https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ot-need-some-advice-from-the-wls-girls Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Fri, 08 May 2026 00:37:53 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ot-need-some-advice-from-the-wls-girls/page/2#post-125240 Thu, 11 Feb 2010 05:07:54 +0000 Anonymous 125240@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I fully ascribe to the small portion, high quality food too, eaten slowly from a beautiful dish if possible, savoring the experience. Once you're used to the good stuff, junk food is easy to resist, at least most of the time. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ot-need-some-advice-from-the-wls-girls/page/2#post-125237 Thu, 11 Feb 2010 04:30:53 +0000 Maya 125237@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Kristen, I have an Intimacy here and countless other stores, so I'm lucky. I just went there and got 3 bras. I didn't want to get any more as I am hoping to go down at least a size. I also shop online at Bare Necessities (on today's blog post), Figleaves, and Her Room. I have no problem finding my size, it's just annoying that it has to be altered. I COULD order 28's instead of 30's, but sometimes they are too small. I'm right smack in between. </p> <p>As for offsetting--I just don't think it will work for me. Indulgences are filling and satisfying, but the feeling isn't lasting. Even if I eat a giant slice of cake or a giant hunk of cheese (let alone small portions), I'll be hungry an hour later...and then what? I have to eat a salad or 4 bites of food for dinner to "offset" the junk food I ate before, which still leaves me hungry. If I eat a satisfying lunch instead, I'll be happy until dinner. </p> <p>I'd rather just have two days a month where I'm naughty and eat both the cake AND a fab dinner. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ot-need-some-advice-from-the-wls-girls/page/2#post-125229 Thu, 11 Feb 2010 04:00:43 +0000 Angie 125229@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>This thread has exploded! Maya, you have a lot to digest (pun intended). </p> <p>Julie, sounds like we're cut from the same cloth: "the focus of the book is to thoroughly enjoy small portions of the highest quality indulgences, from cheese to chocolate". That's how we live our food life. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ot-need-some-advice-from-the-wls-girls/page/2#post-125121 Wed, 10 Feb 2010 19:56:36 +0000 Kristen 125121@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>On fitday.com, you can make your daily log public. I love this idea as I react well to accountability but I don't have friends who use it. So here goes: Maya, if you want to check out my profile and log you can see where I indulged, and slipped up compared to where I did well.</p> <p><a href="http://fitday.com/fitness/PublicJournals.html?Owner=kristenrudderham" rel="nofollow">http://fitday.com/fitness/Publ.....nrudderham</a> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ot-need-some-advice-from-the-wls-girls/page/2#post-125118 Wed, 10 Feb 2010 19:42:41 +0000 Kristen 125118@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I gave up on the 30's because they are so hard to find, I can usually wear a 32 if has a tight fit on the tightest hook. I have had some success with 30's from the UK. I wear Fantasie and Freya and although I was fitted here in Canada, where they cost $220 each and never go on sale, I have had great luck with bravissimo.com and figleaves.com. They often have sales. I would recommend going to a high end shop, getting fitted and then ordering online, it has saved me hundreds. Ironically, a friend took me shopping in California where breast implants are ubiquitous and I found tons on sale for $30 at Macy's. I spent my entire shopping budget in a half hour on bras, it was heaven. Usually in Canada, there is one store a city with one or two bras that fit me, but know that I know my size in my brands, I can order online. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ot-need-some-advice-from-the-wls-girls/page/2#post-125115 Wed, 10 Feb 2010 19:24:53 +0000 Maya 125115@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Oh Kristin! I'm glad you're inside too--you are my kindred spirit. I am a 30FF and wear my bras on the smallest hook I need to have them altered to a 28 or 29 to keep them on the biggest hook. </p> <p>I need to go back through this thread and check out some of the links that are posted. I tried logging my calories for the first time but it was a bit difficult with the curry. Since I ate so little before that, I just figured I could take a second helping. It was just vegetables, tofu, broth, and curry paste. I took less rice than I usually do.</p> <p>American portions are a nuisance honestly. No wonder so many people are struggling with obesity. I watched a show a few years ago where a group of people were eating at a diner and were told to eat until they were full. They mostly cleaned their plates. The next time they were at the same diner and eating the same meals, but this time they were blindfolded and told to eat until they were full. Virtually all their plates had significant amounts of food left on them. Amazing. