Daily Kitten Chat Forum » General Chat

1. 

   Hi friends,

   I eat fairly healthy but have been sooo stressed lately that even when I eat little I seem to gain weight. I'm 5'6 and weigh about 215 (i'm a total of 110 pounds down from my highest). I'm looking for some buddies to join me or at least be virtual supporters! I had 2 packets of oatmeal with an apple and flaxmeal for breakfast and about to head out for a 30 minute walk (it's about 2 miles via my pedometer) during my lunch break. Although I would rather EAT, I'm going to do a shake for lunch with an apple a little later. I know that eating is better than not! (i've been around the diet block a few thousand times and am a wealth of information that I seldom use for myself... everyone at work comes to me for advice).

   I walked twice over the weekend, 1.5 and 2.5 miles (again via my pedometer which isn't always the most accurate thing, but having some reference is good). I also commit to a healthy dinner!

   Posted 2 years ago by Jetta and Boo Boo's Mom #

2. 

   I'm with you Lainey, I have been seriously committed to losing since April - I started at a high of 172 (I'm 5'4") curr about 153 and working on it. Sounds like you are doing the right things and you have a good understanding of what it takes, I'd be glad for all the virtual support I can get. There is a great website called Sparkpeople a friend of mine told me about, check that out! It's very motivational with lots of good tips and info, plus tools to track your exercise and eating. You get points for what you do on there so it's fun to see how many points you can rack up. I walk for an hour every morning before work (6 or 7 days a week), it's fun to track my fitness on Sparkpeople, I haven't tried their nutrition tracking yet though, that's next!

   Posted 2 years ago by Annie R #

3. 

   Lainey, I'll sure jump in there with you although I have a reputation for being a nag, if you listen to my gym partner. I've always been slender and could eat whatever I wanted, but I was also a distance runner. After I went through the dreaded "m" part of life, I had quit running but kept on eating as if I were still doing marathons. Gosh, wouldn't you know - a whole bunch of extra, and unwanted, pounds showed up! Three years ago I went back to the gym and now I'm once again addicted to working out. I can't run anymore due to too many injuries over the years, but I can still work really hard at the gym. And, as anyone here can tell you, I am definitely all about healthy eating.

   I'm a retired RN so I've always known what to do - not always so good at doing it. But I'll be happy to be a virtual workout partner with you!

   Posted 2 years ago by WillowandWindismom #

4. 

   Yay Annie and WWM! Thank you! I cut my walk short today as I was really dizzy, so walked for 15 minutes and almost 2000 steps (one mile) on the pedometer. I'll check out Sparkpeople tonight (I'd rather hang out here for the rest of my lunchtime... I love it here!) Speaking of... gonna go make my "replacement meal" shake... bbs...

   Posted 2 years ago by Jetta and Boo Boo's Mom #

5. 

   Count me in. I didn't go to the gym today, because I went both days this weekend & I know from past experience that if I try to dive into going 7 days a week all at once I'll get sore and/or exhausted and quit. I'm planning to go tomorrow; it should help that I have to be up before the birds to see Mr. Kilroy off on his trip.

   WWM, I don't know if you saw my earlier report; I checked into hiring a trainer for part of the week Mr. K is gone & nearly had a heart attack at the cost. Technically I *could* pay for it, but I'm not sure it's worth it.

   Posted 2 years ago by Kilroy #

6. 

   Yay Kilroy... hop on the train! I used to go to Curves 3x a week and loved it and had great success but money is an issue for me so I cancelled my membership. There is a new gym (a big one) being built about 2 miles from where I work, supposed to open in January. I'll check it out when the time comes. I have Jillian Michael's 30 day shred and it has lots of ab work (which I need, I'm an apple shape and all my weight is there) and Leslie Sansone's walking videos (her four miler that doesn't have interruptions is my favorite), however, I like to walk outside in the nice weather. Someone gave me an exercise ball but I need to inflate it an learn how to use it. When I was exercising regularly I LOVED it. It really helps stress and sleeping. I have an abundance of stress (don't we all?!) and insominia is my middle name. So I know once I get consistent again that I will do better.

   Who else is going to join the fun? Smile

   Posted 2 years ago by Jetta and Boo Boo's Mom #

7. 

   Just so I'm accountable for some sort of a goal; I'm 5'6" and weigh 132. I would like to lose 10 pounds by the first week in October.

   I also want to get back to going to spinning classes; I use the spinning bike on my own but the classes kick my butt much more than I would on my own. Maybe I'll try that while Mr. K is out of town.

