Exercise/Diet Support Group [Archive]

dancersdreamland

01-04-2004, 12:12 PM

Goal - I would like to be in the "habit" of exercising at least five out seven days of the week. Part of that exercise routine should include stretching to increase flexibility and tummy toners so I can enjoy flat, strong abs.

Reward - In addition to looking healthier and feeling great, after one full month of this routine, I will reward myself by seeing the new dance movie "You Got Served" which releases on January 30 followed by my next reward which will be seeing the movie "Havana Nights: Dirty Dancing 2" which will be released February 13.

Plan - My new routine begins today! I plan to exercise M-F in the evening with a new beginners Pilates set I received for Christmas. In addition to the Pilates routine, I will do two sets of fifteen crunches, bicycle twists, leg lifts and side crunches.

Progress - I will begin tonight.

pygmalion

01-04-2004, 12:17 PM

Those are great goals, dancersdreamland. I know you can do it!

Have you tried the Pilates routine yet? Pilates is pretty ab-intensive. You may not need the crunches.

dancersdreamland

01-04-2004, 12:22 PM

I haven't tried it yet as I received it for Christmas and have been batteling that cold...Tonight is the first time I'll use it and I am really excited. It's working with a few different bands/straps.

I didn't realize Pilates was ab intensive. Very cool! I'll see how it goes tonight and then decide whether or not to add the crunches.

Thanks for the info and encouragment.

tasche

01-05-2004, 03:54 PM

tasche

01-05-2004, 03:56 PM

Ok I id for fun on a website to figure out my fat percentages and look at the results I got

Estimate #1 based on height and weight
Your "Ponderal Index" is 11.18 which gives an estimated body fat of 50.3% (90.1 pounds of fat)

Estimate #2 based on waist size and weight
Estimated body fat of 6.4% (11.4 pounds of fat)

tasche

01-05-2004, 03:56 PM

so how many pounds of fat do I have? 11 or 90?

SDsalsaguy

01-05-2004, 03:58 PM

Yes. :|

tasche

01-05-2004, 04:04 PM

LOL your like my husband he always says yes to every and or question.

I went back and found a more comprehesive methpod of calculating usin hips/waist/neck and came out with a figure of 33% which sounds about right since an ideal for a women is 22%

Vince A

01-05-2004, 04:23 PM

I agree with SD . . . :wink:

NeoDevin

01-05-2004, 04:47 PM

Check out this site (www.mybodycomp.com), for body composition. It seems to be pretty accurate.

danceguy

01-06-2004, 01:36 AM

Hi DDL (not DDD, I got it right this time),

This is a great idea! I've got a little diet/fitness experience to share with others, but this is a good way for me to get into better shape too!

A few thoughts though - sometimes doing a daily logging of your progress can be very self defeating. While creating a journal for your thoughts and goals is great - I actually recommend only doing measurements and such once a week.

Your body can fluctuate a lot and you usually won't see real, permanent results on a day to day basis. Also, if some people are like me, I have gained as much as 20 pounds in a single weekend...ugh, the two edged sword of my very slow metabolism... :oops:

Its a bit tough for me since I have the drive and the knowledge to get in shape, but my body has been telling me "slow down and seek repairs" for a while now so I have to take things slowly. But, I will share some of my goals here since you did. :)

My Goals:

1. Get my waist down to 34 inches (or lower), so I'd have to lose 6" from where I'm currently at. From my research and studies with myself, I have found one inch of waistline to equal 3-4 pounds. So, if I lose 6 inches, then I should near my target weight of 175. I was nearly there last year until I got thrown off track...but I haven't been able to continue that level of training since then.

2. This may sound weird, but I would like to increase my upper body to be more muscular to balance out my lower half. I have an extremely well developed set of legs...but my chest and arms by contrast are small. So...my goal is to have my biceps match the size of my calves (16"), so I'd have to gain about 2 inches there. I'd also like to get my chest from 40" to 44" or so. And hopefully, developing my upper body will cause my upper back and neck to stop working so hard since they have become muscle bound from being overdeveloped. I think I may need a fitness trainer for this one...since one wrong move and my neck will freeze up.

I know with a lot of determination that I can get past this hurdle and do it! Just by following a few principles - jogging, eating balanced meals, not eating too much or too late and some weight training...I've done it before and I can do it again. :)

It may be a few weeks before I can really start, but I'll still be on the sidelines cheering you and everyone on! :P

SG

NeoDevin

01-06-2004, 02:12 AM

I think I've posted this link (http://www.exrx.net/Lists/Directory.html) before, but I'll post it here just in case. It's a great site, just go, look at the right hand column for what you want to work out, click on it, and it'll give you whatever excercises are good for that, videos of how they're done properly (so you don't end up hurting yourself), and detailed descriptions of which muscles are worked, so you can avoid overtraining a particular muscle group.

Erick, make sure you're not overtraining (make sure if you're working it out hard, have at least 5 recovery days before training that muscle again) when trying to work your upper body out, as that will only make it take longer. (your goals are actually quite high, and will probably take several months to reach without steroids) Your measurements for your arms and chest are actually pretty good, I'd recommend lowering your body fat percentage before trying to increase size. You might find you're more proportioned after doing that.

If anyone wants more info about working out, just ask me, I know a fair bit about it, and what I don't know, I can usually find fairly quickly.

SDsalsaguy

01-06-2004, 03:38 AM

As I think I've mentioned somewhere before, I was a gym rat back at the end of my high school years (full on 2/day, 6 days on/1 day off cycles, etc.), and have recently started getting back into the whole nutrition and workout game so, like Devin, have some background if there are any questions floating about. Exercise theory, nutrition, and supplementation have progressed a lot since back when, so I've done some major research as I started back to the gym...

d nice

01-06-2004, 06:51 AM

Goal - To be bakc to a happy healthy normal attratic weight

Reward - Pretty self explanatory I will be happy and healthy
Plan - Have been dping atkins and weighttraining since June added in dancing in September
Progress - lost 40lbs and 9in from waist have 4" to go from waist but no ideas about how many pounds I will could be anywhere between 30-60lbs. I seem to be losing a higher proportion of fat to muscle on atkins rather than the 50/50 ratio so I have been losing more dress sizes that the scale would indicate

This is normal and healthy. Muscle ways more than fat, as you develop muscle and lose fat you'll naturally lose inches at a faster rate than pounds.

To say it shortly, the scale lies. Use your inches to measure how much progress you are really making (and do I need to mention that dress sizes lie also?). Its all about resculpting your body.

Resistance exercise is an important and oft overlooked facet for getting in shape... most people think that enough aerobic work will do the job... not so much. Muscles burn calories, with a proper plan your muscles will increase your metabolism to the point that yuou burn calories even in your sleep... gotta love the machine that is the human body.

pygmalion

01-06-2004, 09:53 AM

Amen to that, dnice. I gave up setting weight loss goals right about the time I started lifting weights. My body composition changed so dramatically that I gained eight pounds, but dropped two dress sizes. So that just goes to show me not to pay attention to either one LOL!

I set my goals in terms of strength, flexibility, and stamina. Everything else comes along for the ride.

danceguy

01-06-2004, 10:10 AM

Hi Devin,

Hmm, it would be great to talk with you more about this. Like SD I spent many hours in a gym, I did weightlifting in high school and then college - and I pushed myself hard but but got great results - its also one of the methods I used to lose a lot of weight. When I graduated HS I weighed close to 300 pounds...and by the time I was 21 I was down to 155...but I lost the last 20 pounds due to strict dieting and I was unhappy as heck.

I know my goals are a bit high...but I used to have biceps even larger than that at one time...and trust me my lower half is extremely large due to my bone density and many years of intense Chinese MA exercises, like one legged squats at the like. But that's where the problems came in...I got into some bad training habits, and as such developed my upper Trapezius and SCM so much that its caused the problems I have now. I've had several physical therapists comment they've never seen anything like it before...but trust me it isn't a lot of fun. :oops:

Sounds like we have a lot of knowledge to pool together here. My main experience lies in nutrition and weight loss and various diets with pros and cons of each (I really think the term diet is wrong - you have to change your life to change your body). Macrobiotics, Veganism, The Zone, Fat Flushers, Warrior Diet, Raw Vegetable Juice - I have tried these any many others over the years and all have contributed something to how I live my life now. So if anyone has questions, feel free to ask. :)

I also agree wholeheartily about not relying too much on a scale - while I talk about weight a lot, what I really watched was my pant size. I used to wear a size 50 jeans...then went from that to a 32...(38 now)...sounds like that song "Half the man I used to be." :wink:

One thing I used to do though, was to buy a pair of pants that I liked that was a size (or two) too small. My "friends" in college used to laugh at me when I did this...but I would stick with my training until the pants fit well. They didn't laugh so much after that. :P

NeoDevin

01-06-2004, 11:04 AM

Scorpionguy, I don't know your specific situation, but just from the measurements you posted it sounded like you might have a slightly high body fat percentage (18-20%). Go to the link I posted earlier to figure out your percentage. It's best to get your body fat percentage where you want it, and where you intend to keep it, first, and then worry about proportioning. Otherwise you could get everything proportioned, then lose the fat, and no longer be proportioned.

PS. I don't mean to be insulting when I say you might have higher body fat.

pygmalion

01-06-2004, 11:14 AM

Swing Kitten

01-06-2004, 11:33 AM

(and do I need to mention that dress sizes lie also?)

I think I've ranted about this before... not only do they compress muliple measurements into one number, the sizes are inconsistant from manufacturer to manufacturer and change over time as well.

the mirror is a lot more relyable than the scale-- the scale doesn't consider how a person is packaged... just their gravitational pull.

SDsalsaguy

01-06-2004, 11:35 AM

the scale doesn't consider how a person is packaged... just their gravitational pull.
So true Sk, so true... :lol:

danceguy

01-06-2004, 12:49 PM

Scorpionguy, I don't know your specific situation, but just from the measurements you posted it sounded like you might have a slightly high body fat percentage (18-20%).

Hi Neo,

No insults taken. :)

Hmm, to be honest I really don't want to know what my body fat percentage is...because I know already that its TOO FRIGGIN' MUCH! :P :oops: :P

I used to keep a record of this...I was at about 9% at my lowest...and I would surmise that I'm at about 25-28% now. Honestly, what people list as "ideal" doesn't always fit for some of us. I actually am much more attracted to women with a little meat on their bones! And as I've said before...I can gain weight at the drop of a hat...carbohydrates and sugar are not my friends...so I have to allow for the occasional indulgance, which is very healthy to avoid binging (I'll have to share a binge story with the group one day). So, I know that my body weight/fat% will fluctuate a bit...it takes incredible will power and resolve to keep it even where it is now...

Although I don't want to be like Cartman from SouthPark and say "I'm not fat, I'm big boned!", there is some truth to this.

I basically want to do both weight loss and muscle build simoutaneously. Its what I have always done - and it works well for me. Last year, I had the same measurements I have now - Chest 40, Shoulders 42, waist 40. As you can tell from the measurements...my upper body was just slightly larger than my waist and I didn't like what I saw in the mirror. After 2 months of watching what I ate a bit more carefully and jogging 3-4 times a week, my waist went down to 35.5". I combined this with a lot of upper body yoga exercises so I bulked up a bit upstairs...and trust me I looked like a new man. I have very large hips so no matter what I do, I'm always going to have the tendency to have a larger waist...I inheritied my father's large frame that supports a heavy waist and trunk, so that's where any extra weight goes.

So - if I can get my upper body a bit bulkier to compensate for this...then I will look more "balanced"...ie the look I'd like to have. I do want to do also try some body sculpting exercises such as Pilates as I've heard good things about it.

I've learned a lot over the years...but I have so much more to learn...

SG

DancingMommy

01-06-2004, 01:35 PM

Just for the record, target body fat percentages for men and women are different. 18 to 20% is quite a reasonable body fat percentage for a woman. At my former gym, an all women's gym, the exercise physiologist told me that they expected most healthy women to be the 18- 24% range. I'm at about 19% now, and really don't want to go much lower. Well, okay maybe a little bit lower. :lol:

you and me both. Ihavent' been to a gym since this summer, but I think I have a good reason! :lol:

My goals, etc are going to be subject to February's due date... Can't believe I'm in the home stretch.....

My goals:

1) to get *back* into my wedding dress
2) to fit into my swanky new sapphire blue ballgown for the first time

How I plan on doing it... Getting back into the gym....

I love my gym, btw - it's called "Curves"... I have a squeezie bottle that says "Dangerous Curves Ahead".... I love it since I've pretty much become a J.Lo clone... Curves are IN YAY!!!!

My only gripe is that all my weight has shifted to the belly bump and my rear is gone. :evil:

ballroomboilergirl

01-06-2004, 04:07 PM

I love my gym, btw - it's called "Curves"... I have a squeezie bottle that says "Dangerous Curves Ahead".... I love it since I've pretty much become a J.Lo clone... Curves are IN YAY!!!!

I envy you, DancingMommy :(

I have been RAIL THIN for my entire life. Around the time I had my senior pictures taken I was 5'5" and weighed a mere 102 lbs. I have never HAD to work out, and I have never HAD to watch what I eat...my mother swears I have the metabolism of a hummingbird...plus I have always been rather self-regulating: I don't like feeling very full, so quite often I will only eat until I'm comfortable. While some of you might be thinking "This is a problem?!", I have found it to be a double-edged sword: I may be thin, but it doesn't necessarily mean that I'm fit...plus it makes me look younger than I really am, which is not good when you're only 18 :cry:

Anyway, when I came to college and started dancing, I realized very quickly that it was going to take a lot of out-of-practice exercising to make me a fierce competitor. So I started working out twice a week...and I have figured out that I LOVE it. If I had the time, I think I would work out everyday...there's something strangely empowering about having a good sweat. I stick mainly to cardio (for endurance while dancing), but I have started to pick up some light weightlifting. In addition, I always WALK to class (while pizza and beer are the main contributors to gaining the "Freshman 15", I think a lot of college students don't realize the virtues of walking to class rather than taking the bus :lol:), I dance almost everyday, and I try to watch what I eat...not so much for weight loss, but more to feel good. I do what I like to call "modified Atkins"...I still eat carbs, but just FEWER carbs than protein (*sigh* I love bread and pasta way to much to give them up :cry:) I have gained weight (I'm now up to about 110 lbs) and I think I look and feel the best I ever have...I'm starting to get a big curvier and I actually have a butt (!!!), my ankles and feet are strong, and I have good definition in my arms and legs (still working on the abs :wink:)

Why am I doing all of this? To feel confident out on the floor. If I can strut out onto the floor in a skimpy skirt and top knowing that I have better endurance, muscle strength and tone, balance, and agility than half the girls out there, its only going to make me dance that much harder. And it doesn't hurt to look good for the judges :lol:

danceguy

01-06-2004, 05:53 PM

While some of you might be thinking "This is a problem?!", I have found it to be a double-edged sword: I may be thin, but it doesn't necessarily mean that I'm fit...plus it makes me look younger than I really am, which is not good when you're only 18

BBG,

Thank you for sharing - it is very interesting to hear your experiences and it sounds like you've had great results! I too eat very little carbs - in fact I rarely eat pasta but maybe once a month anymore. It was really hard as an Italian American to give it up...but my body just can't handle all that starch. :cry:

Regarding the two edged sword - I feel the same way about my body type, although it is the opposite of yours.

