HLSG: Week of May 14.

[lindrusso]

Hope all you moms out there had a great day!

Hmmm...let's see. Exercise last week was pretty good. I got in 3 run-walk intervals which, along with any cardio I can fit in at the gym, is my main goal these days. Though I'm still taking baby steps with this running program, I am proud of myself for keeping up with it this long. I've never been able to run before because I found it so difficult but hopefully, with this gradual program, I will be able to soon start gauging my running by miles and not minutes! http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/smile.gif

Weight training is staying on course, but I feel the need to shake things up. I'm considering super slow weight lifting. Any thoughts on that? Either that or I'll just bring in some new moves to keep my muscles challenged (now that I actually HAVE some muscles http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/smile.gif ).

I also started yoga last week. It was challenging, but I was able to hold the asanas better than I thought I'd be able to. The jury is still out on this one since I've only had one class, but I'm looking forward to learning more.

As for eating....let's just not go there!!! My 3 boys were very naughty and bought me several indulgences for Mother's Day! Ack! I'm so looking forward to some nice, healthy meals this week!

So, how'd we do???

[This message has been edited by lindrusso (edited 05-14-2001).]

[Laura]

Well I did okay until Saturday when I decided to play a game of basketball with my so and his sons (word to the wise DO NOT play basketball with 6'4" and 6'5" guys unless you want to get hurt) I broke my index finger on my left hand and have a HUGE bruise on my right knee. I am trying to figure what exercise isn't going to hurt! Oh well. Live and learn I guess.

[This message has been edited by Laura (edited 05-14-2001).]

[BevP]

Poor Laura, I hurt for you. Hopefully that knee will heal quickly.

I had a fairly good week. I only made it to aerobics 3x last week and this morning discovered my lower back hurts a bit. I guess I slept on it wrong or something so I'll have to pay attention to that. Eating was, umm, OK to not so great. DH was gone 4 days which means frozen dinners or just ice cream and a vitamin http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/wink.gif, very poor eating habits on my own. But the scale didn't move so that's alright. And I plan to be healthy this week to help make up for it.

So, drink your water. Remember if it's hotter outside, you need more than just 8 glasses a day. Drinking water helps you lose weight by helping flush the body.

[Kerri]

Ok, I skipped writing last week because I hadn't been eating well and didn't want to confess it to everyone how. However, I feel like I did really good this week so I am ready to share! My only bad day was when a group of us went to happy hour and I ate some cheese fries and spilt a cheeseburger with a friend. I paid for it though. My body no longer tolerates grease apparently because my stomach did not feel very good for awhile. It might have been those margaritas though.

I am really good about getting my 5 servings of fruits and veggies and drinking my water during the week, but it is a lot harder on the weekend. I just have to think about it more!

Excercised 5 days last week including a wonderful 7 mile hike saturday. If anyone is from the DFW area, check out the Fort Worth nature center! It is way cool.

[GayeC]

Originally posted by BevP:
So, drink your water. Remember if it's hotter outside, you need more than just 8 glasses a day. Drinking water helps you lose weight by helping flush the body.

Hi Bev -- Is this really true? I have heard it many times and I know that we all need more water, but does it really help you lose weight? The diet I am on (eDiets.com) pushes it but I have always been skeptical. Do you know how/why it works? Thanks for any information you can provide.

The first week on this diet I lost 1.5 pounds. Last week (week 2) I lost none. Maybe its because I'm not drinking my water??
Gaye

[MelissaAS]

Hi all- I had a pretty good week last week. I got 245 minutes of walking in (less than the 300 min. recommendation, but getting closer!) so I feel like I'm back on the exercise track. Eating went well...except for one Milanos incident yesterday that I'm trying to forget. Ate fish (tuna, salmon, and mako shark) several times (also a goal of mine) and managed to stay hydrated too so things are going well. I don't feel like the scale moved though (my weigh-in is tonight for the study). I'll keep you posted.

As for the water debate- I just feel better when I'm hydrated than when I'm not. Plus those every-other-hour treks to the potty keep me awake!

[browneye]

Hi,
I did much better last week than I had done in a few weeks. I really got myself back on track. I hadn't really posted here for a while, since I hadn't been working out regularly for a while.
I did 2 strength workouts and 3 cardio workouts last week, which was a huge improvement for me.
This morning I got up and did lower-body workout! I know I will succeed this week.
I only "splurged" once this week with food- a cheeseburger on Saturday, and like Kerri, I felt icky afterwards, a stomach ache, etc.
Eating otherwise was excellent, I ate fish or seafood 4-5 times, and all lowfat meals the rest of the time.
I am glad to be back on track.
This week I am aiming for 3 strength workouts and 3 cardio/aerobic workouts!!! I think I can, I think I can...

