https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/healthy-habits-check-in-2 Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Wed, 22 Apr 2026 17:28:39 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/healthy-habits-check-in-2#post-610028 Wed, 02 May 2012 05:44:55 +0000 velvetychocolate 610028@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thank you for the feedback Elly - I really do appreciate it. My Mom's one of those 10% of people who are a mystery case. She's in pretty good shape now, and no complicating factors, and seemingly no after-effects from her MI last summer. It was a scary time, but I'm extremely grateful she didn't have any blockages etc. </p> <p>In the meantime, I am sorry to hear about your viral heart condition. That's a lot for someone to have to deal with, and I hope that this little bug clears right on up and you feel 100% better very soon. I know it's not fun to be stuck at home, but I bet this will help speed recovery, so it's worth it, even if it is a bit of a drag. </p> <p>As for food, I am all about people finding out what works best for them. My uncle went low-carb and got off all of his umpteen diabetes medications and now has 'normal' blood sugar. That said, my best friend's little sister did fabulously well on Weight Watchers. Others like the Mediterranean diet, or a vegan diet. Everyone's a little different in what works for them. </p> <p>Sending over lots of immune-boosting vibes your way, and a good night's sleep. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/healthy-habits-check-in-2#post-610007 Wed, 02 May 2012 05:05:53 +0000 Elly 610007@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>VC-- thanks for your concern. It is most likely just a cold virus. Several years ago (almost 5 now) I have a virus attack my heart and nervous system. To this day I have issues with viruses causing bad symptoms for me. I have lower immunity too, and tend to pick up bugs that most adults don't even register, and have a harder time getting over them. The virus caused the nervous system/heart condition that I occasionally mention, and it can cause my regular issues from that to flare up or worsen. Jan 2011 I ended up in heart failure after having a cold and a stressful month or so. </p> <p>In this case I'm fairly sure that it is just a little bug as I'm not horribly ill and was around several adults in close proximity before I realized I was contagious and none of them are feeling poorly. However, I'm definitely stuck at home because the dizziness doesn't mix with driving and I try not to spread germs as is. The dizziness is from low blood pressure, although sometimes I will have crazy spikes in bp when ill. </p> <p>Sorry to hear about your mother. If docs were concerned about what was going on or potential damage they probably had her wear a holter or event monitor for a short time to make sure there weren't arrythmias, ect. That said, it might be a good idea for her to wear a heart rate monitor for awhile so she has a better idea of how hard her heart is working during regular activities, if she can tolerate wearing a chest strap for a little while. I wore a heart rate monitor for the same reason for awhile. Unfortunately, it would have to be a heart rate monitor with a chest strap . . . although the newer models with soft chest straps (fabric) are supposed to be pretty comfy. My new one that is coming is a fabric strap, so I could review it once it gets here. I highly recommend Polar, which uses medical grade electrodes and has a great reputation for quality and accuracy. They also make fairly inexpensive models that just measure heart rate or heart rate and estimate calories burned (45 dollars, sometimes discontinued models for cheaper), which would probably be just fine for someone like your mom. Polar should give you an accurate picture of what her heart is doing and be comfortable to wear all day long. She doesn't need any fancy GPS or training interval tracking that serious athletes like their expensive Garmins for. </p> <p>My own mother does great with paleo and low carb diets and a lot of people I know with chronic illness do well without gluten or other processed carbs or sugar. I just always like to jump in and say that it isn't for everyone because it works so good for some people that it can be a bit disappointing when it doesn't work for other people. I was supervised by doctors and nutritionists when I eliminated processed foods and common allergens in an attempt to get some relief from problems I'd been having and I still faced a lot of disbelief--- I'm into everything in moderation, but I do know that some people do really well with super clean eating. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/healthy-habits-check-in-2#post-609969 Wed, 02 May 2012 04:04:31 +0000 velvetychocolate 609969@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Ack Elly - I hope you feel better soon. Is it a cold or more like a flu type of thing? Sorry to hear about the dizzy stuff, that doesn't sound fun at all. </p> <p>Just out of curiosity, is there a particular heart rate monitor that you'd recommend? The reason I ask is because my Mom had an MI last summer, totally unexplained. No blockages that would have caused it, and so far, no significant damage as a result. That said, I think a heart rate monitor might come in handy for her. I don't know a whole lot about these things...all I know is that it turns out she has some sort of arrythmia, so a monitor would be a really good thing. What do you recommend? Thanks for any input you might have. </p> <p>Meanwhile, interesting what you said about how some people actually lose too much weight on low(er) carb. Not true for me (wish it was!) but I am not surprised. It's very true that each person's metabolism and physiology counts for a lot when making these kinds of decisions. </p> <p>...