Some years back I found a website of a professional bodybuilder and nutrition/fitness expert - one of the few that was totally against steriods and "all natural." Whatever he did, he had some muscle tone that was truly amazing - not super bulky but more built for endurance than brute strength. He reminded me a lot of Jack LaLanne actually.

Anyway, I read an article he had written about how a person who had a proclinity to gain weight easy (like myself) actually was gifted with a blessing in disguise. Since we'd have to watch what we ate that much more closely - in our efforts to get in shape we'd make healthier choices in our diets and would be a lot better off in the long run. As well, reaching our goals would mean that much more since it would require greater effort than someone who lost weight easily.

I ended up getting really angry after reading his article - man I wanted to sit this guy down and give him a serious piece of my mind - and also tell him just how hard it had been for me to slim down. But after I really thought about it - I realized that he was right. Although a two-edged sword - he had described me to a point, and suddenly I was impressed rather than angry.

I ended up writing to him and thanking him for his article and unique viewpoint, and shared my weightloss story with him. He actually wrote back, and I found that not only did we see eye to eye on a lot of nutritional aspects, but he was also one helluva nice guy. 8)

I've actually talked with several body builders about nutrition and fitness...people in that profession that a lot of knowledge to share - both good and bad. :wink:

SG

SDsalsaguy

01-06-2004, 06:16 PM

I've actually talked with several body builders about nutrition and fitness...people in that profession that a lot of knowledge to share - both good and bad. :wink:
I so agree with this SG. Body buiding's information of how the body works is an immense resource.

pygmalion

01-06-2004, 06:48 PM

I love my gym, btw - it's called "Curves"... I have a squeezie bottle that says "Dangerous Curves Ahead".... I love it since I've pretty much become a J.Lo clone... Curves are IN YAY!!!!

Yeah. Curves are great, and from what I hear and have read, the Curves diet/exercise plan is great too. You can't beat it -- two or three days of dieting a month max, and thirty minutes of exercise three days a week. Mmm. You definitely can't beat that.

I haven't finished setting my fitness goals yet, but I know they involve taking things up a notch. I've been working out regularly for three years, and I'm on a major plateau. It's time to raise the bar and get RIPPED. 'll let you know when I figure out how to get there. I suspect personal training will be involved. :lol: :lol:

NeoDevin

01-06-2004, 08:49 PM

I have been RAIL THIN for my entire life.

Don't worry, I like thin girls ;) :kissme:

Just don't do what this girl from my highschool grad class did. She was rail thin for as long as I'd known her, then I didn't see her for most of a year after grad. When I saw her again, she was huge (don't mean to be rude here, but that's the only way to describe her) I'd guess around 350+lbs. When her metabolism slowed down, she didn't know how to control her eating.

You don't want me to have to picture that pretty face on your avatar on an unattractive body, now do you? ;)

NeoDevin

01-06-2004, 09:05 PM

I'm sitting at about 14% body fat right now. My goal for the end of the snowboarding season is 10% or less. By the end of the school year, I hope to have another 2 inches on my arms (biceps and forearms), and 4 more on my chest. Right now my waist/chest/biceps/forearms are 32"/40"/12.5"/11". (yes, I know I'm scrawny, thank you very much :P)

pygmalion

01-07-2004, 08:15 AM

:lol: :lol: Thin, NeoDevin. Thin. Not scrawny! 8) :D

Vince A

01-07-2004, 09:36 AM

Neo . . .
Yes, I would say that's proportionate enough to make some of us very jealous :roll:

ballroomboilergirl

01-07-2004, 02:13 PM

Thank you for sharing - it is very interesting to hear your experiences and it sounds like you've had great results! I too eat very little carbs - in fact I rarely eat pasta but maybe once a month anymore. It was really hard as an Italian American to give it up...but my body just can't handle all that starch. :cry:

Regarding the two edged sword - I feel the same way about my body type, although it is the opposite of yours.

Some years back I found a website of a professional bodybuilder and nutrition/fitness expert - one of the few that was totally against steriods and "all natural." Whatever he did, he had some muscle tone that was truly amazing - not super bulky but more built for endurance than brute strength. He reminded me a lot of Jack LaLanne actually.

Anyway, I read an article he had written about how a person who had a proclinity to gain weight easy (like myself) actually was gifted with a blessing in disguise. Since we'd have to watch what we ate that much more closely - in our efforts to get in shape we'd make healthier choices in our diets and would be a lot better off in the long run. As well, reaching our goals would mean that much more since it would require greater effort than someone who lost weight easily.

I ended up getting really angry after reading his article - man I wanted to sit this guy down and give him a serious piece of my mind - and also tell him just how hard it had been for me to slim down. But after I really thought about it - I realized that he was right. Although a two-edged sword - he had described me to a point, and suddenly I was impressed rather than angry.

I ended up writing to him and thanking him for his article and unique viewpoint, and shared my weightloss story with him. He actually wrote back, and I found that not only did we see eye to eye on a lot of nutritional aspects, but he was also one helluva nice guy. 8)

I've actually talked with several body builders about nutrition and fitness...people in that profession that a lot of knowledge to share - both good and bad. :wink:

SG

And I thought I had a hard time giving up bread and pasta! My mom used to call me the "Carb Queen". I feel for you Italians trying to do Atkins, SG :cry: Hang in there! The results are well worth it :wink:

I guess the fact that we both have very different body types and we both have body issues just goes to show that everyone has things about their body that they'd like to change, and that no one is perfect :D As terrible as this is going to sound, its always nice to know that you're not the only one who is insecure about yourself :oops: Thank you for sharing :D

I agree that those who have slower metabolisms do learn better eating habits more quickly than those who have quick metabolisms. *Knock on wood* My metabolism has not showed signs of slowing down anytime soon, but I know that with age I am going to have to pay more and more attention to what I eat, so I guess this is also part of the reason I have restricted my diet somewhat. Besides my carb obsession, I have also had a hard time giving up my caffeine addiction...I have tried to cut back on my soda consumption, but I admit that I do tend to slip when I'm on the go or trying to stay awake and it's convenient :( Its hard to break a habit that I've had for so many years! I have also tried to stop eating after 9 o'clock at night, but I haven't had much success with that yet either :?

Don't worry, I like thin girls :wink:...You don't want me to have to picture that pretty face on your avatar on an unattractive body, now do you?

:oops: Well I'm glad you like your women lean and mean, Devin...if I'm not mistaken, I'd say that you were hitting on me, no? :lol: And no, you won't have to picture that atrocious shot of my face (that picture was taken at 3 in the morning at my faculty advisor's house after a long night of dancing with the team!) on an unattractive body...with the rate I'm dancing, walking, working out, and watching what I eat, I'm hoping to be a lean, mean, dancing machine by Spring Break...well, I guess I'm already most of the way there, but I want to be in tip-top bikini shape...I'm hoping to get to the point where Britney's abs have NOTHING on mine :wink: Now I just have to figure out where I'm gonna go for Spring Break, lol :lol:

Sagitta

01-07-2004, 03:27 PM

Around the time I had my senior pictures taken I was 5'5" and weighed a mere 102 lbs

That's something!! :o I think I'm 5'3?",weigh 155-120 normally, and I think that I'm scrawny! 110 sounds better, somehow.

I have never HAD to work out, and I have never HAD to watch what I eat...my mother swears I have the metabolism of a hummingbird...plus I have always been rather self-regulating: I don't like feeling very full, so quite often I will only eat until I'm comfortable.

That's what I thought, and never had a problem either. I only eat until I am comfortable also, but this christmas for the first time I did absolutely no exercise. None! Barely any walking etc. At the end of two weeks I was 7-9 pounds heavier, with less muscle and at least 2 inches in waist growth! It happens. I blame it all on dancing!! :)

that atrocious shot of my face (that picture was taken at 3 in the morning at my faculty advisor's house after a long night of dancing with the team!)

You call that atrocious? You must be stunning when you are at your best!!

I'm sitting at about 14% body fat right now. My goal for the end of the snowboarding season is 10% or less. By the end of the school year, I hope to have another 2 inches on my arms (biceps and forearms), and 4 more on my chest. Right now my waist/chest/biceps/forearms are 32"/40"/12.5"/11". (yes, I know I'm scrawny, thank you very much )

You are a young'un, dude!! And it's difficult for me to tell you are scrawny without a height to go along with your other measurements. Are you an easy gainer? If I tried to put on those inches in 5 months it would be quite a task, almost downright impossible!! The only way I could do it would to workout with my friends, like I did freshman year in college. (And that's out of the question with my bad left shoulder.) I hadn't ever lifted weights and they started me doing resistance curls of 70 plus pounds, bench press of 180 pounds,...you get the idea... and forced me to use every ounce of strength that I had. Of course, they carried most of the weight, but the effort of each rep almost brought me to tears. I did see dramatic improvements though. :)

d nice

01-07-2004, 03:28 PM

Diet... so much misunderstanding about this word and what it means...

A diet is simply what you eat regularly, your dining habits. Any diet that forbids you to eat something is generally going to be less effective in the long run, or for the few that produce results and don't produce health risks often are hard to maintain a joyfulness abotu living your life.

Your best bet is to simply adjust your current diet to one of regular full meals, snacks during the day, and all of proportions needed to maintain your energy output and in the proper protein, carb, and fat balance.

As to curves... I have a problem with a gym that does not use mirrors... a realistic body image is IMPORTANT. If you want to truly change the way you look you MUST confront what you look like now. Building self esteem, or preventing someone from getting discouraged because visible results can take longer than some would expect are great. Hiding from reality though is not a healthy way to do it.

SDsalsaguy

01-07-2004, 04:06 PM

I'm glad you made that comment regarding the word diet Damon. I think the problem comes from the notion that some people go "on" a diet . . . as if they didn't have one already! I also think that realizing that your diet is what you regularly consume helps shift the focus to health and lifestyle form mere weight loss.

NeoDevin

01-07-2004, 04:46 PM

For my diet right now, I'm just trying to reduce (not eliminate, else I'll just go crazy and pig out someday) useless carbs like pasta, white grains etc. by sticking to whole grains and fresh fruit and vegetables, as well as more protien (thank goodness for supplements, don't know how I would afford so much meat if it was my main source of protien). I'm also trying to slightly reduce my total calorie intake.

:oops: Well I'm glad you like your women lean and mean, Devin...if I'm not mistaken, I'd say that you were hitting on me, no? :lol: And no, you won't have to picture that atrocious shot of my face (that picture was taken at 3 in the morning at my faculty advisor's house after a long night of dancing with the team!) on an unattractive body...with the rate I'm dancing, walking, working out, and watching what I eat, I'm hoping to be a lean, mean, dancing machine by Spring Break...well, I guess I'm already most of the way there, but I want to be in tip-top bikini shape...I'm hoping to get to the point where Britney's abs have NOTHING on mine :wink: Now I just have to figure out where I'm gonna go for Spring Break, lol :lol:

:shock: Hitting on you? Who? Me? Do I seem like the kind of guy who would do that?

That's an atrocious shot of your face? If that's the case, put up a good one, cus I thought that one was pretty good. Good to know I won't have to picture that. Britney's got some nice abs, yours'll have to be pretty good to best hers.

Hmmm, you could come to Edmonton for Spring Break ;) ... if we're lucky the skihills will still be open ;) I'll teach you how to snowboard.

You are a young'un, dude!! And it's difficult for me to tell you are scrawny without a height to go along with your other measurements. Are you an easy gainer? If I tried to put on those inches in 5 months it would be quite a task, almost downright impossible!! The only way I could do it would to workout with my friends, like I did freshman year in college. (And that's out of the question with my bad left shoulder.) I hadn't ever lifted weights and they started me doing resistance curls of 70 plus pounds, bench press of 180 pounds,...you get the idea... and forced me to use every ounce of strength that I had. Of course, they carried most of the weight, but the effort of each rep almost brought me to tears. I did see dramatic improvements though.

I'm 5'8" or 1.73m tall. I'm a moderate gainer, I have no doubt I can get those inches on, as long as I make it to the gym regularly. That doesn't always happen though :headwall: I always have good intentions of hitting the gym regularly... but I usually decide to go snowboarding instead (don't get me wrong, snowboarding is a good workout, but it's mostly abs and legs, both of which I've already got really good from when I was in Tae Kwon Do)

:D :D Thin, NeoDevin. Thin. Not scrawny! 8) :D

Well... when you put it that way... :)

Neo . . .
Yes, I would say that's proportionate enough to make some of us very jealous :roll:

That doesn't necessarily mean it's where I want it. ;) I set very high standards for myself in everything I do.

Diet... so much misunderstanding about this word and what it means...

A diet is simply what you eat regularly, your dining habits. Any diet that forbids you to eat something is generally going to be less effective in the long run, or for the few that produce results and don't produce health risks often are hard to maintain a joyfulness abotu living your life.

Your best bet is to simply adjust your current diet to one of regular full meals, snacks during the day, and all of proportions needed to maintain your energy output and in the proper protein, carb, and fat balance.

So true. The problem with most diets (or people who diet) to lose weight, is that people expect that they can go back to their original eating habits and stay thin. This has happened to most of my female friends who've dieted to lose weight. They stick to their diet plan to the 'T', but as soon as they hit their target weight, they give up, and go back to eating whatever they feel like, then they wonder why they gain it back so quickly... or they stop going to the gym, same problem.

danceguy

01-07-2004, 08:53 PM

It is amazing how many fad diets are out there...and most are really just out to take advantage of people and make a quick buck. There's a degree of pyschology that some of the more dastardly ones use...I once got hooked on this "Herbalife" stuff and the person who was selling it (my then roommates mother) was a business woman of unparalleled proportions.