[GayeC]

Thanks for the info on water. I am trying to do better -- have had 5 8oz. glasses so far today (that is a lot for me!) and will try to get 8 in before bed time.

[kwormann]

Well, I ve hesitated to post because Ive become so discouraged...I have upped my workout and still have gained weight (and yes, I know the difference between the scales and other weight, but I can tell Ive gained!)

So anyway, my goal for this week is this: aerobics before school M-R, 4 mile walk Wed and Fri, 30 min eliptical trainer T and TH plus 30-45 min weights on those days, at least 3 mile walk this weekend. I need to see results, because I am so upset about my fat feeling I want to eat (weird, huh??? I know it will only make it worse!) I will also follow wieght watchers points all week!

Kim

[This message has been edited by kwormann (edited 05-14-2001).]

[emilycat]

The reason water helps you to lose weight is by filling you up. Many times, dehydration is mistaken for hunger; if you drink more water, you'll be satiated longer.

[BevP]

Gaye, water also helps keep the body working the way it's meant to. If you're dehydrated, your metabolism slows, and toxins can't flush out. But the main thing is like Emily said, we confuse thirst for hunger. If you get the munchies, drink a glass of water, wait 15 minutes, if you're still hungry, grab a sensible snack (or only a little of a non-sensible http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/wink.gif). A good way to monitor if you're dehydrated is to look at your urine. The darker the color the more water you need to drink.

By the way, you can make some of that water a juice or decaf/low or no cal beverage. Try to make at least half of it actual water though. I like to take half and half orange juice and club soda (or is it tonic, the one with no calories and no sodium) and drink that. Also, there's Crystal Light.

[MelissaAS]

My instincts were right (at least they're getting in shape)- the scale didn't budge this week even though I was "good". I'm also feeling frustrated trying to get the 300min. of exercise/wk in- it feels almost impossible to me if I want to do anything else (grocery shop, cook, go to a meeting) than exercise after work. I have the sinking feeling I have to embark on the morning workout thing to make it happen, but I haven't been able to accept that yet. Eating-wise, I'm well stocked with healthy food and recipe plans and no trigger events/holidays scheduled so I'm anticipating a good week...sorry about the rambling...

Melissa

[Gina O]

I haven't posted in a while, which is usually a sign that I have not been doing well. This time, that is the case. I have been running at least 3 times a week, and with Brian very serious about WW, I have actually lost about 4 pounds in 3 weeks.

The reason I haven't posted on this thread is that I have realized that over the past 6 weeks or so, I have undergone a bit of a mind shift that I wanted to discuss, but needed to be sure it was real, and take some time to figure out what was going on. Here is the deal:

For so long, I either didn't care about my body/health/weight or did the dieting thing. In the process, I gained about 60 pounds, topping out around 185 a few years ago. I did lose the weight by dieting. But now, thanks to this BB, I am realizing the difference in and importance of a healthy lifestyle. My focus in the past has always been losing weight... that was the reason to change my eating habits, and that was the reason to exercise.

Now I am beginning to shift from that mindset to one of a "healthy lifestyle" where proper diet and exercise are fundamental to a way of living. I know this is not a new revelation to many of you, but while I knew it intellectually in the past, I had never really incorporated it into my psyche before.

I am gradually seeing a difference in the choices I make as a result. I know my food choices are not perfect, but without really even trying or thinking about it, I have been going 2-3 days a week without eating meat. I used to try this in the past, again as a means of losing weight, and never succeeded. Now it seems almost natural. I find myself making better selections when I am eating out, and wanting to run because it feels good.

So, thanks to you all. I don't always comment on the wonderful things you say, but know that your modeling the realities of healthy living (no one is perfect) has helped move in that direction. Gina

[GayeC]

BevP -- Thanks for the additional information about water. It has inspired me to continue trying to increase my consumption. Crystal Light is a good idea --I have to say that I get pretty bored with plain water.

Gina -- Thanks for sharing the change in thought processes that you have been experiencing. It sounds like you are really moving in a positive direction.
Gaye

[funnybone]

I'm another one whose scale did not make a dent this last week. I've still stuck to my step aerobics and "ab-doer" and included the "Bow-flex" once.

