really chowing down, your weight gain could be, in part, water retention.


Emily,

That's sort of what I was thinking but I felt like I was just trying to make excuses!! I CERTAINLY didn't overeat 6800 calories worth! But try telling that the guy who's going to weigh me at the gym today.... http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/smile.gif .

And we all know that PMS never helps - though I don't retain like I used to, the pill helps that a bit. I remember one party where I just started blowing up like a blowfish (okay, slight exaggeration)! My husband could even see it. I got so uncomfortable I had to leave the party - we figured everyone was thinking I was pregnant! Ick, glad that doesn't happen anymore!

[emilycat]

Alysha,

Ick, I hate PMS water retention! I'm on Loestrin, and I still typically gain 1-2 pounds of fluid about 3 days before it starts. No matter how much I rationalize it, I always feel yucky! (Not to mention that I'm usually an emotional wreck then, too...I've had some PMS-induced breakdowns I don't care to dwell on)

[Laura]

Amazingly, I did very well last week. I left on Wednesday to visit my parents and San Diego and the weather and altitude gave me all the inspiration I needed. Nothing like running at sea level to make you feel wonderful. I lifted 2x and ran 4. Of course now I am back up at 6500 feet and gasping for every bit of oxygen. I hope I can stay motivated.

Bev- I know how fatigue can interfere with the work out plans. I am glad to see you are motivated with the tapes.

Kwormann- I know the two pounds must be frustrating. Too many times in my life I have started to diet and ended up initially gaining weight. Glad you hubby is supporting you. Keep focused on the healthy lifestyle and the weight will come off.

Hope everyone has a good week. I want to lift 3x and run 3x, with 2 other days of some type of aerobic activity. Mighty ambitious I know, but exercising so regularly this past week really made me feel great. I am taking today off after having spent about 12 hours at LAX yesterday. That and having little or no sleep the day before earns me a day of rest! http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/biggrin.gif

[lindrusso]

Originally posted by Pat58:
Don't deny yourself, but decide what holiday foods you really want and savor them. Put YOU first! There's all kinds of junk now, but I'm saving calories for Mrs. Pescatello's homemade biscotti - that beats any foil-wrapped Hershey's kiss.

OK, this was too long and chatty, but everyone ... put YOU first. You need to take care of yourself so that you're strong enough for all the demands of those who depend on you! :-)

Great advice all around Pat!!! Thanks for the wise words of encouragement.

Sounds like everyone had a pretty good week - especially for a holiday!! Keep it up every one!!

[andi]

OK-I haven't even wanted to post anything...I feel like a blimp! We had tons of company and since our baby was sleeping in our room, very little sleep. I've noticed when I'm tired and trying to entertain I eat and eat! I refuse to even step on the scale but I know everything is tighter. I guess all that can be done is to start over!
Lindrusso, I decided to make myself honest and try the Y weigh-in after seeing your use. We'll see what the total damage is after the 1st.
Hope you all have a great week!

[BevP]

OK, saw the doctor. A few questions and a lot of blood. Plus I have to go back to give more blood another day (on a monday or tuesday am) BUT...

Instead, I'm heading to Georgia for a family emergency. My Grandmother died (went from pain to peace so it's hard to cry for her, myself, yes but not her). So I'm headed home for a few days or weeks. I'll see you all from there, maybe as Mom does have internet.

Doc did ask about my thyroid and though I didn't ask, I suspect anemia (I take a vitamin for women so doubt anemia but better safe than sorry) is one of the blood tests. What impressed me was doing some DNA test thing. Also referral to psychiatry for tests of depression.

Well, see everyone from Georgia or in a week or so.

[HARRYET]

BevP,

So sorry to hear about your grandmother, my thoughts are with you and your family.

Ann

[lindrusso]

BevP - Sorry to hear about your Grandmother. I had the same thing this summer. My grandmother had always been so active, but had slowly been declining and was just sleeping all day. It was so sad to see her like that - I know she would have hated it! Now I think she's up in heaven hiking to her heart's content! And much happier!!!

[lindrusso]

Well, I finally weighed in at the gym yesterday and ended up down one pound from last week http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/smile.gif . So, Em, you may have been right about those carbs!! I guess my body finally released all that water weight. Although I could still feel the effect of my hormones - I kept tearing up at every little dumb thing on TV (they have tv's in the gym, so I watch my soaps or Oprah while I work out)!!

[Laura]

Bev P

So sorry to hear about your grandmother. Your family is in my prayers.

[jd]

Bev - so sorry to hear about your grandmother. I have only one grandparent left and it will be a really tough time when she passes.

lindrusso, thanks for your comments and support on the 'where is everyone' thread. You are absolutely right about getting in what I can. I've always considered exercise as something that needs to be 4-5 times per week, but a walk here and there is better than sitting on my butt! Thanks for the wake up. Time to start contributing again.

Although I'm north of the 49th, we celebrated Christmas with the SO's family at US Thanksgiving (tree, gifts, turkey ...). I did well food-wise. His family was very supportive of my weight loss so far which was encouraging. I missed my WW weigh in last week, so lost 2 lb over the last two weeks, bringing the total to 22 lb! About 15 more to go.

Keep up the spirit over the busy December month, everyone. The WW meeting this week focused on simplifying for December - focus on the few main things that really contribute to your healthy lifestyle and eating so that you don't get overwhelmed during the holidays.