Everytime I wanted to quit - she would hit my emotions and tell me how I'd gain all the weight back and still be tubby, etc etc. The supplements she sold were mediocre and expensive as heck. Finally, I went to a GNC and bought better quality items that were a fraction of the cost - kissed her stupid diet goodbye and lost even more weight and inches. It was tough to break away from that to say the least...

After I finally got to where I considered myself "thin" (about 2 years of really hard work) I decided I wanted to write a book about how I lost all the weight. But after I thought about it - I realized that I wanted to wait and continue to study and do research.

Its been almost 10 years since then - and I'm finally at a point where I'm just about ready. The one thing I do know - is that the word "diet" wont be anywhere in the title. The toughest part is that there are so many variables in peoples eating habits and body types - almost every steadfast principle can easily be contradicted like the few I'll list here:

Eating lots of protein vs eating almost no protein. Never going more than 5 hours between meals vs 24 hr fasting without food and water. Overeating vs undereating - I've tried them all and many others to both extremes - and found good and bad points of each that I have utilized in the way I eat.

I know a group of macrobiotic folks that eat hardly any protein, and I mean hardly any and have so for many, many years (something my body couldn't handle). Mainly rice, vegetables and special meals prepared with incredible attention to detail. Sounds crazy - but they are some of the healthiest and strongest people I have ever met.

For instance - my basic "guidlines" for staying in shape is to eat high quality foods - good protein, moderate carbs (mostly from fruit and veggies), good quality fat and avoid refined sugar. Along with this, to not over eat, and to eat your last meal several hours before you go to bed. With these and a few other minor things to keep in mind, I have great flexibility in my eating habits, enjoy what I eat and combined with exercise, I can stay in shape and easily lose any extra weight when I fall off track - which everyone does. It is a necessary component to fitness...once you fall off the wagon, you really know why you were on it in the first place.

The best way to get control of your body weight is to find out whats right for you through trial and error. Learn what you can from others, keep what works and toss out what doesn't. There's so much more to cover that I don't have the time to get into here - our genetics, blood type, glycemic index, and most importantly - the emotional and psychological side of why we eat, don't eat and/or overeat certain foods. Without mastery of this crucial component, even with the best intentions, the best food/vitamins/personal training and workouts - you will fail, and fail miserably. I can personally attest to this with the last 15 years of my life that I have spent in researching nutrition and transforming my body.

Its best to say that its a way of life to get in shape since you have to change your life to do so - an ongoing process of learning that never ends.

Yikes, I better get off the soapbox and start writing that book!
:P

pygmalion

01-12-2004, 02:18 PM

For the life of me I can't understand why people diet at all, and worse yet, do those fad diets. To each his/her own, I guess. But there are studies all over the place which say that moderate lifestyle changes over time lead to maintainable weight loss.

I'll never forget a girlfriend of mine who, a few years ago, went on the sugar busters diet. No sugar at all. I can distinctly remember her lecturing me about the evils of carrots. CARROTS! :shock: :lol: But she lost 38 pounds, so she was feeling pretty good about going carrot-free. :lol:

A year later, she had regained all the weight and then some.

About that same time, I went on weight watchers to support a friend. (I'm not advocating weight watchers -- the way they have points set up, you can eat awful food and still stay within diet guidelines.) That's not what I did, though. I started thinking about my dietary choices, and changed the way I eat. Oh yeah, and started exercising more. Three years later, other than my muscle weight gain from working out, I haven't gained the weight back at all, and I'm actually thinner and healthier than I ever before in my adult life. And I didn't have to eliminate carbs to do it. Balance, I think. Balance works.

Swing Kitten

01-12-2004, 02:52 PM

Balance, I think. Balance works.

Amen!

tasche

01-13-2004, 02:06 PM

I think when it comes to dieting people believe what they wish to believe. I'm on atkins and having being doing so since june and have lost 30lbs and 9" off my waist However in the atkins books ( if ppl read it) it clearly defines the 4 stages of the plan and the fact that you never truely go off it you just go into maintance which is a level you spend months figured out while losing the last 5lbs

So many ppl believ a diet is something they can jump on and off again like a bike. Not true. Everytime you quit a diet and then start it again your losing some of the metabolic advantage that you had in the first place.

Alot of ppl think atkins is just bacon and eggs and you only do it for 2 weeks then you cna go back to your bad assed eating. Well um isn't that how you got fat in the first palce I think. Also I notice ppl say "oh I could never give up blah blahblah" Again I ahve to think if you dont want to change what you eat or do why do you think your body should change and I think this appies to all forms of eating.

Also alot of ppl look at my atkins cookbook and look at a picture of pasta and say "oh I can eat pasta on atkins?" and I explain to them thats special low carb pasta, should only be eaten occasionally and when you've met your goals. But I know they dont listen they just use the information to justify their lifestyle

Now about carrots. The way most women eat carrots is they eliminate all other snacks and just munch theur way through a 2lb bag of mini carrots. Now their is a lot of sugar in that and with the amount I see most wmen eat you might as well eat a ding dong for all the good your doing to blood sugar

Now I eat carrots but I'll eat a small mini bag with some string cheese and perhaps a chicken leg as a snack. Now tell doesn't that sound better than just carrots and your getting a variety of protien and other goodies.

All I can say is atkins is the only way of eating ( NOT a diet to me as diet is die with a T) where I can eat in a natural way (i.e when i'm hungry I eat enough food so I'm not hungry) and that I dont have to constantly think about.

I starved on weightwatchers and slimfast I was always running out of points

pygmalion

01-14-2004, 08:54 AM

Yeah. The diet that works for you is a very personal thing.

And WOW! I'm sending you a cyber pat on the back. That's a huge weight loss. You must feel great! I bet you look great too. :D

I got used to the Weight Watchers points system after a couple weeks -- I STARVED the first couple weeks. But I quit WW because (No offense to any WW people here) I thought there was WAY too much focus on food. People would sit around for the whole hour swapping recipes and talking about what they ate or didn't eat. To me, a constant focus on NOT eating is just as bad as constantly eating, from a psychological perspective.

For a diet to work for me, it's gotta be balanced and fit into my life. I don't want to have to constantly think about food, or points, or whatever.

And about carrots -- the sugar buster girl wanted me to eat NONE. Which I think is nuts. If I can't eat ONE carrot, there's something wrong with that diet.

pygmalion

01-28-2004, 05:42 PM

Um. dancersdreamland. Time to check in. :wink: 8)

Swing Kitten

01-29-2004, 12:22 AM

Yeah, how's that all going?

pygmalion

01-30-2004, 09:23 AM

I admit it. I've been a total slacker. But all that stops now. Or, actually, Monday LOL! :oops: :lol:

Swing Kitten

01-30-2004, 03:10 PM

HAHAHHAA

YOU! to the procrastination thread!!

pygmalion

01-31-2004, 07:41 AM

:lol: :lol: It's not procrastination. It's planning. :oops: :lol:

Swing Kitten

01-31-2004, 11:10 PM

:lol: :lol: It's not procrastination. It's planning. :oops: :lol:

:lol: planning to put it off maybe!! ;)

pygmalion

02-01-2004, 07:18 AM

:oops: :lol: :lol:

Sheild Maiden

02-23-2004, 08:00 AM

Hi all, I found this forum when I was researching for a nutrition project for my highschool dance class. It was this forum that prompted me to join here, but I really like it, so I'm really happy.

Anywho, on-topic, about this weight-loss thing.
I fully understand wanting to lose weight (I wouldn't mind losing a little bit myself) and you guys are the most sensible about it that I've ever heard of.

One thing that you have to remember is that muscle weighs more than flab, so your scales aren't directly related to your size. (that thought really comforts me, even though I don't know what I weigh... I figure it's a lot :) )

DanceMentor

02-23-2004, 08:17 AM

Welcome to the forums, Shield Maiden!

That's a good point about muscle. There is also a common misconception that working out with weights will make you look bigger. While it is certainly possible to lift with heavier weights to build mass, many people who lift weights actually do it to increase their ability to burn fat. It takes energy to fuel your muscles (moreso than fat). By having more muscle you will naturally burn fat at a faster rate (even while resting!)

Sagitta

02-23-2004, 09:35 AM

Welcome to df Shield Maiden!! :) Your point about muscle and fat is a good one, and I don't know my weight too!! It does not seem to be a big deal to me. I like the way I look, I fit the clothes that I have very well and so I don't bother. :)

You seem to have a wide variety of interests! :) That's cool!! What sort of dance do you do.

pygmalion

02-23-2004, 09:36 AM

Hi Sheild Maiden. Welcome. :D

danceguy

02-23-2004, 11:23 AM

Yes indeed Sheild Maiden! In the past few weeks I've been dancing so much that I've lost 2 inches off my waist...my clothes are fitting great but my weight has actually gone up!

Don't let the scale get the better of you...sometimes getting rid of it for a while can be a good thing. :wink:

Swing Kitten

02-24-2004, 12:20 AM

scales measure nothing but your gravitational pull ;)

welcome to the forums Sheild Maiden

pygmalion

02-25-2004, 07:16 PM

Totally true. Jeans' fit? Well, that's another story. LOL. :lol: :lol:

Sheild Maiden

03-01-2004, 03:52 AM

wow, thanks everyone! you guys are great! I have new information from my aunt about dieting that my parents and I are trying to stick to now, about GI's. apparently if foods have a low Glycemic (or something similar) index they contain slow-burning fat/energy that will last for longer, which is good for dancers before a strenuous class. All I can remember is that stuff like sweet potatoe and multi-grain bread is good.

Yeah, i do have a wide range of interests, basically I like good stuff! lol, I do dancing just at school at the moment, but I'm in my last year at high school so I don't really have time for much out of school. right now we're doing jazz, contemporary and a little bit of video clip dancing. later in the year we're going to do some Latin dancing though, that should be fun.

danceguy

03-01-2004, 11:15 AM

Hi Sheild Maiden,

Firstly, welcome to Dance Forums! :P

Yes, Gylcemic Index is an important component of learning how your body reacts to certains foods. Diabetics know this one very well. If your blood sugar is very sensitive, you want to avoid the foods that are very high on the scale, like sugar, french breads and most starchy products. How certain levels affect you varies person to person...for instance I don't eat white starchy breads or pasta...but there are some companies with great bread that is quite low on the GI. Rye is one grain that is much lower than wheat...so Rye Crisps are always good in that regard.

Some people can handle/need more carbs, others can't/don't. If I want to keep the weight off, its mainly fruit/veggie based carbs, lots of protein and good fats. Its also one of the reasons I don't like going to lunch at Olive Garden...they are high on the carbs like you're cattle for slaughter...protein? What's that? :D

SDsalsaguy

04-04-2004, 02:14 PM

Just thought that everyone who'd been interested in this thread might also be interested in the new Fitness Forums (http://www.thefitnessforums.com/)! :D

skwiggy

04-07-2006, 12:36 PM

Given discussions in the "Dancers in the gym" thread, I thought it might be appropriate to resurrect this thread. I know I could use the support. I'm sure others on here can as well. :)

I'll start...

I joined a gym, and have worked out every day this week but one. I lined up a couple of workout buddies to help keep me motivated. I started waking up at the crack of dawn to work out, since I never have time in the evenings. I've dramatically changed my diet to include a lot more fruit, veggies, yogurt, low fat protein like ground turkey, and lots and lots of water. My first short term goal is 5 lbs away and counting...

Now all I need is to make sure that I stay on track, stay focused, stay motivated, and don't let my laziness and cravings get the best of me.

cl5814

04-13-2006, 01:52 AM

anyone wants to update us ?

Totally forgot to go to yoga last night and i always miss wednesday yoga class due to another activity,so really wanted to go........got so distracted by dance related stuff. Good excuse ?

Twilight_Elena

04-13-2006, 02:30 AM

Totally true. Jeans' fit? Well, that's another story. LOL. :lol: :lol:
You tell me. I've weighed a steady 58Kg for many many months and yet I can't find a pair of jeans that don't drop to my knees while buttoned! :shock: I keep losing inches, obviously! Which is very annoying when you realise you have 5 pairs of jeans you can't wear.

T_E

skwiggy

04-13-2006, 08:16 AM

Went to the gym Mon. - Thursday this week, including working out with a trainer this morning. Plan to do strength training with the trainer 2x/week, and do cardio the other days. Will probably just do cardio at home tomorrow, and maybe kickboxing on Saturday.

Been doing well watching what I'm eating, but Passover has been difficult. Lots of food, lots of salt, kind of similar to Thanksgiving. I did a relatively good job last night filling up my plate with more veggies than anything else, skipping the extremely fattening chopped liver, skipping the wine (other than for the blessings) and going very easy on the dessert. One more night of it to go, hopefully I can be as good or better.

mamboqueen

04-13-2006, 08:46 AM

RE: goals

I recently read a book that said that people who make their goal to lose xx lbs. are more likely to gain it back than people who make their goal to lower to and maintain a weight of xxx lbs. I have no idea if this works, but in my mind, I think it probably would.

I'm with NeoD (I think it was NeoD); got rid of most of the bad carbs...it wasn't that difficult. I'm Irish and Italian. Potatoes and Pasta were in my bloodstream from birth. I now eat them minimally. The result has been not just a smaller belly, but better sustained energy supplies. It has been worth it to me....now only alcohol makes me crash *LOL* (Sorry, those are the necessary carbs....).

Oh, and I think it is REALLY good to mark your progress, workouts and practices. It'll keep you more motivated to continue with it. And if you see a gap of a few days with no activity, and look back on what you had been doing, I think you're more likely to get back to your workouts.

MacMoto

04-13-2006, 10:03 AM

I'm with NeoD (I think it was NeoD); got rid of most of the bad carbs...it wasn't that difficult. I'm Irish and Italian. Potatoes and Pasta were in my bloodstream from birth. I now eat them minimally. The result has been not just a smaller belly, but better sustained energy supplies. It has been worth it to me....now only alcohol makes me crash *LOL* (Sorry, those are the necessary carbs....).
What are good/bad carbs? If I can't have pasta or noodles I'll die :roll: :lol:.
Avoiding alcohol is easy for me though since my normal intake is like a glass of wine every 2-weeks :lol:.

alemana

04-13-2006, 10:12 AM

1. i write my workouts every day, in detail, in a book i keep in my locker at the gym.