I don't drink nearly the amount of water I should, but like I have mentioned in a water post, I am just not liking the taste of the water around her (bottled) to drink lots of it. Sure I add lemon, but still the taste I sense an aftertaste.

Anyway, I realize that each week is different, and perhaps we should not be stepping on the scale weekly, but rather monthly. Although the scale didn't budge, I feel like there is more room in my pants around the waist, and THAT is more important. Another thing, is that my migraines have really improved (or I should say there is a lack of them - I didn't even take one Aleve last week - and that is something!!) since I have been exercising more.

I know I am hanging in there, and I hope all of you do as well. It's okay to be "off" one week - it's not a crime. I even indulged in those "sinnamon buns" on Sunday (Hey, maybe there is a correlation now http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/smile.gif with no weight loss - lol

[This message has been edited by funnybone (edited 05-15-2001).]

[lindrusso]

Gina - I've been going through the same sort of changes! I'm sure I've mentioned it before, but it's been a nice change. Although I still have a desire to lose weight, it's not my sole focus anymore. The scale has not moved in weeks. Normally I'd be giving up by now and going back to my old bad ways. But not this time! Since I'm making it a lifestyle change, I just keep going. Because I know it's good for me, not because weight is the only, or even the most important, issue. And, like you, being surrounded by the great people on this board has played a very large part in all of this. Anyway - good going and continued success to you!

I also wanted to address those of you who don't post when you're not doing well. Of course we should all do what works for us and do what we're comfortable doing, but I find that posting each week, good or bad, helps me keep going. It's also much harder to hide from my backsliding if I have to admit it to everyone! Anyway, I just wanted to encourage everyone to share even when you're discouraged if you think it might help keep you motivated! http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/smile.gif

Speaking of backsliding...my eating continues to be atrocious this week....ack! But, as Scarlett would say, "after all, tomorrow is another day...".

[This message has been edited by lindrusso (edited 05-15-2001).]

[BevP]

Wow, so many wonderful things happening here. Gaye congratulations on the new mindset. That is a BIG accomplishment and the real start of a lifetime of fitness. The word 'diet' has taken on a bad conotation thanks to things like grapefruit diet and such. I prefer the classic definition of what you consume. We have good diets or bad diets but no matter what it's a diet. It's not ON or OFF, it IS.

Melissa, don't worry about that scale. I've been exercising and eating fairly well since February and the scale moved barely 5 pounds. But, my body fat went down and I'm in a healthy range. I found out I don't need to lose weight so have changed my focus to working on my brain imaging instead. If you're clothes feel better, that's what's important. Muscle weighs more than fat, which is why my scale didn't move much.

And I'm with lindrusso that you should go ahead and check in even if it's a bad week. This is a great place to get your motivation shored up and get you back on track. HLSG is not supposed to just be a place to brag but also a place to get and give support.

[Mbart]

Well, okay, due to the encouragement, I'll chime in on my week. I wasn't going to, because I know I'm sounding like a broken record. I did the same thing I do every week...great week Monday thru Friday, ate right, exercised every day, and then...Duh,Duh,Dummmmm (forboding music here http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/smile.gif) the WEEKEND CAME! Saturday night it was roasted marshmallows and S'mores at the Fire Pit with the kids, not the end of the world, but then Sunday was a Marathon sweets fest. First, my family came over for Mother's Day, and we had every sweetsy treat imaginable. Then, we went to a party that was catered by this fabulous market, with one dish better than the next. Of course, I avoided the vegetable and fruit platters, and instead focused on the artichoke and crab dips, the cajun sausages, the cheese assortments, beef sandwiches, tarts, chocolate cake...getting the picture? My problem is, I just LOVE eating!! However, I believe I am not going to sweat it so much, because as wacky as it is, it's sort of working for me. I mean, I lost the weight I wanted to lose, and it seems to be staying off. So, maybe I'll just allow myself the ridiculous splurges on the week-ends, as long as I'm diligent during the week. Is this okay, or is this a bad precedent to be setting?

[MelissaAS]

Mbart,

I hope you don't mind me commenting- I am right with you on the weekend issue! I'm very disciplined during the week then go a bit haywire sometimes on the weekend (for example this past Saturday, when I was left alone with Milanos in the house). On a better note, I tend to get lots of exercise on the weekend since my schedule is so much more flexible so it basically ends up a wash. The way I look at it is that if you're eating healthy 5 days and not-so-great 2 days you're still eating healthy 5 days! That's the vast majority of the time! So congrats...and keep in touch about the weekend demons...I know I can relate!

Melissa