Here we go.........Weightloss Thread Part III

[diamondjunkie]

Alright.  I have been ignoring my rear view for quite some time but I just can't do it anymore.  I can still get into all my jeans, but only just.  DH laughed at me this morning as he watched the wriggling, grunting and squirming it took to get into a freshly laundered pair.  I looked at him and said, "You know you have a weight problem when you are spilling out of your F cup bras."  He goes, "Oh baby, THAT is no problem at all!"   

So as much as he loves me voluptuous, I am ready to be a little less of that and a bit more skinny.  URG! 

Now I know we have a few CDI babies due in the next few months so I'm not going to put up any hard fast rules this time around.  The new moms can feel free to join in as and when they are ready.  For anyone else who may want a bit of support and advice, dive right in!  I was once a personal trainer and so I know a little bit about working out and losing weight - I'm happy to share what I know if it will help.

For me, I am going to take things slow but definitely in the right direction!  I haven't been drinking water lately so for the next week, I am going to make sure I get at least 1 litre a day.  As of next Sunday, I'll find something else to change.  Here's hoping the weather stabilizes and I can get out walking with my poles.

So.  WHO'S WITH ME?!?!?

[annie1]

I swear that you're a mind reader DJ!  I've been meaning to PM you to ask if you were up to another weightloss thread! 

I've gained a little bit of weight back since my low in September, so I need to get my butt into gear.

I'm liking the idea of starting slow, and I'll be with you on water this week.  I'm moving desks at work, and I should be closer to the bathroom.  I'm pretty excited about it.  Sad, isn't it?   

Even though we're not having formal rules, maybe we can come up with a "checking in" format.  That way it would be easy to give an update on how the week went.  Maybe kinda like the points system reporting from number 2, but without the keeping track of the points.

I like having an easy way to judge my success for the week!

Thoughts?

[elizabeth]

PERFECT timing DJ!  I am IN!!!!!    I have been soooo slack since the holidays!  My golf skort was a little tight this morning!    I work out 5 days a week but they seem to lack umph - if you know what I mean!!! I need to increase my water intake too!  So I just grabbed a BIG Evian 1L - this thread is helping already!    

[diamondjunkie]

YEAH!  I love it when a plan comes together! 

Okay, Annie, let's schedule a check in every week - let's say Sunday as that seems to be a good day for it.  Tomorrow, feel free to post any goals, jump on the scale for a reality check (dear Lord I know I should do this but please give me the strength to follow through............), stock up on your favorite bottled water or anything else that is going to set you up for a good week.  Next Sunday, check in and let us know how you got on - what you did well, what you did better than planned and what you need to work on.

Elizabeth, it might be time for you to switch up what you are doing.  The body gets used to its workouts.  Let me know what you've been doing and for how long.  Do you lift weights?  How much cardio?  What type?  Any sports other than golf?  What do you like to do?  Do you workout alone or with a partner?  Girl we are going to get your workouts humming along again!

Come on!  I KNOW there are more of you out there who want to jump on board!  Even if you are looking to maintain your current weight, you will find TONS of support and advice here.  I know this because the first weightloss thread was wonderful.  Talk about a great group with lots to offer each other.

Alright, bring on the water!

[Trinkette]

Ok, once AGAIN, I will TRY to actualy follow through with this.  I have four new DVDs to help me DANCE away the bulge; I'm spending more time working at the barn; and I've started walking at least a mile, 5 days each week.  And, although my eating is pretty healthy, it is the late afternoons that get me: I go to the snacks we keep for my son's lunch box.  I'll make an effort to STOP sneaking late aftenoon mini-meal snacks (unless it is fruit, veggies or something like yogurt); eat more fruits and veggies; drink TONS of water; and exercise five days each week - walking, dancing, and adding some weight bearing stuff... and, I'll work to increase the distance/speed during the walking. No scale.  I'd be too depressed.  But, I will measure and check clothing sizes (I'm SO hopeful...  ).

So, is today Day One?