2. i plan out my workout and dance schedule several days in advance every week to make sure i get everything in.

3. i learned to do cardio in the mornings (radically not a morning person) to free up my post-work hours for dancing and other kinds of working out ( i like to lift weights and work on a ball and do all kinds of calisthenics.)

4. if i miss a workout or eat some bad crap, i let it go and start over the next day.

alemana

04-13-2006, 10:13 AM

bad carbs: refined, processed, usually white. lots of sugar, quick insulin kick followed by crash. potatoes fall into this category according to some experts.

good carbs: whole grain, unrefined, minimal processing.

skwiggy

04-26-2006, 10:20 AM

As of yesterday I met my first mini-goal! 11 lbs. down from a month ago, and yes, it took MAJOR lifestyle changes to get there. Now I'm just trying to think of what my reward to myself will be. First instinct was a nice dinner out with a bottle of wine. Then I slapped myself into reality--that's how I got here in the first place. ;) So instead maybe a mani-pedi or something.

Next mini-goal: 5 more lbs. With any luck I'll get there by the time I have to wear a bathing suit over Memorial Day weekend.

My ballgown was hanging low on me at MIT, which caused me to trip over it for the entire first round. Personally, I get excited when my clothes don't fit anymore. Even when it's something as expensive as a ballgown.

Good thing my partner is in the process of making my next gown. Although we may have to do more fittings than usual if my efforts continue to succeed.

This week I didn't get much exercise on Sunday, since I was busy judging UMCP's beginner comp and was completely exhausted from competing/traveling the day before. Did cardio on Monday, weights on Tuesday, and I'm taking today off from the gym, but tonight's practice should be pretty good cardio since we do at least 2 rounds. Tomorrow weights again. Friday I may try yoga, and Saturday we'll see if I have energy to do kickboxing in the morning before competing in the afternoon.

mamboqueen

04-26-2006, 10:46 AM

Good for you, Skwiggy! A mani/pedi sounds like a nice treat (although there are some low fat or low carb dessert options :raisebro:, and I don't think a glass of wine would undo your success...).

Also, a nice clothing purchase that shows off your reduction is good motivation to stay that way!

skwiggy

04-26-2006, 10:50 AM

I agree, I don't think one glass of wine or a low fat/carb dessert would cause too much harm. And I have been drinking occasionally, like once a week or less. I'm just trying to stop thinking of food and drink as a reward. Not easy. :)

Maybe I'll do some shopping at lunch tomorrow. Ann Taylor is a short walk from my office. ;)

mamboqueen

04-26-2006, 10:52 AM

Maybe I'll do some shopping at lunch tomorrow. Ann Taylor is a short walk from my office. ;)

One of my faves...although I go to the Loft more frequently due to price considerations ;)

You're right about the rewards. The next thing you know, it'll be a hot fudge sundae with chocolate moosetracks ice cream, Richardson's hot fudge, home made whip cream and nuts.

(that was probably not very nice of me....:shock: )

skwiggy

04-26-2006, 10:56 AM

One of my faves...although I go to the Loft more frequently due to price considerations ;)

You're right about the rewards. The next thing you know, it'll be a hot fudge sundae with chocolate moosetracks ice cream, Richardson's hot fudge, home made whip cream and nuts.

(that was probably not very nice of me....:shock: )

I also go to the Loft more often for similar reasons. But I did quite a bit of damage there not too long ago, so I think I've already kind of picked over their stuff from this season. Ann Taylor is a much bigger treat, since I usually can't afford their stuff, haha!

Yummmmmmmy. :) (except for the nuts, blech ;))

alemana

04-26-2006, 12:20 PM

i'm on the third day of a "cleansing" regime i decided to do after getting tired of my worsening sugar cravings (which i almost always gave in to) and to counteract a general feeling of being full of JUNK that i want OUT of my body.

it's nothing complicated, just NO CRAP FOOD. nothing but whole foods, thoughtfully restricted fats (flaxseed oil daily, a bit of olive and canola for cooking), eating very low on the glycemic index, everything organic. plus the standard cleansing regimes of fiber, lemon water, and elimination of wheat, dairy, sugar, caffeine and all additives.

i am not off caffeine, but i have scaled way back and am training myself to drink straight espresso so i can lay off the sugar and milk.

GOD I WANT A COOKIE, argh.

skwiggy

04-26-2006, 12:24 PM

GOD I WANT A COOKIE

I feel your pain. This is the story of my life. ;)

fascination

04-26-2006, 12:30 PM

not me... I just want an ENORMOUS plate of spagetti and meatballs and mushrooms and pamesan cheese....I want a plate so big that I can swim through it...lordie it has been forever since I have had pasta...forever

alemana

04-26-2006, 12:32 PM

i am also doing this program with a colleague who is paying me to cook for both of us. it's more stressful since i can't cheat, but i'm also basically being forced to adhere to the guidelines, which is, needless to say, useful.

pygmalion

04-26-2006, 12:36 PM

Wow. I don't think I could handle the pressure. I like cheating on my diet, every now and then. :wink: :lol:

delamusica

04-26-2006, 12:36 PM

Hey all - good thread! I've taken a little bit of a different approach to my dieting . . . rather than drastically changing what I eat, I've been focusing on portion control. Sure, I've tried to be mindful of eating generally healthier things, but if I really want something, I eat it. I set a doable cap on calories/day for myself, and counted like crazy for the first two weeks. So - cookie with lunch is fine, but I'll just have to make up for it by eating less dinner. I don't count as religiously now that I've gotten a feel for how much I can have, and it seems to be working just fine - I don't feel hungry or deprived.

It really is all about portion control. I always tended to eat too much - when I was a teenager and dancing 30hrs a week, it didn't seem to matter. But it really caught up with me in college! I just need to train myself to eat until I'm not hungry instead of 'till I'm stuffed.

When I hit my all-time high of 141lbs a month or so ago, I just had to change something. I wasn't really fat, but I sure was heading in that direction. (I weighed 115lbs when I started college - it's now my fifth year) My goal is to get back down to between 120 and 125 lbs.

So far I'm down 8lbs in 3 weeks. Yay!

alemana

04-26-2006, 12:38 PM

very good strategy. i was able to do that with everything except sweets - i had developed a crazy obsession. so here i was all muscular, thin and ripped - with a muffintop belly full of peanut m&m's. it was excruciating. and i always wanted MORE. i couldn't take the craving.

skwiggy

04-26-2006, 12:41 PM

Congrats delamusica! That's great! :)

For me, it's a combination of what *and* how much. I already ate pretty healthy before, so I had to shake things up pretty drastically in order to make a difference. I'm eating much different food, and a lot less of it. Although I find myself grazing more throughout the day now, especially on the days when I lift weights in the morning. I just get so hungry! But they say that grazing throughout the day instead of eating 3 meals is a good way to go, so maybe it's a good thing.

Usually if I really really want the cookie, I'll just ask for one bite of someone else's cookie, and call it a day. ;)

alemana

04-26-2006, 12:44 PM

yeah i had to supplement the calories in this program because 1200/day will not cut it for someone who dances and works out every day, plus training others. it's simply not enough.

pygmalion

04-26-2006, 12:49 PM

yeah i had to supplement the calories in this program because 1200/day will not cut it for someone who dances and works out every day, plus training others. it's simply not enough.

True. It seems a lot of diets are designed for sedentary people. :? I've even had Weight Watchers counselors tell me not to exercise too much -- it messes up their Weight Watchers points calculations. Weird!

leftfeetnyc

04-26-2006, 12:49 PM

Alemana recommended a gym to me recently...and I joined. I found in the past that joining a gym vs. using the company gym or gym in my building helps... when I'm paying for something I'm more inclined to go and get my money's worth...that and my current job/apartment don't have gyms!

I also asked a fellow swing dancer who works out regularly to be my workout partner. She can offer me advice and keep my from getting hurt. Plus having Alemana around means extra help!

I'm a tiny person, but I have had bad eating habits and workout habits for years, so there's a surprizingly large amount of jiggle on me. Dance has already gotten me to eat better (and we're still working on that), so I'm excited about actually getting my body into shape -- and being able to eventually lift more than 5lbs!

My parents went on Weight Watchers years ago, so I'm using what they leaned (not to lose weight, but to just have a cleaner/healthier lifestyle and get all the protein and iron I've been missing as a vegetarian) plus Andrew Weil's advice to still enjoy my food but get all those missing nutrients and have the energy to dance all night! Emerging myself in dance more and more has gotten me realizing how weak I really am. I never would have thought dance would make this much a change in my life when I started a year and a half ago.

Edit: I had my second day in the gym last night...we're on a pushes/pulls/legs schedule...pushes we went really light the other day so as not to hurt me...we upped the pulls last night and wow! Who knew there were all those muscles! Sticking to it all is going to be the hard thing, luckily my partner is so gung-ho that she'sll drag me to the gym if need be.

alemana

04-26-2006, 01:06 PM

every time i read your reports i smile :) it's really smart that you have a workout buddy, very motivating. i wish i did!

you do have a very slight frame and i hear what you are saying about "having jiggle" - i am thin but i have it, too. i need to get rid of some of the subcutaneous fat that's lurking around. get the bodyfat percentage down a few points.

unfortunately one can't really control where the fat comes off. if i continue to lose but the belly stays, at a certain point i will just have to embrace it i guess. that will keep me from rocking the sexy two-piece competition outfits, however- i just saw cheryl burke's white two-piece from DWTS is for sale, and damn do i want it.

leftfeetnyc

04-26-2006, 01:27 PM

Embrace it? nah! I'll go under the knife if need be...JOKING!

If I wasn't so gung-ho on becoming a good dancer, I'd have no problem not going to the gym. I love my body...maybe it comes from going to school an in a very conservative town after having grown up in liberal Vermont... I was always amazed by how nervous and ashamed people were of thier bodies. I never wanted to be so obsessed with how I looked after hearing girls pick themselves apart after not making it into the right sorority or hiding their loveliness because the church said women are evil and shouldn't wear make-up/tempt men (like I said...super conservative!). I wanted to yell at them that they were beautiful women and should be happy with what they have..sadly when you're in a mental rut and brainwashed for years you don't tend to hear the good people can offer you.

To that end, I'm still not obsessed.. working out and eating healthy for me is about the dancing, about having been fatigued for about a year. I wanted a change in lifestyle that motivated me into doing this all.

Of course, the aching lats might send me back into hiding!

alemana

04-26-2006, 01:47 PM

i think your motivation is right on, and will doubtless mean more success for you than if you were working out out of shame.

cl5814

04-26-2006, 02:43 PM

I am being good keeping up with my workout program. Did vibra train and yoga on monday, pilates matwork on tuesday, vibra train and yoga today. Due to long weekend, no yoga or pilates for a week.

Got my body measurements today. Am a little overweight still and body fat is a bit highish. Will have to work hard to bring them down. Will have to take some carrots to work to eat out my frustration instead of supporting the snack machine at work.

The mild work out is also assisting me in sleeping better. I am more relaxed after yoga. (Would have loved a crazy music step class, not available in area where i live nor would it be good for sleeping that night)

How is everybody else's sleep doing since they are more committed to working out ?

skwiggy

04-26-2006, 02:58 PM

How is everybody else's sleep doing since they are more committed to working out ?

Sleeping like a log. :)

alemana

04-26-2006, 03:28 PM

i never have any problems, and i work out very late at night. it's my natural high-energy time.

mamboqueen

04-26-2006, 08:39 PM

is it just me or do others think that chocolate is "the next course" after lunch and dinner. I'm in a rut. Thankfully, no more "chocolate holidays" for many months.

DrDoug

04-26-2006, 10:14 PM

if i continue to lose but the belly stays, at a certain point i will just have to embrace it i guess.

Couldn't you get someone else to embrace it for you?

delamusica

04-26-2006, 10:20 PM

Will have to take some carrots to work to eat out my frustration instead of supporting the snack machine at work.

Am I the only person who cannot snack on carrots? I can eat half a bag of baby carrots and still be starving - I just don't find them the least bit filling! Useless!

Eh. I suppose we all have our quirks. :)

bjp22tango

04-27-2006, 02:46 AM

is it just me or do others think that chocolate is "the next course" after lunch and dinner. I'm in a rut. Thankfully, no more "chocolate holidays" for many months.

To me chocolate was a whole food group.

Am I the only person who cannot snack on carrots? I can eat half a bag of baby carrots and still be starving - I just don't find them the least bit filling! Useless!

I love carrots but they do not work as snacks. Neither does any other vegetable for that matter.

My problem has always been that I am a finicky eater, and have used chocolate as a main energy source. I am not on a diet now. I am on a major change in eating habits.

I have cut out chocolate from my diet :shock: gasp:? So far I haven't made it to totally eliminating it, but I have cut it back by approximately 90% which I find mind bogglingly great. I still have days when it talks to me constantly, but I am finding ways to avoid it.

I am paying strict attention to portion control. Everyone knows it intellectually, but it is incredible how skewed portion sizes are in this country at eating out places, which then skews your idea of what you should be eating at home.

I am trying to find more vegetables that my palate will tolerate. I am absolutely NOT a vegetable person.

I still eat way too many saturated fats, but I am working on cutting them down. I like too many meats and cheeses with them in it to eliminate them totally.

So far I have lost 9 pounds (about a lb a week) and am planning on losing another 35-40 by the end of the year.

pygmalion

04-27-2006, 06:18 AM

I have cut out chocolate from my diet :shock: gasp:? So far I haven't made it to totally eliminating it, but I have cut it back by approximately 90% which I find mind bogglingly great. I still have days when it talks to me constantly, but I am finding ways to avoid it.

That is mind bogglingly great! Quite an accomplishment. :notworth:

MacMoto

04-27-2006, 08:07 AM

I still have days when it talks to me constantly, but I am finding ways to avoid it.
How do you do it? Please do share -- I have amazing hearing when it comes to chocolate talking to me...

Damn, it's started again! :roll:

mamboqueen

04-27-2006, 08:23 AM

alemana

04-27-2006, 08:51 AM

eh, to each their own. carrots are a perfect edge-taker-offer for me. additionally, the oral fixation part of my food addiction is extremely satisfied by the work it takes to eat them.

alemana

04-27-2006, 08:55 AM

anyway, day four of The Cleanse.

i'm already down a few pounds and thankfully the addition of a tiny bit of additional carbs has returned me to form at the gym - i had to step off my treadmill workout on monday due to no energy, and that *never* happens.

but last night i was with my trainer for an hour and had no energy or stamina issues. i didn't even flinch when he munched on the present of homemade choc chip cookies with which i'd presented him prior to the workout - to celebrate a year of working together. (hard to believe.) i'm sort of in "boot camp" mentality, where i see that there's a period of hard work in front of me, but the reward also seems attainable and the timeframe relatively short.

if people are interested to know what happens to you, ah, intestinally when you cleanse, PM me. it's.... rewarding.