</p> <p>Is the dizziness you're experiencing from blood pressure being too high or too low? I really hope you can get it sorted soon. Do you think it's just because of the bug you're battling lately? Hang in there and I hope you feel better soon! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/healthy-habits-check-in-2#post-609941 Wed, 02 May 2012 03:27:54 +0000 Elly 609941@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Well, I ordered a replacement heart rate monitor for my half-dead, half-missing model and it shipped priority today, so it should be here soon. </p> <p>Of course, I seem to have caught a bug-- I'm hoping that no one else contracts it and it goes away fast. Currently it is wreaking havoc on my blood pressure though. I'm a bit of a dizzy mess.</p> <p>VC makes some good points about paleo/low carb--- it works for a lot of people. I'm not one of them---- and if you have men with active metabolisms at home it can be hard to keep them in food on one of these diets--- if I eliminate processed carbs and sugar I loose weight eating like 3000 calories a day, and many men have the same issue. It can actually be a never ending battle trying to get enough carbs and "quick energy" from fruit when your metabolism is running that high-- pretty exhausting. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/healthy-habits-check-in-2#post-609911 Wed, 02 May 2012 02:46:10 +0000 ManidipaM 609911@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Oh no! Visions of VC's cookies are now dancing in my head --- HELP! :-p</p> <p>My week, this week, has been a mixed bag. LAST fortnight was pretty awful in terms of health --- long hours at work, living in motel and later crashing at a friend's place during her birthday (big 50) as well as mine, meaning no homecooked foods, no breakfast or a late one, and very little exercise; meals at work typically involved takeaways, carb-heavy snacks and street foods, confectionery treats... plus my friend loves to cook and loves to entertain, so almost always stuffs us silly, and she's a 'traditional cook', ie, very liberal with the fats and carbs and proteins. I gained back the 2kg I'd lost in the first quarter of the year in those 10 days; my SO feels bloated and sluggish and now hungry all the time as his body seems to have adjusted to the onslaught of :-(</p> <p>Been therefore trying to move more and eat better this last week, now that I'm home again. Thankfully a lot of shopping meant a lot of walking too. Unfortunately, it also meant buying lunch or grabbing a snack or even dinner to go; plus we went to my folks' for lunch, which is also always a very 'traditonal' meal. It wasn't TOO bad though, this week, and we're both proud of ourselves for finding the slightly healthier options when eating out. Our bodies are coming back to a normal rhythm, even if we haven't lost the excess. And I know I'll have a chance to re-calibrate from this weekend, because I'll be eating on my own, which means I can rely solely on veggies, lentils/beans, yogurt and (ahem!) sorbets!</p> <p>Today may well be the healthiest of the week, as I look forward to cooking up a storm of fresh produce. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/healthy-habits-check-in-2#post-609884 Wed, 02 May 2012 02:27:22 +0000 Isis 609884@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Great explanation about carbs, VC!</p> <p>I like that you emphasize unrefined carbs---that's a change that would be good for anyone!</p> <p>And I like that you emphasize that this is an individual response. I get a lot of exercise, and I feel lousy without carbs, very low energy. I eat fruit, whole grain bread, and lots of veggies everyday.....I need them. And they are loaded with vitamins. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/healthy-habits-check-in-2#post-609865 Wed, 02 May 2012 02:04:34 +0000 velvetychocolate 609865@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Isabel - the carb thing is both a weight thing and a 'feel better' thing - but it all depends on your physiology, imo. </p> <p>If you are significantly overweight, then I wouldn't hesitate to recommend a lower-carb eating plan, because it will reduce cravings, and have you eating the most nutrient-dense foods. Highly refined carbohydrate foods don't have a whole lot of nutrients for their calorie 'bang', so to speak. Refined carbohydrates also raise your blood sugar and can cause weight gain if you're not fairly active. </p> <p>That said, I really believe it depends on what type of 'carb' you're talking about. There is (imo) a difference between pasta and some blueberries, or between a bagel versus half a baked sweet potato. </p> <p>If you're battling cravings, and having a tough, tough time losing weight, then I'd always suggest reducing refined carbohydrates, as in - don't eat the carbs that are man-made. That means skipping muffins, store-bought cereals, pasta, bread and the like. </p> <p>On top of all this - you also have the fact that grains in particular are hard on our digestive