   Posted 2 years ago by Kilroy #

8. 

   I'd love to join in! I'm actually taking a nutrition class this summer at college and I'm learning a lot about foods and it makes me think twice about what I eat now. I am a healthy weight (5'7 and 130 pounds), but I have a good metabolism so I don't gain much even if I eat bad. I'd like to do this to help my arteries/insides and to help give me more energy.

   Posted 2 years ago by gini #

9. 

   Welcome Gini! What a great group we've got going! It's great you want to take care of your health :-)

   Posted 2 years ago by Jetta and Boo Boo's Mom #

10. 

    Good for you, Lainey, on getting healthy!
    I lost 30-some lbs. after getting an ulcer several months back and changing my eating habits. I'd like to lose just a couple bit more.

    My metabolism was shut, but the new eating habits really kicked it into gear again. What I had to do was eat little meals/snacks every few hours instead of the traditional meals like breakfast, lunch and dinner. Doing this really got my metabolism going.
    The last few weeks have been a bit hectic with the new job, but I've gotten used to the new habit and am doing well despite being stressed out.

    Posted 2 years ago by GreatDane #

11. 

    Kilroy, I didn't see that note about the trainer. To tell the truth, the cost of a trainer at my gym is outrageous. But I did sign up for eight sessions and it was doable because I split it with two friends. So my trainer works with us as a group of three. Mostly what I do is to "cheat". The cardio equipment at my gym overlooks the weight rooms. So I watch what the trainers are doing with clients and then I go and do those exercises. I've learned a lot that way!

    Lainey, a couple of weeks ago I ordered Jillian Michaels "Hot Bod in a Box" and it's really great. It's got 50 flashcards and each flashcard has a different exercise on it with pictures, full explanations, etc. You can take them to the gym, or use them at home. Then, once you're familiar with the names of her exercises, there are several cards that help you set up circuit training. Most of the exercises require no more than an exercise ball, some hand weights and a resistant band, so they are easy to use at home if you don't go to a gym.

    Okay, accountability, huh? I am 5'4" and my weight fluctuates between 117 and 120, depending on if it's after a weekend or not. Now..... three years ago I weighed almost 140, which I had never weighed in my life and that's what sent me back to the gym. So, it can be done! I have a small skeletal frame and 140 was entirely too much weight for me. For almost a year I just gripped about my weight and my clothes not fitting to Mr. WWM. I guess he got tired of listening to me because one day he said, "Well, what do you plan to do about it?". That's all it took!

    I will say this, too. When I first went back to the gym my best friend here went with me. We signed up the same day. She still goes every day with me, but she gets discouraged because she hasn't lost weight. And if I'm gone, she won't go, whereas if it's a gym day for me, I will be there. I keep telling her that she hasn't lost weight because she never pushes herself. Last year I finally bought her a heart monitor for her birthday so that she could see for herself that she was never really working at 85% of her maximum heart rate.

    Yay!!!! We need a name for our TDK healthy lifestyle group!!!!

    Posted 2 years ago by WillowandWindismom #

12. 

    I have a LOT of weight to lose! I'm 5'7" and I weigh 264 (TWO sixty-four, not ONE sixty-four) pounds. I can't ride my exerbike for more than a few minutes without having to get off it or getting extremely bored, I can't afford aerobic classes (not that I could find any that don't have those super-thin spandex-covered sticks with more energy than an atom in a nuclear reactor), I don't have a DVD player to play any exercise DVDs, my agoraphobia prevents me from taking a leisurely walk outside, and my pseudohusband is afraid that if I dance on the floor (my preferred form of exercise) I might break it (we have an older house). It's not like he'll exercise and lose weight; he's in denial that he's even overweight (although I let him know that every ten pounds he loses will help control his diabetes and add, um, 'inches'), and he will buy all manner of junk. It's hard to eat healthfully when he insists on buying cheap food so we'll have more food, and none of my cookbooks have ways of making these (often hormone-laden) foods remotely palatable. Many times, I wind up eating out; unfortunately, that's not always a good option, either. At least we have a vegetable garden, so once food starts ripening in it there will be hope of me eating a more healthful diet. WWM, I wish I could get down to 140, but it's gonna take sooooo long to do so (I was never above 180 until I hit 30, and it's been downhill {uphill?} since).

    Posted 2 years ago by Vicki #

13. 

    Accountability: I'm 5'8" and 133.

    Posted 2 years ago by GreatDane #

14. 

    Does anyone think that if I lose weight, my panic attacks will go away?