Sagitta

04-27-2006, 08:57 AM

hmmm...I just eat what my body tells me too. Am trying not to lose teh exercise thing with the stress of moving etc etc...

alemana

04-27-2006, 09:00 AM

well, this item is ostensibly a support arena for those who *are* trying.

pygmalion

04-27-2006, 10:17 AM

eh, to each their own. carrots are a perfect edge-taker-offer for me. additionally, the oral fixation part of my food addiction is extremely satisfied by the work it takes to eat them.

I guess I'm like you. If I haven't chewed something, I feel like I haven't eaten. Is that what you meant?

DrDoug

04-27-2006, 10:49 AM

Carrots will not sustain; they have a high glycemic value (according to Mr. South Beach diet) and basically turn to sugar and blast through your system....they will not remotely fill you, but if you need a zap of energy in about 1/2 hour, carrots and orange juice should be quite helpful.

I haven't read the South Beach book, so I don't know what "glycemic
value" refers to. http://www.mendosa.com/gilists.htm lists the
glycemic indices and glycemic loads for carrots from four different
studies, and the glycemic indices (how fast your blood sugar rises
after you eat them) are all over the place, but the glycemic loads
(the product of glycemic index and "available carbohydrates", which
is total carbs less fiber, i.e., the amount of carbs your system
actually absorbs) are all low. I take this to mean that carrots
contain a lot of fiber and a small amount of sugars or things that
your body converts to sugars. Perhaps if your sense of being satiated
depends on getting a lot of carbs, then carrots won't fill you, but
if it depends only on getting something in your stomach, they will.

AzureDreamer

04-27-2006, 11:00 AM

Perhaps if your sense of being satiated depends on getting a lot of carbs, then carrots won't fill you

Yeah... exactly so. It doesn't matter if carrots will -sustain- me... they just don't -satisfy- me!

skwiggy

04-27-2006, 11:12 AM

Yeah... exactly so. It doesn't matter if carrots will -sustain- me... they just don't -satisfy- me!

Generally speaking, fat is what makes one feel full.

skwiggy

04-27-2006, 11:15 AM

For me, something like carrots help with all those other reasons why I eat, other than to feel full.

I eat because I'm hungry. I eat for fuel/energy. I eat because it tastes good. I eat from anxiety. I eat because I'm bored.

I'm trying to stay away from the last 3, and *especially* the last 2. Reframing my view of food, and trying to change my disfunctional relationship with it.

mamboqueen

04-27-2006, 11:22 AM

Eat nuts. Filling, good fat.

Sagitta

04-27-2006, 11:32 AM

I'm hooked onto peanuts.

mamboqueen

04-27-2006, 11:41 AM

I almost started a thread on this the other day and then I realized a thread about nuts probably *is* nuts.

Here's my pecking order in a can of mixed nuts (lightly salted):

Pecans
Almonds
Cashews
Peanuts (when desparate)
Brazil Nuts (when dying)

delamusica

04-27-2006, 11:45 AM

Eat nuts. Filling, good fat.

Will try that - thanks!

alemana

04-27-2006, 11:56 AM

mamboqueen

04-27-2006, 12:01 PM

I know....you can't eat just one. In fact, if you hide them in a little chocolate, it'll fill you faster *LOL* Gotta angle the chocolate in there.....

Speaking of which...ever have Harry & David's moosemunch? Chocolate covered caramel popcorn (with regular interspersed). OMG! I buy a bag at Marshall's and eat all the chocolate covered ones in like 30 minutes time and even thought it makes me feel sick, I keep stuffing it down the trap.

alemana

04-27-2006, 12:05 PM

well, this item is ostensibly a support arena for those who *are* trying.

ieeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee

skwiggy

04-27-2006, 12:34 PM

i can't do that because i can't moderate serving size. next thing i know, it's 300 calories later. (a mere ounce of pecans is 200 calories. guess how many nuts that is! and i'm trying to lose weight, after all.)

I have the exact same problem with nuts.

Sometimes when I'm not feeling full after dinner, and I've already tried filling up on fruit, a spoonful of peanut butter helps. Although that's also TONS of calories, so I try not to do that very often. But I buy the natural organic kind, so hopefully it's not quite as bad as the processed stuff.

fascination

04-27-2006, 12:37 PM

ieeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeedefinately illegal mention of chocolate there MQ...way out of order....you are on thread probation

skwiggy

04-27-2006, 12:42 PM

Yes, let's keep the "c" word out of this thread please. ;)

mamboqueen

04-27-2006, 01:21 PM

Okay; so....went down a dangerous path. Marshalls is right *in* my building. Went and got a bag of Moose Munch and then saw an absolutely stunning Dooney & Bourke bag (and let me say, I'm not one of those hung up on the names...I saw the bag 15 yards away and had no idea who made it). Anyway, $70 later....plus another $70 on clothes....was an expensive trip for Moose Munch.

BUT, take a guess what color my new pocketbook is!??!!

africana

04-27-2006, 01:28 PM

wow you guys are hardcore

mamboqueen

04-27-2006, 01:36 PM

as in a pathetic kind of way?? :)

africana

04-27-2006, 01:47 PM

oh not at all, I meant the diet part at least, giving up chocolate. hardcore i tell ya heh

btw i'm in PAIN today from a total of 2.5 hours of yoga yesterday (in addition to abs session + jazz class + running + dancing). not my usual schedule but i' trying to get back in the game (as if i ever were in it) without starving at all of course

alemana

04-27-2006, 01:57 PM

two and a half hours of yoga is definitely hardcore, yo! my interest flags at about the 60 minute mark, which is too bad because most useful yoga classes are at least 1:15 or 1:30.

skwiggy

04-27-2006, 02:13 PM

Hard core seems to be the only thing that works for me. And the older I get, the more hard core I need to get to make a difference. Ah well, you know what they say... anything worth having is worth working for.

cl5814

04-27-2006, 03:09 PM

Am I the only person who cannot snack on carrots? I can eat half a bag of baby carrots and still be starving - I just don't find them the least bit filling! Useless!

Eh. I suppose we all have our quirks. :)

Carrots in the sense of needing something to keep my jaw busy (out of frustration) and somehow the baby carrots tastes good for the first 10 or so that you eat and then i am sick of it. Stop eating at that point. I probably don't get my full serving of veggies and fruities in every day that i should.
I can probably "eat" air at that stage, cause i am not paying attention at what i eat at that stage, it is chewing but still working, not tasting any carrot.
In any case, better than chocolate (the other food group).

alemana

04-27-2006, 03:59 PM

protein shake. i feel so much better. ahhhhhhhhhhhh.

skwiggy

04-27-2006, 04:16 PM

africana

04-27-2006, 04:38 PM

two and a half hours of yoga is definitely hardcore, yo! my interest flags at about the 60 minute mark, which is too bad because most useful yoga classes are at least 1:15 or 1:30.
it was actually 2 classes. the morning class was 1hr, the night class was 1.5 hrs consisting of a solid hour of varied sun salutations GAWD! my biceps!!

alemana

04-27-2006, 04:57 PM

braggart :)

africana

04-27-2006, 05:56 PM

hahaa no really my arms are in pain, and now i'm off to a pilates class :p

might do the running class afterwards (they teach some handy running technique )

alemana

04-27-2006, 06:13 PM

RUNNING CLASS?

i love this country. i think i might sign up for an eating class. oh wait, i could teach that.

africana

04-27-2006, 08:32 PM

yesss lol it's actually quite helpful :) I'm learning to cut some bad habits that make my running more difficult or make me more prone to injury, also learn some stuff to increase endurance. it's also a stretch class, bascially learning stretches to prevent injury...good fo my knees ;)

icering

04-27-2006, 08:37 PM

^^^ oh yeah running is a sport too, just like basketball and soccer...there are running camps out there

Sagitta

04-27-2006, 11:42 PM

Not too brag but quite a few experienced runners/coaches expressed that I had pretty good form... ;-)

And cl5814 (http://www.dance-forums.com/member.php?u=583) I also had that problem of feeling exhausted with morning workouts. I learnt to keep my most important tough stuff early, then would do other work which involved lost of breaks..little concentration in the afternoon. Also took to having a 20 minute laydown right after lunch. That worked wonders.

MacMoto

04-28-2006, 03:38 AM

Joe

04-28-2006, 06:54 AM

I'm hooked onto peanuts.
I'm a cashew-holic. :D

Joe

04-28-2006, 06:58 AM

Does anyone who works out in the morning have this problem? Does anyone have any tips on how to get past this?
It's called sleep. If you get up at 6am to work out, you can't go to bed at midnight every day. Depending on how much sleep you need, getting that amount regularly is key. If you normally need 8 hours, getting only 6 or 7 for several days will cause you to crash. Also, it takes a bit of time for your body to get used to a new schedule.

Sagitta

04-28-2006, 07:55 AM

I'm a cashew-holic. :DLove those too. ;-)

skwiggy

04-28-2006, 08:21 AM

Power nap?

I love power naps, and I take them whenever I have the opportunity. They work wonders. Even just 5-10 minutes on the subway makes a huge difference in my day. Unfortunately, I don't always have the opportunity.

skwiggy

04-28-2006, 08:24 AM

It's called sleep. If you get up at 6am to work out, you can't go to bed at midnight every day. Depending on how much sleep you need, getting that amount regularly is key. If you normally need 8 hours, getting only 6 or 7 for several days will cause you to crash. Also, it takes a bit of time for your body to get used to a new schedule.

I don't go to bed at midnight anymore. I have been going to bed much earlier than ever in my life. I used to go to bed between 12 and 1 regularly, and now I'm going to bed between 10:30 and 11. And getting up at 6am would be a luxury these days.

skwiggy

04-28-2006, 08:35 AM

I tried Yoga for the first time this morning. I loved it. It was definitely difficult, but not as good of a strength workout as I've heard. Perhaps the class was just very basic. But it was a FANTASTIC stretch. I haven't ever gotten such a good stretch. And in muscles I had forgotten I had. And since I've been suffering from lower back pain and sciatica, my flexibility has been drastically compromised. I could use all the help I can get.

alemana

04-28-2006, 08:42 AM

congratulations! i'm so glad you liked it! i'm a latecomer to yoga myself, having viciously resisted my whole life, but those days are over. i wish i could do it every morning.... but $$$

skwiggy

04-28-2006, 08:45 AM

My gym has yoga, so fortunately there's no extra cost. But the schedule is a little funny, so I think 6am on Fridays is the only option I can make regularly.

They also have a class called "yogalates". I imagine it's some hybrid of yoga and pilates. Has anyone ever tried anything like this? Thoughts?

alemana

04-28-2006, 08:46 AM

skwiggy

04-28-2006, 08:51 AM

No special powers. It goes against every fiber of my being. But the excuse I've been using for years of "I don't have time to go to the gym" got old. I didn't think it was possible for me to do it. But I was inspired by my boyfriend's sister who has been going in the AM for years. Now we go together 2-3 times/week, and having someone to go with helps A LOT. I still go 1-3 times/week on my own though. Also, 2 of those days we have a trainer at 6am. When it's scheduled and you're paying for it, there's much more incentive to drag one's a** out of bed. ;)

delamusica

04-28-2006, 09:08 AM

So part of my big lifestyle change was adding morning workouts. I'm NOT a morning person, so this has been a very difficult adjustment for me. But there just never seemed to be any other time to do it.

Now in the mornings, I'm way more energized than ever before. But come mid-day, I totally crash. It's painful just staying awake. And I stay that way for the rest of the afternoon and evening.

Does anyone who works out in the morning have this problem? Does anyone have any tips on how to get past this?

Well, it just may be that am workouts aren't for you.

I tried early morning workouts it for a couple of weeks last fall. Monday, Tuesday, and sometimes Wednesday would be fine. But by Thursday and Friday I was falling asleep for the night at 6 or 7 pm - which really was just not going to do at all - I have things to do in the evening!

And it wasn't really an amount of sleep issue - I was making sure to go to bed early and get a decent night in every night. My body just wasn't into that schedule. I find that working out late afternoon/early evening is best for me in terms of energy - it actually perks me up for some evening activity like studying or hanging out with friends before bed.

I don't know what your work schedule is like, but is it possible to try working out at a time other than the AM? Maybe get there an hour earlier and take a long lunch to hit the gym, or leave an hour early to work out on the way home?

If you try an AM workout schedule and after a couple of weeks your body still hasn't adjusted, you may need to just try something else. Not all of us are built for morning exertion! :)

delamusica

04-28-2006, 09:11 AM

wow. i bow to your early-morning workout powers.

i might try AM yoga next week. i've gotten to the point where i sometimes see my trainer at 7 AM (but my chinups *will* suck at that hour) and can do my daily cardio at that time, but haven't tried the yoga yet.

If I *have* to be at the gym in the morning, yoga is my favorite thing to be doing - it's a fantastic way to start your day! In fact, yoga may be the *only* thing I enjoy more in the morning than at other times!

skwiggy

04-28-2006, 09:11 AM

I know I'm not built for AM workouts. But my schedule really doesn't seem to allow for any other time of day. It seems to be the time of day that I can do most consistently. So it's been about a month. I'm going to keep plugging away and hope it gets better.

delamusica

04-28-2006, 09:13 AM

Good luck! You've got more willpower than I.