[GIAGirl]

I have been laying out in my bathing suit.  That is motivation in itself.   I am in and I have been doing pretty good lately!   I picked a TV series that I heard was really good and downloaded the season.  I am not allowed to watch a new one unless I am on the elliptical or treadmill.  They are all 40 minutes long so I am guaranteed to work out for 40 minutes!   

I have been drinking those protein water mixes from Special K.  They are supposed to keep you fuller longer.  They are pretty concentrated so you HAVE to have a lot of water. 

Trink and Elizabeth, my jeans were lose the other day!   My man even commented!  WHOO HOO!!! 

[Mrs Mitchell]

Well, I'm going to join in after I have my baby (in 4 weeks. How did that come round so quickly???)

I haven't abandonned my good habits entirely (I'm still swimming regularly and I don't get dehydrated anymore) but I haven't paid any attention to how much I eat for the last 8 months. Don't get me wrong, it's all been quality food, nothing from a packet and generally made from scratch, so I've eaten really, really well. I just haven't restricted it in any way. As well as the weight of the baby, I'm fairly sure I'm carrying the weight of a few lasagnes, chillis, grilled chickens and some very nice grilled cheese sandwiches. (Ok, might be a pizza in there somewhere...)

Couldn't care less. It's been a blast. My only restriction has been is this 'good' food? Interestingly, I've never looked better (well, I look like a watermelon now, but hair, skin, curves - all good.) I don't know how much of that is pregnancy and how much is a really balanced, varied diet that actually pleases me.

Obviously I can't go on like this forever, or I will have to buy a bigger car, but I have taken some useful lessons from the experience.

I'm going to keep up with the swimming (nicer to be toned than not!) and keep up with the water drinking, then when the baby is born and a little bit older, start easing back into a good routine for health and fitness. I'll hook up with my personal trainer again (his girlfriend is having a baby in July, so I'm hoping he'll have read up on this!) and start to build up strength and stamina training, as well as swimming and hopefully a lot of long walks with a stroller!

Then, I'm going to look at diet - I'm going to keep going with the no processed, no packet, no junk rule but look at creating low fat, lower calorie versions.

My goals are therefore to increase exercise and decrease calorie intake to appropriate levels for nursing a new baby. It will be a gradual process, but I'll aim for the weekly goals / check in - that was really helpful for me last time.
DH is taking a few months leave to look after the baby (since I'm essentially clueless) so I should have  a little time for going to the pool / gym, hopefully!

Good luck to all of us on this thread - it's a challenge but we've done really, really well before and we can do so again now!

Jen

[djm195]

How long has it been since the last weight loss thread? Well, that's how long my travel water bottle has been sitting on my desk EMPTY. I look at it everyday and think, you know, I should get my arse up, walk over to the water cooler and fill that thing up. Then, I get distracted with something that is screaming at me on my desk and never do it. So it would be helpful if you guys would remind me every now and then...j/k.


Anyhow, I'm in. Aside from the water thing, I haven't finalized the other issues. DW keeps telling me to limit my salt intake. But that is hard for me. If given a choice between something that is salty vs sweet--I'd reach for the salt 10 out 10 times. That said, I also want to limit my sugar intake. (sounds contradicatory-doesn't it?) I pretty much eat a low fat diet, but what I 've noticed lately is that the sugar grams in some of these low fat things are really high so I want to watch that as well. Even though I don't eat candy, chocolate or desserts I think I get a lot of sugar through this low fat diet. Guys tend to gain "sugar weight" in their gut--women in their bottoms and thighs. If I cut out all sugars I can see ab definition, one intake of sugar and the next day -- it's gone. I swear to you it is that fast. I want to address this part.

Finally, like DJ, I have back issues and can't do anything that is high impact so running is out. On last weightloss thread she recommended walking poles, but I was too self conscious to use them. No one here has them and maybe its my pride but I don't want to be known as the weird guy with the sticks. Afterall, I have teenage kids to think about--LOL!!
I will follow this thread closely and get some ideas from you guys.

Thanks,
djm

[GracefulLion]

6 weeks to go for me, and as I am scheduled for a c-section, it'll be another 6 weeks to go after that before I can exercise.  I am definitely looking forward to getting my old body back, and hopefully better.  I was keeping up with walking during the second trimester, but have just had so much going on lately that I have dropped it all.  I will be rooting you all on for the next 3 months and then cannot wait to join back up!!!