    Posted 2 years ago by Vicki #

15. 

    Hi everyone! I'm doing OK on the exercise front - as far as getting there goes. I am bored with my strengthening work and looked at a trainer for that but like Kilroy I choked on the cost. I just need some ideas for upper body strengthen and abs. I try and check out programs on Fit TV and the like occassionaly for ideas and I used to watch trainers at the gym with others but there are fewer trainers around now that I go before work. In the last 7 years I have gained back the 60lbs I lost after college and I want to lose it again. I have lost about 15 so far but then had a set back due to injuries. I have hyper-extensive joints and cartilage damage in my knees - combination of the bad joints and the excess weight. These can limit me at times at the gym. Right now I try to go to the gym and do 50-60 minutes of Cardio on Mon, Thurs and Sunday, 30 minutes of cardio on Tues & Fri with 30 minutes of abs or weights on Tues/Fri and weights and abs on Sundays.

    Posted 2 years ago by TrufflesMom #

16. 

    Vicki do you by any chance have netflix? Netflix has an online exercise video section with tons of videos from beginners to advanced and from light work out to hard ones so if you do have it you can play it on your computer any time without having to worry about dvd players. If you don't, youtube may have some videos to watch too if you search. That way you will not have to worry about a lot of the worries you have with it.

    Posted 2 years ago by gini #

17. 

    .... I don't need to loose any weight, but I'll jump on the healh train.... I DO need to get back to exercising...... after my illness (antibotic wiped out my digestive system in 2005), I haven't worked out at all! I did however, take up golf, so that's some exercise, but I used to be a gym rat, and I really want to get back to that. I am 5'8" tall, and my weight likes to hover around 118 to 120 lbs. I've always been on the thin side, I have a very high metabolism and have been done with menopause for over 8 yrs. I want to get my body back to it's toned shape, get stronger, and get my cardio back - I feel like I lost so much wind power! I generally eat healthy, my favorite foods are vegetables, and I absolutely hate anything sweet.... however, my cholestrol is 247, which is too high, so I know I can do better......

    ..... I think it's great for any and all to help and encourage each other, no matter if we're trying to loose weight, gain weight, exercise, eat better, etc. ..... count me in!

    Posted 2 years ago by AV #

18. 

    One of my biggest challenges is that Mr. K does most of the cooking in our house, and he can eat ANYTHING he wants, because he exercises every day. And yes, I have put 2 and 2 together and realize that if I did that too I could eat whatever I want.

    We mostly eat healthfully during the week, but our weekends are less disciplined, and he acts hurt if I want to fix my own meals on the weekends (jokingly, but still).

    Posted 2 years ago by Kilroy #

19. 

    Summer if the perfect time to get on a healthy/weight-loss program! I'm in...I've been trying to watch it for a few weeks now! Low carb/hi protein with at least 4x's per week to gym and yard kp as added aerobics!

    Posted 2 years ago by jeankit #

20. 

    Hi Vicki, I'm not an expert about panic attacks or anything but I have read that exercise increases endorphins which contributes to feelings of well being and other mental benefits. It makes sense to me that healthy body=healthy mind so I bet it would help you a lot to be more fit. After reading through all the posts it seems we have a lot of diversity among us in regards to weight and fitness levels but we all have a common goal to eat better and exercise regularly.

    My goal is to reach 135 (18 lbs to go) which used to be an easy weight to maintain with regular exercise. I am hypothyroid but take daily meds for that so it's not an issue. In the last few months I have started walking for an hour each morning 6 or 7 days a week. I love it, it's a great way to start my day. Luckily I work from home so I can start working all sweaty and nasty and nobody cares ;o) I'm working on better eating habits, my insurance plan has a wellness program that I'm on which keeps me motivated too. I started off slowly and have lost 19 lbs since March. My next target is my abs and doing regular strength training.

    This is such a great community, we can do anything we set our minds to!!!!

    Posted 2 years ago by Annie R #

21. 

    ok no one beat me with a stick .......im 5"2" 144 ....I gained weight after the hysterctomy 7 years of building a company and a miserable marriage .....but i too have gone on a health kick .....im doing a cleanse this week, and have cut calories down ....fruit and salads .....Have to have protien cause im about to pass the heck out here .....but i have kinda a walking partner ...need a stronger one!!!! will give phone number ... grins

    Posted 2 years ago by jinxedfairy #

22. 

    Welcome everyone! I'm so glad there is such support here (not that I didn't know that anyway!). Yes, we should name our group. Any ideas?