Also, remember that you don't have to spend a lot of time at the gym to get a good workout - no need to do every exercise every day. By doing a little cardio every day and rotating strength training, you can get in good shape in about 30-45 min/day.

alemana

04-28-2006, 09:22 AM

i'm definitely built for highest energy peaks at around 8 or 9 PM. i'm a DEMON at the gym at that hour - i'm unstoppable.

but i want to believe i can mess with that some, and certainly i've become more able to get up earlier as i get older.

pygmalion

04-28-2006, 06:41 PM

Energy peak? What's that? :wink:

Edit: Just kidding. I work out best when I get to the gym in the morning. :cool:

Joe

04-29-2006, 08:10 AM

I don't know about "best," but it's certainly the most convenient time, schedule-wise.

pygmalion

04-29-2006, 08:25 AM

My schedule's so crazy that there's really no good time. lol. But I find that working out early in the morning gives me an energy burst that lasts all day. If I wait until the afternoon, I may be drained from work and stuff. Or (and this happens most often) something pops up that prevents me from going to the gym in the first place. :?

africana

04-29-2006, 10:50 AM

off to a hike. let's see how it turns out 8)

skwiggy

05-03-2006, 10:06 AM

This week got started a little slow with the exercising, since I did 2 comps this weekend and was exhausted. So no exercise on Sunday unless you count 1 comp round. Monday I wasn't able to get up early to exercise--again too tired--but I managed to squeeze in 3 miles on the treadmill before bed. Tuesday morning was strength training. Nothing this morning, but I'm hoping to squeeze in more cardio before practice.

I'm down 2 more lbs for a total of 13, and so I'm 3 lbs away from my next mini-goal.

Sometimes I feel like no matter how much weight I lose, I'll always be a "big girl". Does anyone else ever feel that way?

skwiggy

05-03-2006, 10:06 AM

off to a hike. let's see how it turns out 8)

How was the hike last week?

SuzieQ

05-03-2006, 10:35 AM

cl5814

05-03-2006, 02:53 PM

I was taking a Pilates class at 5:30 in the morning once a week. That seems to have fallen by the wayside for various reasons--I'm wondering if I used a video/DVD which would be better-- Pilates or Yoga? I could get up early a couple of mornings a week, or do it in the evening before going to bed. Mainly looking for flexibility/core strength. I also do ballet and belly dancing along with ballroom.
Thanks for any input!
I have to be cheered on by my co-"working out" crowd. how do you feel ? Do you like exercising by yourself ? Would you really stick to that schedule ?
video/dvd could really work, if you would do it by yourself. (Not saying you can't, it is just a no-no for me.) I find the yoga in the evenings very relaxing, as in ready to go to bed after that. Pilates not as much, but still relaxing in a sense.

SuzieQ

05-03-2006, 03:16 PM

I have to be cheered on by my co-"working out" crowd. how do you feel ? Do you like exercising by yourself ? Would you really stick to that schedule ?
video/dvd could really work, if you would do it by yourself. (Not saying you can't, it is just a no-no for me.) I find the yoga in the evenings very relaxing, as in ready to go to bed after that. Pilates not as much, but still relaxing in a sense.

I enjoy being in a group, also, but I am motivated enough to do it by myself. I did aerobics with Richard Simmons videos for several years before I started dancing. I am still exploring the possibility of classes at the Y--the Pilates seems to not be working out, but I think there are yoga classes also. And I know some yoga instructors, so maybe they'll be able to tell me about classes. I am really not a morning person, but I was motivated enough to get up at 4:45 once a week to go to the class, and actually ended up being the only one there at the end. Then the teacher got sick so the class ended, basically. Early morning actually works out well for me, because I work 8-5, and evenings I usually have a dance lesson or walk/work out with my husband. Do you have any input into whether yoga or Pilates would be better?

skwiggy

05-03-2006, 04:56 PM

I skipped the cardio today and went to a "Power Yoga" class instead. My bad back and sciatica are loving it. I'm feeling some of the flexibility that I've lost with the sciatica magically coming back. I definitely need more yoga in my life. :)

africana

05-03-2006, 05:08 PM

How was the hike last week? it was very good!! i haven't been in a year so it was tough doing the steep extended portions, but most of the trails were shaded :) hoping to do more soon because the weather has been excellent lately!

pygmalion

05-03-2006, 07:37 PM

Wow! You haven't been hiking in a year? Not sure why I thought you were a regular hiker. I know you run, right? Hmm. Not sure how I made that leap. :?

cl5814

05-07-2006, 10:42 AM

I enjoy being in a group, also, but I am motivated enough to do it by myself. I did aerobics with Richard Simmons videos for several years before I started dancing. I am still exploring the possibility of classes at the Y--the Pilates seems to not be working out, but I think there are yoga classes also. And I know some yoga instructors, so maybe they'll be able to tell me about classes. I am really not a morning person, but I was motivated enough to get up at 4:45 once a week to go to the class, and actually ended up being the only one there at the end. Then the teacher got sick so the class ended, basically. Early morning actually works out well for me, because I work 8-5, and evenings I usually have a dance lesson or walk/work out with my husband. Do you have any input into whether yoga or Pilates would be better?

Not sure what your goal is with workout - yoga/pilates. You'll end up piciking the one with the best instructor for you. If more stretching/flexibility is important, some strength as well, then yoga is the way to go. Many styles to try out. I did second Bikram yoga yesterday and burned more than 400 Calories in 1h10min i used my heart rate monitor. The more regular yoga is also an option - iyengar/hatha/power yoga. Good way to loose weight if you stay in 50-60% of your max heart rate. Burn fat.
Pilates could be of more value for your dancing, depending on your style of dancing. Definitely harder work.

fascination

05-08-2006, 07:17 AM

I'm down 2 more lbs for a total of 13, and so I'm 3 lbs away from my next mini-goal.

Sometimes I feel like no matter how much weight I lose, I'll always be a "big girl". Does anyone else ever feel that way?I dont just feel that way...I know it, but hey big is more noticable on the floor...;)

SuzieQ

05-10-2006, 01:47 PM

Not sure what your goal is with workout - yoga/pilates. You'll end up piciking the one with the best instructor for you. If more stretching/flexibility is important, some strength as well, then yoga is the way to go. Many styles to try out. I did second Bikram yoga yesterday and burned more than 400 Calories in 1h10min i used my heart rate monitor. The more regular yoga is also an option - iyengar/hatha/power yoga. Good way to loose weight if you stay in 50-60% of your max heart rate. Burn fat.
Pilates could be of more value for your dancing, depending on your style of dancing. Definitely harder work.
Thanks for your help! I don't think I can do the Bikram yoga-isn't that the one with the intense heat?

I think I'm looking more for the core strength/flexibility. I also do ballet and belly dancing--since I can't afford to do as many private lessons as I'd like, and don't participate as much in the group classes as I used to, I'm trying to supplement with other things. I don't really need to lose weight, but need to tone/tighten. I did get a Pilates video--it's a little advanced for me, but I think I can work with it. It has 5 10-minute workouts for abs, flexibility, etc. I also have a yoga video that my daughter bought a few years ago, so I may work with that, too. Lots of options! I just want to make the best use of my time/money.

alemana

05-10-2006, 02:53 PM

i'm down a couple pounds thanks to the Fat Flush diet plan... we're on week 3 of the detox.

fun. not.

skwiggy

05-10-2006, 03:33 PM

I'm actually *up* a couple of pounds this past week, and I can't figure out why. At first I thought it was an uncharacteristically salty dinner I had on Saturday night, but whatever water weight I would have gained from that should be gone by now. I have been dieting and exercising the same as in the past few previous weeks when I was dropping weight pretty fast (for me). If anything, I have actually been exercising more. So frustrating...

mamboqueen

05-10-2006, 03:59 PM

Well, it could be that you're gaining muscle. How are your clothes fitting? Also -- I was about 3 lbs. heavier last week due to the time of the month *ahem*. I'm actually having difficulty (don't shoot me) maintaining 135; I keep dropping down. I'm not trying. The empty bag of Doritos will be testament to that!

skwiggy

05-10-2006, 04:04 PM

fascination

05-10-2006, 04:07 PM

ignore it skwiggy...if you are on a downward trend it will go back away

skwiggy

05-10-2006, 04:12 PM

Right. "Don't think about the pink elephant. Don't think about the pink elephant". Haha, I'll try. :)

fascination

05-10-2006, 04:58 PM

if you think about it you'll get depressed , binge and become the pink elephant....reflect on your progress....

pygmalion

05-10-2006, 08:21 PM

I have considered the possibility that it may be muscle. I know I have gained a lot of muscle in the last month or so. But even so, I was still losing lbs before. My clothes fit much looser than they did last month (went down about 1 dress size), but not much different than they did a week ago (before I went back up 3 lbs). It's not *ahem* any particular time of the month, or else of course I would just write it off.

Oh how I wish Doritos were the answer to my problem as well. :-P

Did I tell you that, when I went from sedentary to working out regularly, I gained eight pounds in a month? Eight. :shock: I was horrified. But I was also a dress size thinner.

Just figured I'd mention that. :wink: :friend:

Laura

05-10-2006, 09:10 PM

Threads like this usually make me all obsessive and upset, so I've been avoiding it since its inception. However, I caught myself feeling kind of sexy yesterday running errands in my currently favorite pair of jeans, so I figured what the heck I'd jump in for a while and see how I fared.

As for monthly hormonal cycling, I usually gain and then lose 3-5 pounds...but this month it was eight. Oy.

An interesting thing happened to me today. I hardly ate anything because I was busy and didn't have much of an appetite. Then I went to my 90-minute dance lesson, which is a 90-minute round-trip drive from my house. When I got home I was so tired, and I kept getting more and more tired. And cold. So I climbed into bed with one of my cats and thought about taking a nap since my shoulder hurt. Then I remembered I hadn't eaten in six hours. So I had some chicken and red peppers (I'm not on any particular diet, but started low-carbing the day before yesterday). Within half an hour I felt so much better, more awake, and not cold any more.

Now, I've always known that you have to eat enough to keep your metabolism going, especially on a diet with anorectic side effects like low carb, but this is the first time it was so clear to me exactly what that meant.

I'm still not hungry but I'm going to go eat something small anyway because if I don't do it now, I'll be eating at midnight. A friend of mine lost a ton of weight with help from a nutritionist. The first thing she told him was to start eating six times a day, whether he was hungry or not. It didn't have to be much -- half an apple, a few bites of chicken, a real meal, whatever -- but he had to put something into his system. He said it was really difficult for him to get into that habit, both in terms of preparation and in terms of getting past the "the less I eat the better" mentality that sometimes crops up when dieting. I think I should try this myself.

pygmalion

05-10-2006, 09:19 PM

As for monthly hormonal cycling, I usually gain and then lose 3-5 pounds...but this month it was eight. Oy.

Yep. Usually about four or five pounds for me, as well, although I've noticed bigger weight shifts as I've gotten older.

And yeah. I thought about you, when I saw this thread. I know the topic creates a lot of stress for you. Thanks for contributing.

btw. Did I mention that you're one beautiful woman? Just gorgeous. Inside AND out. Remember that. :friend: :)

Oh yeah, and the other thing about weight loss? Remember to weigh in in the same or similar clothes. A Weight Watchers girlfriend of mine was absolutely devastated one week, because she'd gained three pounds. And then she lost it. Then she gained it. Turns out she was heavy on the weeks she wore jeans and light when she wore lighter-weight clothing. :lol: Whatever you do, make sure you're consistent. I don't weigh myself often, to be honest, since I've stopped caring about pounds -- just health and appearance. But, when I do, it's always the same. First thing in the morning, nude, right after my shower. So I know I'm comparing apples to apples. :cool:

Laura

05-10-2006, 10:27 PM

Heh, I know this is obsessive, but I weigh myself in the morning, naked, after I've answered the call of nature. I've been trying for years to hide the scale, throw it out, only weigh once a week, only weigh every other day, all sorts of things. I guess there's a positive side-effect: I've gotten very good at estimating how much water eating different things will make me retain, and how much some of my favorite articles of clothing weigh.

Thank you for your warm and glowing words. I'd blush but I'm in a good mood so I'll just take it in :)

Whirling Dervish

05-10-2006, 10:43 PM

I have to contribute to this thread because I have some experience with it--have you guys had your thyroid levels checked? I know it sounds sort of inane, but I had a problem until I went on thyroid replacement. I still have to watch the scales, but it's not as bad.

There are all sorts of symptoms with low thyroid, so if you haven't had it checked please do. It's a silent killer and the cure is so ever-lovin' simple. Send me a PM if you want to know more, but if you google it you'll find a lot of info.

Laura

05-10-2006, 10:53 PM

I've been on thyroid meds for several years now. It didn't help me lose weight, but it did stop me from being freezing cold all the time, even in the summer, unless I was in direct sunlight. Oh, and then there was the thing about my hair falling out...the thyroid meds stopped that, too.

bjp22tango

05-11-2006, 02:53 AM

An interesting thing happened to me today. I hardly ate anything because I was busy and didn't have much of an appetite. Then I went to my 90-minute dance lesson, which is a 90-minute round-trip drive from my house. When I got home I was so tired, and I kept getting more and more tired. And cold. So I climbed into bed with one of my cats and thought about taking a nap since my shoulder hurt. Then I remembered I hadn't eaten in six hours. So I had some chicken and red peppers (I'm not on any particular diet, but started low-carbing the day before yesterday). Within half an hour I felt so much better, more awake, and not cold any more.

Now, I've always known that you have to eat enough to keep your metabolism going, especially on a diet with anorectic side effects like low carb, but this is the first time it was so clear to me exactly what that meant.

I lose my appetite during certain times of the month and I really have to make sure I eat or this happens, which is followed by pre-curser to migraine which is followed by full out migraine if I don't eat/take aspirin.

It used to happen every month when I was younger, you would think I would have learned. Nowadays less often - I eat better and I know the signs.

I am still making progress with the "one pound a week" goal. I can really feel it in my clothes. I need new pants and my arms are starting to slim down. Yay! I'm lighter than I've been in at least 6 years. I am getting really good at ignoring the candy/donut/cookies/chips aisles in grocery stores.
I have a banquet coming up this weekend that will test my resolve. I'm thinking miniscule bites of everything :p

I can't wait until I can get back into some of the fance dresses that have sitting in my closet...

Joe

05-11-2006, 06:39 AM

The first thing she told him was to start eating six times a day, whether he was hungry or not. It didn't have to be much -- half an apple, a few bites of chicken, a real meal, whatever -- but he had to put something into his system. He said it was really difficult for him to get into that habit, both in terms of preparation and in terms of getting past the "the less I eat the better" mentality that sometimes crops up when dieting.
I dunno...that mentality has been working for me.

pygmalion

05-11-2006, 07:31 AM

It has worked for me, in the past, too. But only for diet "sprints" if you will. Over the long term, my body tends to go into starvation mode -- my metabolism slows down and my body starts conserving fat because it thinks I'm starving. So the less I eat, the fatter I stay. :?

I'm a big fan of multiple small meals throughout the day.

skwiggy

05-11-2006, 08:01 AM

No worries about me losing resolve. I may be frustrated, but I'm stubborn as a mule. My mind is made up about this, so no matter how long it takes, nothing is going to stop me.