systems. A half a potato is going to be a lot better than a bowl of wheat-based pasta. </p> <p>Having said that, if you don't have issues (digestive issues, mysterious weight gain, bloating, various aches and pains) - it's probably not necessary to worry about it - but there's a catch. The amount and number of refined carbs you can "get away with" is dependent on how active you are. If you're at the gym most mornings, or getting a decent amount of exercise, then you don't need to worry too much about this, because you'll be burning those refined carbs off before they have a chance to mess you up. </p> <p>Even though I follow a lower-carb eating plan, I will say that I actually had to add in a few carbs in advance of my early morning workouts back when I was going to the gym on a regular basis. This wasn't a lot, just half or a full Larabar - but in order to actually complete the weights routine, I needed that little bit of "carb" to fuel my workout. Thing is? It had no effect on my weight loss or on my so-called "carb count" for the day because I burned it all off before it even registered, if that makes sense. This is what's known as a 'Targeted Ketogenic Diet'. The idea is that you purposely put your carbs in front of your workouts. </p> <p>Meanwhile, if you are concerned and/or curious about all this, I'd start like this:</p> <p>1. Get rid of sugar - this doesn't mean you don't ever eat sugar, it just means you avoid 'added sugar' like the plague. Fruits and vegetables have natural sugar in them, marshmallows or cookies do not. Swear off added sugar. This might mean buying full-fat Greek yogurt and adding your own fresh berries instead of buying the typical mass-market branded sweetened yogurts out there. Special note from me: avoid artificial sweeteners too. They also muck you up and cause cravings, even though they are not supposed to. </p> <p>2. Avoid grains if still struggling - no wheat, no corn, no baked goods (other than what you make or buy yourself that is relatively grain free). I've made "cereal" with a variety of toasted mixed nuts, fresh berries and a splash of coconut milk. </p> <p>3. Boost vegetables (and fruit, to a limited extent) to "replace" the pasta, cereal, muffins, baked goods and so on. Voila! Suddenly, you're eating the so-called "five-to-nine" recommended servings of fruits and vegetables without even trying. </p> <p>Give this a few weeks, and I swear - you will be *amazed* at how naturally sweet whole foods really are. A single cherry tomato will taste sweet. Fresh lemon atop some fish will taste amazing, and not at all boring. </p> <p>Just last week, I was grocery shopping, and the guy in the produce dept. offered me a piece of some oranges he was putting out. It was *insanely* sweet to me. I bought two of them, just for a treat. Who would think of oranges as a treat? Someone who'd sworn off all the sweetened cereals, muffins and refined carbs. That thing tasted so sweet, I could feel the sweetness from my mouth all the way down to my toes. Sounds silly, I know - but after being off "added sugars" for so long, it's amazing to me how sweet natural, whole foods really are. </p> <p>This is all kind of fun, actually. It's a kind of cleansing of the palate, in a way. </p> <p>Rationale for lowering, reducing and eliminating refined carbs:</p> <p>*Reduces cravings<br /> *Weight drops because your body isn't kicking out all kinds of insulin to deal with blood sugar spikes<br /> *The food you eat is much more nutrient-dense - you're not wasting your time on 'empty' calories<br /> *Real food tastes so much better<br /> *All kinds of aches and pains just disappear<br /> *Cholesterol normalizes<br /> *Blood sugar normalizes<br /> *Appetite normalizes - weird for me - because suddenly I no longer had a so-called "emotional eating disorder" or whatever<br /> *No bloating, no weird digestive issues </p> <p>Just some food for thought. :)</p> <p>ETA: you can still eat cookies! Just mix up some roasted almond butter with an egg (throw in some vanilla if you like), and make them like you would peanut butter cookies. I don't add any sweetener, artificial or otherwise, but have been known to dip these into melted dark chocolate. It's not all "diet" or doomsday - far from it </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/healthy-habits-check-in-2#post-609819 Wed, 02 May 2012 01:26:48 +0000 rute 609819@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I don't Want to lose weight, just to eat healthy and exercise. I'm exercising 5 times a week and i'm getting stronger!<br /> I hate to waste too but i think that there are some foods that are not good, in fact they are better in the trash! You did well </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/healthy-habits-check-in-2#post-609788 Wed, 02 May 2012 01:16:05 +0000 Transcona Shannon 609788@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Doing better - managed to get to the gym three times last week and have already gone twice this week. Knee is doing better all the time and it feels so good to be active again. I have a long way to get back to where I was, but it's moving in the right direction! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/healthy-habits-check-in-2#post-609784 Wed, 02 May 2012 01:14:15 +0000 kellygirl 609784@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I love these threads too. It's great to read about everyone's ups and downs and to know that I'm not struggling all by myself! I've been exercising and eating fairly well--I seem to be maintaining my weight which is better than watching the scale move up (touch wood.) </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/healthy-habits-check-in-2#post-609718 Wed, 02 May 2012 00:34:59 +0000 cheryle (Dianthus) 609718@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>These threads are awesome. I like reading about the success and the challenges. It helps to know we are not alone (no sci fi intent).</p> <p>I have had no gluten for a week or so. I found that a low fat deli ham that was already a favorite is gluten free. I have been eating lean meats,an egg or two, lots of fruit, and a serving of fat free yogurt with frozen berries every day. Some days I have an ounce or two of nuts and sometimes a huge salad with organic sunflower oil.</p> <p>I went to the gym after work today and went on Saturday. I will probably go on Thursday and Saturday too.</p> <p>I haven't been weighing because I find it discouraging but might in a day or two. I haven't decided yet.</p> <p>Good luck everyone. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/healthy-habits-check-in-2#post-609457 Tue, 01 May 2012 20:03:39 +0000 Isabel 609457@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Marianna, yay !! I can't imagine coming home after work and NOT eating. That must be so unbelievably difficult. Yuck. BUT doesn't it feel great to be strong ? I think that is my favorite part of all this. My daughter, who is 9 and weighs 68 lbs sprained her ankle yesterday and I picked her up without thinking about it and brought her into the house. My husband met us at the door and said, " oh my God, you just picked her up no problem..." I almost cried. I have barely been able to push a grocery cart in the last 10 years. We are strong and invincible , though I prefer the term "kickass", LOL.</p> <p>VC, what a freakin' brilliant idea !! I love it. I am going to do just that a capsule of food for the down days. We know that we are going to have them. Isn't it amazing how even a couple of weeks can make such a difference ? </p> <p>Citygirl, you deserve that pizza !!!! Good for you. I recently read that there should be no good or bad food, but healthy and unhealthy and we should balance - not completely exclude and deprive. Good luck with your training.</p> <p>Christieanne, yup, what I just wrote to Citygirl. We can't punish ourselves. We just have to balance out like you did. I think it is especially difficult when you depend on others for food, like when you travel. Do you exercise on the road ? I am just curious.</p> <p>Congratulations Mo ! Oh parties, especially tasting parties are soooo tough ! Have some for me...LOL !</p> <p>Sylvie, I LOVE your outlook...honey, it is Godiva or nothing. LOL ! We have to take it a little at a time. I have found that doing it all at once and not gradually ( better food, less sugary drinks, and so on..is too overwhelming for me ).</p> <p>Can someone explain to me the whole carb thing ? I don't avoid bread or pastas at all. Is that a weight thing or a feeling better thing ? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/healthy-habits-check-in-2#post-609324 Tue, 01 May 2012 17:20:25 +0000 Sylvie 609324@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Last week I went to a gym class on Thursday and did a moderate 8 mile hike on Sunday. This week, I plan to go to the gym today and on Thursday and do a run on the weekend.</p> <p>I've still been eating a lot of dessert/treats recently, but am slowly starting to cut down. At least I haven't gone and bought crap from the vending machines at work. If I'm going to eat something fatty/sugary, it at least has to be the Good Stuff, not the mediocre stuff. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/healthy-habits-check-in-2#post-609271 Tue, 01 May 2012 16:01:17 +0000 Mo 609271@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I am down 1.5 of my extra pounds from last week or two's frivolity. I did play some tennis and fiddled on a treadmill and exercise bike for a mere 10 min or so on Sunday. Food is so so. Still not maybe eating the best, but at least not eating too much.<br /> Hope for a run late this afternoon. I have half a pound to go before my birthday in less than 2 weeks. Should be easy. But then there's the wine (and food) tasting Wed. Hmmm, it's always something. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/healthy-habits-check-in-2#post-609266 Tue, 01 May 2012 16:00:05 +0000 christieanne 609266@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Doing well on cutting out red meat and pork but I have to admit that some fantastic foccacia and pizza entered the house last week/weekend and I indulged with the family. I tried to limit portions but it was so tempting.<br /> Then last night my DH made pasta (which did have a lot of vegies) but most likely his sauce was over the top with butter and cream (knowing him). I was just too tired from a full day of travel and interviews that I ate some but I did stop when full instead of just mindlessly eating. And wine.<br /> Ok, so today I just need to balance all that out right? Some oatmeal, lots of fruit and vegies and a good dinner.<br /> It's paying attention to things that I find as common realization with you all today -<br /> I can totally relate to Marianna (can you pack a few healthy snacks with you - almonds, apple, etc. for long days?) and Isabel and NPM. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/healthy-habits-check-in-2#post-609258 Tue, 01 May 2012 15:50:32 +0000 citygirldc 609258@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Trying to eat healthy and workout as much as I can, although I indulged in pizza last night. </p> <p>After running a 10 mile race and the half marathon within 2 weeks, I'm burnt out but I did sign up for a much shorter race in mid-May: a 10K. </p> <p>10lbs to go. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/healthy-habits-check-in-2#post-609150 Tue, 01 May 2012 13:56:37 +0000 velvetychocolate 609150@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Much better this week! I'm still battling some 'extra' pounds (thankfully not as many), but I'm in much better shape than I was two or three weeks ago. </p> <p>Interesting to read NPM about feeling ill and how that can sometimes translate into eating junk food. I've recognized the same pattern in myself too. I know that if I'm not feeling well, I'm more likely to "treat" myself - out of feeling sorry for myself or wanting to just curl up, close the curtains and lounge around with my comfort food. Ack! </p> <p>Isabel - I think it's a good idea to slow down on exercise when you're not feeling so hot - you're not moving backwards at all when you do this - you're actually speeding up the healing process and moving forward, right on out of feeling under the weather. </p> <p>Hmm...thanks to this thread already, I now have an 'idea' - that perhaps it might be a good idea to create a "not feeling well" capsule. Of food! Might be handy to have some gourmet canned (yes, they exist) soups on hand and things like that. I think when we feel sick, the last thing we want is to cook or eat salads. But some nice Thai soup is going to be a lot better than fries or downing some cookies in front of the TV. Maybe a couple of gourmet-ish, but still healthy, frozen meals in the freezer for just these types of emergency times. I do a lot of cooking, and 99% of our meals are made from scratch. </p> <p>But if I don't feel well, then forget it. And I'm left with "nothing" to eat (plenty of food on hand, just that I don't want to prepare it or cook it), so it's easy to just get take-out or eat junk. I could make it easier to still eat well when not feeling good if I had a few things on hand for these types of situations. Even if not sick - there are always times when we get super-busy or stressed, and that's when the best of intentions can fly right out of the window. Ya - I think I'll actually create a mini-food-capsule as a preventative measure. </p> <p>By the way, these threads have been immensely helpful for me - thank you! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/healthy-habits-check-in-2#post-609143 Tue, 01 May 2012 13:45:57 +0000 marianna 609143@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Just weighed myself, and my weight hasn't budged since last week. I'm not surprised. I'd say I slacked off a bit this week, unintentionally. Nothing major, but my body doesn't react well to simple carbs. I also know that late night eating is slowing down my progress. Some nights I work until 9pm and when I get home I am ravenous and end up eating a lot, then going to bed. This needs to change.</p> <p>I'm still exercising with my trainer twice a week, and I'm finally starting to enjoy it (rather than dread it!) I'd call that progress. I'm also lifting heavier weights each time, so maybe I'm getting stronger! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/healthy-habits-check-in-2#post-609138 Tue, 01 May 2012 13:38:38 +0000 Isabel 609138@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>AHHHH..so it is really comfort food ! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/healthy-habits-check-in-2#post-609137 Tue, 01 May 2012 13:37:24 +0000 Anonymous 609137@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>No. I got ill before the junk food. lol. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/healthy-habits-check-in-2#post-609135 Tue, 01 May 2012 13:36:09 +0000 Isabel 609135@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>NPM, do you think that the junk food did us in ? ! Darn that junk food !!! I am avoiding soda, but I had such a migraine yesterday , that I had a coke ( for the caffeine ). Don't you love how I use illness to excuse JUNK ?</p> <p>( Were you on a diet or just trying to eat better ? )</p> <p>I hope that you feel better ! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/healthy-habits-check-in-2#post-609132 Tue, 01 May 2012 13:32:55 +0000 Anonymous 609132@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Two days of eating junk food for me also.</p> <p>I'm off work sick. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/healthy-habits-check-in-2#post-609129 Tue, 01 May 2012 13:31:37 +0000 Isabel 609129@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Hello everyone ! </p> <p>Well, this past week wasn't as successful for me. I ate ........junk food ! LOL ! I ordered some fries ( small ) and the serving was enormous. I did have the wherewithal to eat SOME of it and throw the rest away. I was so tempted to bring it home, but I knew that I would eat. I just won't order next time because I don't wan to waste food either.</p> <p>I didn't feel well last week, so I only did a couple of days of exercise. I was a bit bummed because I felt as if I was moving backwards. </p> <p>How are you doing ? </p>