[Awestruck]

DJ
I`m a grandmother in waiting so can I plead the 5th and do as I usually do which is potter along in my own grandmotherly way ?
I`ll cut out something and I`m away on holiday at the end of June so I`ll make that my target and aim to fit into all those clothes I wear on holiday and never get the opportunity to wear in the cold , damp UK.
Lynne

[diamondjunkie]

Yup, yesterday was the first day and I forgot all about water until late last night!  Urg!  Baby steps, right?!  My whole weekend has been shot as DH left for Canada and my kids had birthday parties to go to, projects to complete for school and scouts and my hallway/landing is a disaster area.................HAVE I MENTIONED MY FATHER IS COMING THIS WEEKEND!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

DJM, the sugar thing is very common.  Men are unlucky in that it takes a lot more for them to get that 6-pack look as weight goes right to their bellies.  I get a 6-pack way before my butt stops looking like a lump of lard!    My trainer (a guy) always hated me for it!  I gotta tell you though: the poles ROCK.  Your arms and core will be screaming in minutes.  You HAVE to try them - as does anyone else looking for a low impact workout that is easy to do outdoors.

Swiming is so good for pregnant women, Jen.  You keep going girlfriend!  And if it makes you feel better, I often had mint choc chip icecream for breakfast when I was pregnant.  Oh, and my craving with DS was for hotdogs!  Not good!

GIAGirl, don't you get enough of a workout lifting Ms Fancy Pants over and over again!  

Trinkette, definitely add in weight bearing exercise - DEFINITELY.  And none of these dinky 2lb weights either.  Man I cannot stand seeing women in the gym lifting less weight than a bag of sugar.  I'm like, "HELLO!  Can you do your weekly shopping on your own?  Okay then - pick up a decent bloomin' dumbbell!"  Somehow, I don't think you are going to fall into that category!

GL, you jump in when you feel like it - whenever!

Lynne, you do whatever you feel you can do.  If you think you need a push, let me know and I'll jump in to help you.

[lemonluvr]

We all must be thinking alike!  I'm in for another round.  I've been trying to be very good about my workouts lately but having group support will hopefully keep it going.  I've been doing an aerobics/strength training class three times a week, zumba twice a week, weights 2-3 times a week.  On the days I don't go to the gym I try to run at least two miles.  My clothes have been getting looser and my body is tighter but I would still like to shed a few more lbs.  Pool season is not that far away!

[oldmancoyote]

[annie1]

I will admit to kinda sucking on the water front today...  I'm going to try to get some more in before it gets too close to bed time though. 

[Diamondluvr]

I'm in!

It has been a tough couple of weeks and is going to be really busy for awhile longer.  Not going to get into it, other than we are currently getting our home ready to sell-lots of unfinished projects to attend to!!!  All this has lead to weight gain since December.  I put on about 15lbs! 

I have been on a Gluten-Free Diet since the day after Easter and trying to really watch my sugar intake and keep up my H2O intake.  I am down 8lbs since I started,   alot of water weight!  At first the Gluten-Free was a challenge, but after I got into the swing of things-it really isn't that bad(and it helped that the hubby said he would eat the same food as I-so I don't have to make different food for him!).

I do need to get back into my regular workouts, as I know this will not only help my waistline, but will lower my stress level and allow me to sleep better(which I need right now---I'm tired!).

Good Luck to all

[oldmancoyote]

Pardon my curiosity, but is the gluten-free part supposed to help with weight loss, or is it due to intolerance/allergy?

[Diamondluvr]

OMC-it is due to a gluten allergy/intolerance.  Lots of crazy symptoms involved with it!

It has been an eye opening experience, so much of what is available in grocery stores contains gluten! 

I will also say that cleaning out clothing closets has been a great weight loss motivator    

[Mrs Mitchell]

How's everyone doing this week?

I'm going good so far - drank plenty of water, ate 5 fruit and veg every day (except today - but I still have a few hours to pack them in!). I had my swim sessions already and it's only Thursday. Not aiming for weightloss obviously, but still, looking to be healthy!