I also do better with small meals or snacks throughout the day, especially if I keep the snacks to things like fruit, veggies and yogurt. I also have a very slow metabolism, and I firmly believe that I need to keep eating in order to keep my metabolism awake. I also don't want to starve or deprive myself. I feel like if I'm miserable with the way I'm eating, then I won't be able to keep it up and maintain whatever weight loss I achieve in the long run.

I know that the scale does not tell all. I know that muscle weighs more than fat. And yes, I am much more concerned with how I look and feel than how much gravity is holding me to the earth. But I do use it as a benchmark to check my progress. It's really easy to get all wrapped around that little number and drive myself crazy. I need to stop that. And yes, I always weigh myself stark naked first thing in the morning, going for apples to apples.

I've also taken to trying on a pair of pants that I've been trying to fit into as a means to check progress. I know that's a more realistic measure anyway.

But for all of my griping over 3 lbs, I am seeing immeasurable benefits from my new lifestyle. My back problems are 500% improved, my stamina is much higher when I dance, and I sleep better at night. So I'll just keep repeating that stuff to myself when the scale makes me want to cry.

By the way, I was down 1 of those 3 lbs this morning. Yay! :)

fascination

05-11-2006, 08:03 AM

good for you

Twilight_Elena

05-11-2006, 08:21 AM

The scale in our home is in the kitchen. Unfortunately I usually remember to measure myself after having eaten lunch, which is not at all accurate but I estimate about 1kg below that is my actual weight.

T_E

Sagitta

05-11-2006, 09:33 AM

alemana

05-11-2006, 09:39 AM

i don't have trouble eating throughout the day... i need to eat FEWER times, not more. if i had my way i'd be putting food into my mouth 24/7.

Laura

05-11-2006, 11:46 AM

I am getting really good at ignoring the candy/donut/cookies/chips aisles in grocery stores.
It's frustratring to me...I've been avoiding this stuff for years except on special occaisions...stopped eating ice cream except a few times a year over five years ago...and still -- FAT. I swear that just thinking about food makes me gain weight. It can be so infuriating at times.

With all the weight I've gained over the years you'd think I do nothing but eat donuts all day, but that is so untrue. It makes me mad because that's one of the stereotypes that people hold in their heads when they look at overweight people, that we eat junk food and sweets all the time. Sooooo untrue in my case. I even managed to gain weight eating a 100% organic raw-foods vegan diet, which means I was subsisting on fresh fruits and vegetables along with nuts and seeds (supposedly a magic cure-all for the evils of modern society including factory farming, animal cruelty, obesity, low libido, low energy, etc etc). Fortunately, now that I've gone back to eating animal protein, I've started losing the weight I gained during my vegan experiment.

Another stereotype that infuriates me is that overweight people don't know enough about nutrition. I know plenty, I've read enough books on the subject plus saw a nutritionist for a while a few years ago. I eat all organic as much as possible, avoid the white things (sugar, potatoes, flour), in fact don't eat things with wheat in them very much at all (like pasta maybe twice a year), don't really drink sodas, am not a cheese fiend. Plus I've been to the doctor and gotten hormone tests, adrenal tests, thyroid tests, blood lipid tests, parasite tests, vitamin deficiency tests....

And then there's the lazy stereotype, but between the dancing, skating, gym, Pilates, etc....

Sometimes I think for me it's mostly mental. I feel constantly bombarded with commentary that I'm going to die, that being thin will make me happy, that people will like me more if I'm thin, that there's something wrong with me as a person because I'm not thin, that I'm not trying hard enough to be thin. That I just have to eat more of X and less of Y to achieve a socially acceptable body. That I just have to use supplement P or vitamin R to jumpstart my weight loss. I've tried Trim-Spa, hoodia, citrimax, and so on. Done Slim-fast, Cambridge Medical Diet (a 330-calorie a day liquid fast), water fasting, Atkins, Protien Power, Weight Watchers, Scarsdale, Carbohydrates Addict's Diet, Brown Rice Diet, Beverly Hills Diet, Vegetarianism, Veganism. I just want everyone and everything off my back. People say I have to lose the weight "for myself," but that's impossible for me because every day I hear about the obesity epidemic in the US, the health care crisis, the unsavoryness of myself as a human being because I take up extra space, and so on, so no matter what I do I feel like I'm doing it for someone else because they told me to or because they'll like me more if I do. Even now.

Really, once I lose enough weight to get back into the wonderful pants I bought last fall in London, then after that I'm not doing it for me any more -- I'm doing it for the dance judges. If it weren't for them looking at me and making evaluations about my dancing based on the thickness of my waistline and the size of my butt, I wouldn't bother going as far with this as I am going to have to go. And even if I go as far as I can, based on body composition analysis done by my doctor, I will still be overweight by dance standards and also by the standards set by the US government! If you compare my lean body mass plus 20% body fat (considered perfectly healthy, even by the government) to the BMI I will have at that weight, or to the height and weight charts, I will still be overweight. So faced with that, I kind of wonder "why bother?" It all seems so arbitrary and pointless to put all these numbers on a person like that.

So I get angry and frustrated. I'm okay about it all right now, though, meaning I'm not actively angry this week. I just wonder how and where it all went wrong, both for me personally and for the well-meaning people out there trying to help.

skwiggy

05-11-2006, 12:53 PM

I hear ya, Laura. I definitely think that I live a much healthier lifestyle, and know much more about nutrition than many of the skinny minnie's out there. And after being on the diet roller coaster for a number of years, one's metabolism takes a beating, and it gets harder every time. Plus, if you keep cutting out foods that you like every time you want to jump start a weight loss program, eventually you run out of things to cut out.

Mini rant: It drove me crazy when a VERY skinny friend of mine was eating enough for 3 people, as she often does, when we went out to eat. I said something to the effect of, "I have no idea where you put it all". Her response? "Oh, well, I'm very active". Aaaaaaaah! If only that was all it took for me, I'd be 50 lbs lighter. Ok, mini rant over.

I'm definitely still doing it primarily for me, but I still can't help caring what the dance judges and the rest of society thinks.

I'm going to Florida over Memorial Day weekend. I have to wear a bathing suit for the first time this year. I'm already having waking nightmares about it.

Laura

05-11-2006, 01:17 PM

Skwiggy, have you been to Florida lately? I was there last April and was amazed to see that I was slender compared to a lot of the people wandering around. Get a nice sarong and have a good time.

Unless you're going to Miami Beach, of course. Then it's all about the Beautiful People.

I'm leaving tomorrow to go on a cruise to Bermuda with my mom. Lots of large people there, too. It's funny how I actually meet the medical definition of obese (it means being more than 20% over your ideal body weight), yet I still look fit and shapely compared to people on the cruise ships I've been on.

The best thing about the cruise, aside from going to Bermuda and hanging out with my mom, is that someone else will be making salad and cooking meat for me. The one downside to low-carbing for me is washing all those veggies, and also that the house always smells of meat. I like meat, but it can be weird to come home and smell it everywhere.

I've been on this particular cruise line three times now, and they always have the same menus, so the fabulous desserts have lost the power to tempt me because I've tried them all at least once. They're all great but I know that already so I don't need to check...no delicious mysteries there....

skwiggy

05-11-2006, 01:25 PM

I'm going to West Palm. I was just there in December, and I felt as big as a house. It's not even about how everyone around me looks in a bathing suit, so much as I don't like how I look.

I'm hoping to go on a cruise this coming December with my boyfriend and his family. Talk about a challenge for my diet!

Have a great time in Bermuda!

cl5814

05-11-2006, 03:10 PM

Have a super wonderful time, skwiggy and Laura. You are both wonderful, caring people. Thanks for sharing.

I went to pilates today. It was a combo of matwork and ball work. Enjoyable.

Laura

05-11-2006, 03:17 PM

I'm hoping to go on a cruise this coming December with my boyfriend and his family. Talk about a challenge for my diet!
Depending on which line you travel on, the food might be so "meh" that it will be easy for you to be good.

Well, except for the fruity drinks involving rum and little paper umbrellas, but I figure you've got to have some fun, right?!

I've unilaterally defined red wine as low-carb. I have to have a vice or two or this won't work for more than another couple of weeks. I have some guy friends who did great low-carbing -- and they unilaterally defined beer to be low-carb (and not crappy low alcohol beer, but good stuff) and still lost all the fat they wanted.

I think it's good to have a planned vice, so as to let off some steam and not make you feel like your diet has taken you out of the mainstream of life.

alemana

05-11-2006, 03:25 PM

i have ten pounds to go in 7 weeks and the scale is not budging. starting to feel hopeless.

skwiggy

05-11-2006, 03:32 PM

Depending on which line you travel on, the food might be so "meh" that it will be easy for you to be good.

Well, except for the fruity drinks involving rum and little paper umbrellas, but I figure you've got to have some fun, right?!

I've unilaterally defined red wine as low-carb. I have to have a vice or two or this won't work for more than another couple of weeks. I have some guy friends who did great low-carbing -- and they unilaterally defined beer to be low-carb (and not crappy low alcohol beer, but good stuff) and still lost all the fat they wanted.

I think it's good to have a planned vice, so as to let off some steam and not make you feel like your diet has taken you out of the mainstream of life.

I've only ever been on one cruise, and the food was "meh", but I still managed to eat way too much of it. And I definitely managed to drink way too much, even though my traveling companion didn't drink at all! It just ended up being more for me when someone wanted to buy us drinks. ;) I think the line we're look at for this trip is a nicer one though, so I would assume the food would follow suit.

Last time I went though, we stuck to a "no elevator" rule, which helped a lot in not gaining weight. Constant stairmaster! Plus, we made sure to hit the gym on every at sea day, without fail.

I have declared Pinot Grigio to be low-carb. ;) Even though I prefer red wine, I heard that Pinot G. actually is the lowest carb wine, so that has been my drink of choice. I am allowing myself 1-2 drinks no more than once a week. That's my vice. Although on vacation, all bets are off for drinking. Like you said, gotta have some fun! :)

skwiggy

05-11-2006, 03:32 PM

i have ten pounds to go in 7 weeks and the scale is not budging. starting to feel hopeless.

What happens in 7 weeks?

skwiggy

05-11-2006, 03:33 PM

Have a super wonderful time, skwiggy and Laura. You are both wonderful, caring people. Thanks for sharing.

Aw, tanx. :)

Laura

05-11-2006, 04:00 PM

i have ten pounds to go in 7 weeks and the scale is not budging. starting to feel hopeless.
I feel your frustration. I have felt this frustration in the past many times. You have my every sympathy.

Laura

05-11-2006, 04:04 PM

Last time I went though, we stuck to a "no elevator" rule, which helped a lot in not gaining weight. Constant stairmaster! Plus, we made sure to hit the gym on every at sea day, without fail.
Yep, we do the same thing. It's really cute going to the gym with my mom...she's become kind of a jock in her later years. Not that she's out running marathons, but she has gotten really into going down to the gym and doing her treadmill workout.

She's warned me that she's dragging me all over Bermuda to look at houses and gardens, which is just fine by me. Lots of walking will be great. I don't like laying on the beach (and it will be too cold there anyway).

Another thing to watch is the late-night eating. We take second-seating dinner, and we're never hungry again for the late-night treats or buffets.

Oh yeah -- so the food is probably higher in sodium than what you get at home, which makes you retain water. A woman on the Cruise Critic board suggested eating parseley every day because it will act as a mild diruetic and will help you to flush out the extra sodium. So just crunch down whatever garnish they put on your plate. She swears it works. I'll let you know how it goes when I try it next week.

DrDoug

05-11-2006, 06:01 PM

I like meat, but it can be weird to come home and smell it everywhere.

Whoa, if I didn't know better, I'd swear you were channeling Maria Shriver there . . . .

pygmalion

05-11-2006, 08:17 PM

Huh? Maria Shriver? Why?

The smell of meat is very noticeable, to me, too. Sometimes gross, IMO. Since I use the crockpot a lot, when I walk into the house at the end of the day, I can really notice it. Depending on my mood and my state of health, the smell of meat can be anything from irresistible to nauseating. lol.

Laura

05-11-2006, 10:34 PM

I like the smell of roasted or stewed meat, but the lingering smell of a hambuger hanging in the air is a different story. Although the hamburger was delicious.

I'm going out for some sashimi in a bit....

skwiggy

05-12-2006, 08:20 AM

A woman on the Cruise Critic board suggested eating parseley every day because it will act as a mild diruetic and will help you to flush out the extra sodium. So just crunch down whatever garnish they put on your plate. She swears it works. I'll let you know how it goes when I try it next week.

Wow, who knew? And parsley is also supposed to be great for your breath. I'll have to try it!

LXC

05-12-2006, 02:19 PM

I've been trying to get fitter and cut an inch off my waist since March. I've picked up yoga, pilate or sometimes cardio classes in addition to my dance practice. I do feel stronger and better now, but my weight and waistline haven't changed a bit! I do watch over what I eat and haven't increased my calorie intake. Why???:( Do I have to put myself on diet and feel starved to shave that extra inch/few pounds off?

alemana

05-12-2006, 02:34 PM

an occasional cardio class is a surefire way not to lose weight.
classes in general: no love.

you need a focused cardio workout minimum three times a week.

LXC

05-12-2006, 02:41 PM

an occasional cardio class is a surefire way not to lose weight.
classes in general: no love.

you need a focused cardio workout minimum three times a week.

yoga and pilate are no good for this purpose ah? gosh, how can i find the time to do dance practice, yoga/pilate for flexibility etc, AND cardio 3 times a week for weight loss?

alemana

05-12-2006, 03:44 PM

this is what i do and it's killing me. but, at least i look good! (shoot me now)

africana

05-12-2006, 03:56 PM

hehe

i'm the same way LXC, lots of limb, muscle and trunk, I don't lose weight, I just feel stronger from running, yoga, etc

Laura

05-12-2006, 07:01 PM

gosh, how can i find the time to do dance practice, yoga/pilate for flexibility etc, AND cardio 3 times a week for weight loss?
Wow, you can lose weight on doing cardio only three times a week? I had to do it five days for 90 minutes per session to get anything to change on me.

You can see why we get frustrated....

pygmalion

05-12-2006, 08:01 PM

this is what i do and it's killing me. but, at least i look good! (shoot me now)

bang bang.