    I'm exhausted (see post about I hate rude people!) and am going to bed. I may be up later (with any luck, NOT) and if so will check in and say hi and be a bit more responsive. As it is now, I can barely keep my eyes open.

    Come one and come all! Yay team!

    Posted 2 years ago by Jetta and Boo Boo's Mom #

23. 

    OK, count me in, but I am RUBBISH at this sort of thing. However, the F-word birthday party is 5 weeks away, and the dress I've bought for it is a tad tight around the top. I don't eat too unhealthily (most of my pudding and chocolate fixation is cyber related, honestly!) but exercise has been a big problem for me this year, 'cos of my stupid neck. Well, as that's settled down a little, I'm trying to burn off a few more calories. I have a gym membership that I'm going to try and get back into using, a lovely canalside walk on my doorstep for when the weather allows, and just this very evening I've ordered an exercise dvd (yes, I'm that desperate) for when going out of the house isn't an option. I plan to do at least 20-40 sit ups a night, plus a good walk and or workout 3 times a week.

    My stats? 5' and a squidgy bit that doesn't even qualify for half an inch but means a great deal to me - and just under whatever 12 (stone) x 16lbs is (it's too late for maths, and anyway, the figure would scare me, lol).

    Posted 2 years ago by MadcatwomanintheUK #

24. 

    the "Fit Kits"...?

    ..Catersize?.....

    Posted 2 years ago by AV #

25. 

    LOL, AV we are on the same page...I was thinking Fit Kats (as opposed to Kit Kats)

    Posted 2 years ago by Annie R #

26. 

    Fat Cats to Fit Kits?

    Truly Determined Krew? (TDK - geddit?)

    We'd kill for chocolate?

    Posted 2 years ago by MadcatwomanintheUK #

27. 

    *reaches out and taps JF with a wand, not a stick*

    Just coming to this thread means that you want to make a change. And since we're all TDKers here, we all know that no one will ever judge anyone else. We're all different, and probably have different goals. *stops for just a moment to kick AV because she's taller but weighs the same as me... grumble...* (jk)

    Vicki, I feel pretty confident in thinking that if you can reach the point of working out with your heart rate increased for at least 20 minutes, it will help your panic attacks. When I was running I really did discover that everything that is said about endorphins is true. You just have to struggle through those first uncomfortable minutes.

    There is something that goes on at my gym that I've been watching with interest and it may have some value here. Every January we have an influx of new members at the gym. The regulars take bets on how long they will stay and it's usually not very long. The reason is, I think, because people have unrealistic expectations. It took awhile to put on extra weight and it's going to take a while to get it off in a manner that's healthy. But Americans are a "now" culture and if it doesn't happen right away, they move on.

    The truth is that you have to first get in shape to be able to work hard enough to lose weight. And that takes time.

    Plus, I made a terrible discovery several years ago that seems to mostly concern women. With every passing birthday it becomes just that much harder to lose weight. And after menopause most women find that their metabolism slows way down. Add into the equation that menopausal weight tends to be in the abdominal region and ...... ACK....... it's a recipe for feeling really bad about yourself.

    Personally, I think that it is more about living a healthy lifestyle, eating right and exercising, than to enter with a goal of losing a certain number of pounds. And I think that's where we can help each other because it's all about support and about feeling good about yourself.

    Vicki, I almost hate to say his name, but *looks around to make certain Mr. WWM is no where around* Richard Simmons has some excellent programs for people who need to exercise but need to start out sensibly and slowly. Yes, he can make you nuts but his programs really do seem to work.

    And forget the spandex! You should see us at my gym - I belong to what appears to be a "No Spandex Allowed" gym. No one cares what anyone has on because we're all there to work.

    Posted 2 years ago by WillowandWindismom #

28. 

    LOL, MCW - I was trying to think of something with TDK, too!

    Totally Divine Kits?

    Totally Dedicated Kits?

    Posted 2 years ago by WillowandWindismom #

29. 

    MCW, I envy you your canal to walk by. I could walk to work along the Hudson River, but it takes so much longer than the subway... Why can't there be 72 hours in a day???

    Posted 2 years ago by Kilroy #

30. 

    Great post WWM, you are right on the money. It's about competing with yourself to get better every day, not anyone else because we are all so different. I was just thinking the other day how much easier it is to cover the same distance walking than when I first started. The hills don't seem so steep anymore...All of a sudden you look back and see progress and it makes you want to keep going!

    Posted 2 years ago by Annie R #

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