(I have a free pass on eating - watch me do the lasagne work out. Load that fork, lift that fork, load that fork, and again, go go go...)

DL, the gluten allergy sounds like a real PITA. I hope you manage to stay on top of it. I have a friend who is gluten intolerant and the symptoms are NOT good. So hard to avoid gluten unless you make every thing yourself - good luck and let me know if you'd like any recipes. I have a few for when my friend visits. (I would just die if I made her ill, so I have to be super careful. I know how hard it is!)

Hope everyone is doing well and getting off to a great start with this challenge.

Jen

[Diamondluvr]

Glad to hear that you are going really well with a healthy diet and exercise MM   Your baby and body will Thank You!

I would love any good gluten-free recipes   The key word being GOOD!!!  Some of the recipes I've tried have been awful!  We end up eating alot of ethnic foods, which is ok, but I am really craving good bread.

[Mrs Mitchell]

Hmm. Bread is beyond me, I'm afraid. Unless you use gluten free flour of some variety,  but I haven't had much success with that. Spelt flour (a sort of medieval wheat(ish) crop) is gluten free, so if you can get some of that, you might want to experiment with a bread maker.

I subscribe to UK Good Food magazine and they have several gluten free recipes every month. I haven't had a bad one yet (although one or two would be an acquired taste, I reckon!) There's a glorious lemon cake recipe this month, but perhaps not one for the weightloss thread. Although as cakes go, I've seen a lot worse in terms of fat and calories.

I'll have a good look through back issues and my own scribbles and send you the ones I thought were nice.

Jen

[Diamondluvr]

MM-Lemon Cake sounds devine about now!!! 

The cake recipes I've tried are only ok tasting---I'm alittle bummed, in a few weeks we have a wedding, wedding cake is my absolute fav and I won't be able to have any    Sorry my little tantrum is over now

I can't actually have spelt either, it guess it also contains the gluten.

[oldmancoyote]

How about an orange flan from the coyote's kitchen?

Caramelize 4-5 tablespoons of sugar, and coat a ring-shaped mould (or any shape you have - ring is traditional, and it sets faster than other shapes, so if you use a rectangular mould just cook it for a little longer). Heat the oven to 180 C / 350 F

Toast 200 g / 7oz of blanched almonds until just golden (I do it in the microwave - put almonds on a plate, cook for 4-5 minutes on max power, and stir well every minute or so to avoid burning), then grind them in the food processor until they are finely ground but not powdered. Don't buy commercially ground almonds; they have virtually no flavour and are ground too fine.

In a bowl, mix together 7 eggs (whole), 120g / 4 oz of sugar, the juice of a lemon, 250 ml / 9 fl oz best quality orange juice (squeeze 4-5 blood oranges, or get something like Tropicana!), the grated zest of half an orange and 2-3 tablespoons of orange liqueur (Curacao, Grand Marnier or Cointreau) if you like the flavour. Taste for sugar and correct - it should be sweet but the orange flavour should come through quite sharp.

Pour in the mould, cover with aluminium foil, put the mould in a bain-marie and bake for about 1 hour / 75 mins; if a cocktail stick pushed into the middle of the pudding comes out dry, then it's cooked. Let it cool, then remove from the mould and enjoy!

Suitable for Passover, too...

[oldmancoyote]

Oh, ah, forgot - this is a weight LOSS thread. Apologies. Well, at least it's a very healthy dessert.

And vegetarian(ish)

And kosher, suitable for milk or meat meals.

And it's so good.

And... oh, forget it. Just enjoy it!

[GracefulLion]

OK, I think I must ignore this thread, as it is having the opposite of the intended result for me.  I just ran to 3 different coffee shops/bakeries looking for lemon bar.  Got it!!  Sigh.

[Diamondluvr]

Thanks for the recipe OMC!!!  It sounds delish

GL-you are too funny, lemon bars are/used to be(until I find a new recipe) one of my favs too

I sound like such a sugar hound-gesh, I promise I'm really not-I just haven't had much of it lately and am beginning to crave it!