Just kidding. If you feel good and look good, it's perfectly okay to say so. I was thinking about something similar the other day. I'd probably lose more weight if I didn't have such a grossly exaggerated positive body image. It's darn hard to motivate yourself to diet, when you like the way you look fat. lol!

Laura

05-12-2006, 08:16 PM

I'm right with you, pygmalion.

Well, I woudln't say I like the way I look right where I am this second (one or two sizes smaller would be wonderful), but I will like myself and be satisfied with how I look long before the ballroom world will think I'm thin enough. Yes, I'm bitter. I try not to take it personally, but it is personal when people tell me that I would have placed higher if I wasn't large. Nothing about my dancing at all there. I will now try to buck up and move on.

pygmalion

05-12-2006, 08:19 PM

Eh. To heck with the ballroom world. What do they know, anyway? They're brain damaged from being malnourished. :twisted: :lol:

Laura

05-12-2006, 08:26 PM

Now now. I fully understand that they have their ideal standards, and that if I choose to play their game that those are the standards.

Although I find it annoying. Watching the Olympics this year I realized I should have stayed in downhill skiing, the sport I took up at age 4. When I was in my 20's, I was built like those women skiiers: broad shoulders, big thighs and butts, all powerful and muscular.

Unfortunately, competitive downhill skiing for a 40+-year-old city dweller like me isn't really an option.

I had the joy, and misfortune, of falling in love with competitive ballroom dancing and being reasonably good at it...I get enough out of it to keep going. It's so wrong but it feels so right. I blame the pretty dresses. :)

pygmalion

05-12-2006, 08:49 PM

Now now. I fully understand that they have their ideal standards, and that if I choose to play their game that those are the standards.

True. And very well said, IMO.

I had the joy, and misfortune, of falling in love with competitive ballroom dancing and being reasonably good at it...I get enough out of it to keep going. It's so wrong but it feels so right. I blame the pretty dresses. :)

Add enough georgette and you can make almost any situation feel better. :wink:

LXC

05-15-2006, 01:46 PM

since i don't have alemana's discipline to change it, i might as well learn to like my body. it's better than feeling bad/guilty all the time without doing anything lol

i lost some weight before i started dancing and was feeling great. but once i entered the ballroom world and compared myself to those 'ideal' bodies...

alemana

05-15-2006, 01:50 PM

it's not either/or (either love your body OR work to change it.) that's a trap and it's very hard to live in that dichotomy.

love it and show your love by being good to it. love it by working on it. love is a practice, not just a state of mind.

skwiggy

05-15-2006, 01:51 PM

I actually started dancing initially as a way to lose weight. At first, going from a pretty sedantary collegiate lifestyle, it worked like a charm. Now that my body is used to the dancing, it doesn't help me lose weight anymore (although I imagine if I stopped and didn't replace it with other activity, I would gain weight). And now I find myself wanting to lose weight so that (among other things) I'll look good on the dance floor. Ironic, isn't it?

cl5814

05-15-2006, 02:45 PM

yoga and pilate are no good for this purpose ah? gosh, how can i find the time to do dance practice, yoga/pilate for flexibility etc, AND cardio 3 times a week for weight loss?

You actually burn fat by working at between 50 and 60 percent of your maximum heart rate (MHR). If you work out at higher percentages, you are not burning fat (old stored fuel) any more; but newly stored fuel in your body.
So, what is the old formula again for MHR ? 220-age, right ? Work out 50 % of that and again 60 % of number.....
So actually you need to do something between yoga/pilates and high energy cardio.....

pygmalion

05-15-2006, 02:45 PM

love it and show your love by being good to it. love it by working on it. love is a practice, not just a state of mind.

Very well said, IMO. :notworth: :D

evil

05-18-2006, 06:12 AM

this is great guys . may you all be successful in ur goals . good luck

pygmalion

05-18-2006, 07:35 AM

Hi evil. Welcome. :D

skwiggy

05-19-2006, 08:13 AM

Yay! I finally dropped the 3 lbs that I had lost and then gained back, plus a bonus lb for good measure. :) Now I'm 2 lbs from that next mini-goal, and only 1 week from when I have to wear a bathing suit in Florida. I wonder if there's any humanly possible way to meet that goal in time...

alemana

05-19-2006, 08:46 AM

i'm back on track after a few HELLISH days at work and some extremely willfull junkfood binging.

skwiggy

05-19-2006, 08:49 AM

Getting back on after a few days off is the biggest challenge of all. That's always when it's easiest to cave. Congrats on sticking to your guns! :)

cl5814

05-23-2006, 02:13 AM

Bad. Really bad. Didn't go to yoga last night. Wanted to fix the audio problem on tv tuner card.

skwiggy

05-23-2006, 06:38 AM

I was pretty bad this weekend with my eating, although considering the multiple birthday celebrations with constant temptations to gorge, I think I did the best I could have. I also exercised a ton, so hopefully that helped.

I had SO much trouble dragging my a$$ out of bed today and yesterday to workout. Hopefully it will get easier, not harder, as the week progresses.

Still 2 lbs from the next mini-goal and holding. So hungry after this morning's workout. Off to eat some protein. Mmmm.

alemana

05-23-2006, 08:55 AM

i had a massive egg white omelet this morning with tons of cremini in an attempt to do something about my insatiable morning hunger. we'll see.

pygmalion

05-23-2006, 08:57 AM

Do you buy the egg whites that come in a carton? I've always wondered how those taste. :cool:

alemana

05-23-2006, 08:59 AM

hell no. why? it's too hard to break an egg open? eggs are too cheap and i want to pay more, hence a convenience product?

never.

pygmalion

05-23-2006, 09:01 AM

Yep. I do it the old fashioned way, too. The last time I did the math, it worked out cheaper to buy whole eggs and throw away the yolks than to buy (... um ... is it egg beaters?) egg whites in a box.

Just figured I'd ask. :)

alemana

05-23-2006, 09:06 AM

sorry, crap like that drives me crazy. cheese, crackers and a plastic spreader packaged together in compartmentalized plastic. i mean don't get me started.

anyway.

exercise! i need some. can you tell?

fascination

05-23-2006, 09:46 AM

my aerobics instuctor has been on vacation for a week and a half...so between that and my schedule overload....something's gonna blow soon....MUST get to the gym...looks like tomorrow morning...

Laura

05-23-2006, 09:57 AM

The real eggs are better for you than the weird liquid egg beaters stuff anyway. Ever read the ingredient list? It's not just "egg whites."

I was really really good on the cruise, and didn't gain any weight at all...until I came home. I got an ear infection and so am having balance problems, and have been laying around like a sloth for two days. I'm not even going to get on the scale. I have a dance lesson today, this will be interesting. My ear is a lot better, though.

alemana

05-23-2006, 10:06 AM

ear infection, whoa. that sounds painful!

Laura

05-23-2006, 10:09 AM

Yeah, I couldn't swallow because the eustacean (did I even come close to spelling that right) tube on one side was blocked. I'm better now, except I woke up with a splitting headache.

I always need a vacation after a vacation.

alemana

05-23-2006, 10:16 AM

no wonder children get so miserable when they have ear infections... feel better soon.

delamusica

05-23-2006, 01:12 PM

Yikes - no kidding. Feel better Laura!

Laura

05-23-2006, 01:25 PM

My splitting headache has turned into a full-on migrane, the first one I've had in about three years. I really can't drive like this so I cancelled today's lesson.

I am so bummed, I haven't danced in over a week....

fascination

05-23-2006, 01:47 PM

so sorry laura...that really bites

terremoto

05-23-2006, 02:19 PM

I am so bummed, I haven't danced in over a week....

:( Thats rough - hopefully you'll feel better soon!

skwiggy

05-23-2006, 02:29 PM

Hope you feel better soon, Laura. :(

skwiggy

05-23-2006, 02:33 PM

Had a great experience at a networking lunch today. Networking lunches are always crappy, fattening food. I usually have great anxiety when attending these events over whether or not to eat the fried food, mashed potatoes, cream sauces, cheesecake, etc that they put in front of me, since often it's that or nothing.

But this networking event was for a women's networking organization. What a difference! You could definitely tell that health conscious women planned the menu. We went to a fancy-ish Italian joint, and I expected the fare to be heavy--lasagna, cream sauces, etc. But to my pleasant surprise, it was light! Salad with both the dressing and bacon bits ON THE SIDE!! Salmon over spinach! There was pasta and cheesecake too, but they weren't put right in front of us as usual. They were over on a separate table so that if you wanted it, you could go get it, but you didn't have to stare at it on the plate that they put in front of you before you even sat down (meaning usually no opportunity to refuse).

What a *******ing and relieving change. Really relieved a lot of the food anxiety from my day. :)

pygmalion

05-23-2006, 02:54 PM

Hope you feel better soon, Laura. :)

Re: networking lunches, etc. One recommendation I got, back during my Weight Watchers days, was to eat a small apple on your way to lunch (or dinner or whatever.) The apple is relatively low-calorie and takes the edge off your hunger before you have to deal with the usually high calorie food at those types of events. :cool:

skwiggy

05-23-2006, 03:01 PM

Re: networking lunches, etc. One recommendation I got, back during my Weight Watchers days, was to eat a small apple on your way to lunch (or dinner or whatever.) The apple is relatively low-calorie and takes the edge off your hunger before you have to deal with the usually high calorie food at those types of events. :cool:

I know the trick well. I had some snap peas on my way. ;)

My mother always taught me never to go to what I know will be a big meal and/or tempting meal, hungry. Mom's a diet counselor. :)

Laura

05-23-2006, 03:04 PM

Oh, I forgot to mention my coping strategy for the cruise. I looked at the menus every day (they're posted outside the restaurant every morning) to see if there was something fantastic that I really wanted. If there was, then I ate carefully and healthily except for that one thing, like a chocolate merengue desssert, or a fancy tea party one afternoon with scones and such.

One night none of the entrees appealed to me, so I had a salad, and then a bowl of soup with the soup course and another bowl instead of the entree. Another night I wanted something after dinner, and had some cheese. Another night I didn't want anything after dinner, but my waiter brought me a plate of fresh melon anyway. I had a couple of bites and called it good.

I also stayed away from too many sweet alcoholic drinks. I mostly stuck to rum and diet coke, although I did have a girly martini like a cosmopolitan or an apple martini each night after dinner.

Maybe that's why I'm having a migrane -- booze withdrawel! :)

Interestingly enough, my Mom has lost a lot of weight doing just this, for about two years now. She used to be about three or four sizes bigger than me, now she's smaller up top and the same size on the bottom. In fact, I gave her three pairs of my pants to take home with her because all of hers were too big and I was tired of seeing her going around all baggy!

alemana

05-23-2006, 03:41 PM

the apple strategy does not work for me because i am a textbook emotional eater. there is no 'edge' to my 'hunger' because i'm almost never hungry - i eat all the time.

Laura

05-23-2006, 03:48 PM

I'm one of those sensitive-to-glycemic indexes types, so for me eating an apple will just be giving me an apple. Not that apples aren't lovely and healthy.

I find I do better if I have a lot of liquids in my stomach before I start eating. Maybe it's a Czech thing -- my mother's family is Czech. They wouldn't think of starting a meal without a cup of soup or a bowl of broth. I should do that more often but am too lazy to boil up a chicken carcass. The canned/boxed stuff and especially the boullion cubes can be kind of nasty if you read all the ingredients...hydrolized protiens and all that....

skwiggy

05-23-2006, 03:55 PM

That's the other trick I've used. Drink at least one entire glass of water before you start eating. Then you won't have as much room in your stomach for food.

I have my bouts with emotional eating too. And you're right, that's a completely different issue to overcome. I usually just try to think back to the last time I ate because of my emotions and what it did to me. And it usually isn't a pretty memory. That's the only thing that's ever been able to help me there, FWIW.

alemana

05-23-2006, 04:12 PM

laura - agree about prefab soups. one exception i've made lately - kikkoman japanese-style powdered soups. yes, sodium, but i could give a rat's ass about that. DELISH, very lowcal, easy.

Joe

05-24-2006, 06:37 AM

fascination

05-24-2006, 07:44 AM

One thing that has helped me is not keeping much food in the fridge or in the house. I mean ready-to-eat food. There's still stuff like dry pasta and food ingredients (flour, rice, etc.) but nothing that can be picked up and eaten right away.I find the exact opposite to be true for me on both counts....if i dont eat when I am hungry...I will eat much more later...so I have alot of instant food around....and one thing that I positively cannot have in bulk around my house are starches b/c if I make starches...I will eat down to the bottom of the pot...three plates of spagetti?..NO PROBLEM....eliminating that one thing has been the largest reason for my weight loss....I positively do not do pasta potatoes or rice, unless it is a small quantity in a frozen cardboard box...

fascination

05-24-2006, 07:49 AM

as for cruise survival...I have been on 4 cruises and never gained weight on them...this has always been my plan...

breakfast: never walk into the dining room for breakfast...get fruit and coffee just before going to morning aerobics

(btw, go to every aerobic class and dance class that fits into my schedule)

btwn breakfast and lunch....sleep and drink water like a mad woman whilst baking body on a lounge chair...

lunch: salad and something grilled

between lunch and dinner: only water, alcohol(one simply MUST have the drink of the day complete with little umbrella and chunk of pineapple), more napping on lounge chair and/or more aerobics...

dinner: whatever I please

never never never be awake for the midnight buffet

skwiggy

05-24-2006, 08:00 AM

I find the exact opposite to be true for me on both counts....if i dont eat when I am hungry...I will eat much more later...so I have alot of instant food around....and one thing that I positively cannot have in bulk around my house are starches b/c if I make starches...I will eat down to the bottom of the pot...three plates of spagetti?..NO PROBLEM....eliminating that one thing has been the largest reason for my weight loss....I positively do not do pasta potatoes or rice, unless it is a small quantity in a frozen cardboard box...

I'm with fascination on this one. I need to keep plenty of good, healthy, ready-to-eat food on hand in the house, and carry it with me wherever I go. Otherwise I get way too hungry and then overeat at meal time. Or I grab whatever is convenient, which usually is high calorie. I find that if I graze all day on readily available healthy foods in small portions, I consume much less food throughout the day, and MUCH MUCH less food in one sitting at any given meal. Plus I have greater control over the type of food.

And I'm definitely trying to keep things like rice and pasta to a bare minimum, and in wheat form whenever possible. I try to get the majority of my carbs from fruits and veggies, with just a bit of whole wheat bread thrown in from time to time.