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ot-need-some-advice-from-the-wls-girls/page/2#post-125114 Wed, 10 Feb 2010 19:13:44 +0000 Kristen 125114@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Hello Ladies, I have been a reader for ages but never felt like I needed to add my two cents worth. I signed up today to contribute to this thread. I totally relate. My weights has fluctuated only in a twenty pound range my entire adult life and when I'm at the top I feel miserable and when I'm at the bottom I feel like a bombshell, so the amount is not trivial. I'm tall-ish, 5'8" and also am burdened with a FF cup (32FF - which means NOTHING ever fits because I'm so small boned through the ribcage). When I get into bad habits and feel like I need to regain control, I resort to <a href="http://www.fitday.com" rel="nofollow">http://www.fitday.com</a>. I've been using it for years and it works every time, although you might find it high maintenance if you aren't in front of a computer a lot during the day. I love it because it isn't just a calorie tracker but also tells you when you are meeting nutritional requirements and also logs your workouts. I really believe in eating seven plus servings of veg a day and when I start paying attention to my intake and ratios of fat etc, the weight comes off. As far as fitness goes, I detest working out but have always maintained some kind of goal to keep me going, usually running a race that I pay in advance for. I recently left the private practice of law to join the JAG corps and discovered while dragging my much older butt around basic training that a few key exercises can really make a difference. I lost 15 lbs at boot camp and went down three sizes mostly due to a few squats, push-ups and sit-ups per day. The regime wasn't very organized or arduous and I ate like a horse, but I have kept doing those exercises at home and maintained the loss. It is easy and takes only 15 minutes. A good website for plans to follow for basic gymnastic movements that will get your metabolism burning and sculpt you, is <a href="http://www.crossfit.com" rel="nofollow">http://www.crossfit.com</a>. This can be a very intense system used by special operations folks but I adapt it to my more laid back lifestyle and it works. I do three of those workouts a week (many are short and can be done in the morning before heading to work in under 20 minutes). I run three times a week - which I think your walking counts for, Maya. I also try to do a couple yoga classes. I find it stretches me out and I look better. In Canada, Lulu Lemon has free classes at their stores. Good luck and keep us up-dated. I know your feeling well.</p> <p>Thanks to all the YLF ladies for providing me much needed reprise from heady international law during my coffee breaks, I'm rather excited to finally be "inside". </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ot-need-some-advice-from-the-wls-girls/page/2#post-125085 Wed, 10 Feb 2010 18:14:42 +0000 RoseandJoan 125085@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Maya, I just thought as well to mention the difference between a traditional English portion size to it's American counterpart,</p> <p>A UK portion (50g) of Victoria Sponge = 243 Kcal</p> <p>Fruit scone (40g ) which are my favourite = 126 Kcal</p> <p>These are much easier to offset than 500 Kcal of cake.</p> <p>The focus of the book is to thoroughly enjoy small portions of the highest quality indulgences, from cheese to chocolate. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ot-need-some-advice-from-the-wls-girls/page/2#post-125084 Wed, 10 Feb 2010 18:14:01 +0000 marianna 125084@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I actually really recommend offsetting too. Sometimes when you're dieting you still really want a piece of cake or pasta or something that is really high calorie. The best way to let yourself enjoy the "bad" food is to cut back a little at a different meal. As long as you stay in your calorie range, you're okay. Obviously eating a 1400 calorie fast food burger is not what this is all about, rather allowing yourself to have some yummy cake with tea, and then having a modest, low calorie dinner. It helps me stay sane, honestly. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ot-need-some-advice-from-the-wls-girls/page/2#post-125082 Wed, 10 Feb 2010 18:06:06 +0000 Maya 125082@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Angie, in all honesty, you probably won't have to twist my arm to eat cake. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ot-need-some-advice-from-the-wls-girls/page/2#post-125053 Wed, 10 Feb 2010 17:14:39 +0000 Angie 125053@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Maya, the off setting thing totally works, but my wrists are sore and I can't type up my explanations right now. We can chat about it on Sunday. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ot-need-some-advice-from-the-wls-girls/page/2#post-125050 Wed, 10 Feb 2010 17:09:04 +0000 Maya 125050@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I honestly don't think offsetting is enough for everyone. I wish it were, otherwise I wouldn't be in this position. That is what I have concluded. How many calories are in a slice of cake? 500? If my allowance is only 1400, that leaves 900 for everything else I eat, which is not enough. I'd have to trade in a full meal for that slice of cake, which would be hard as cake isn't really filling over time.</p> <p>The less your allowance is, the less the offsetting thing works. I also don't totally buy it, otherwise it would mean that eating just one thing at 1400 calories in the day would be acceptable for me! I know it's not as scientific as I'm making it out to be...but it's precisely the science that proves it isn't true. It might be for some, particularly if you have the benefit of more calories, or are more active, but for me it isn't going to work.</p> <p>Unfortunately I think the only option for me is to just save certain things for occasions and avoid them otherwise. I'll eat cake on my birthday, but it will probably just be a sliver or a few bites. I'm also going to ask my mom not to buy a whole cake, as I usually end up eating it over the course of several days. </p> <p>I do not drink alcohol so no issue there. I do not drink soda either. I'm fine in the beverage department. Well, except the occasional cup of cocoa...but who can resist cocoa on a day like this (snowed in, freezing, windy)? All the shoveling I'm going to have to do will surely burn enough calories to offset that... </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ot-need-some-advice-from-the-wls-girls/page/2#post-125046 Wed, 10 Feb 2010 16:53:28 +0000 Mellllls 125046@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Maya,<br /> Just wanted to echo I'm in the same boat as you. I gained almost 10 lbs from May until the end of the year....while training and running 10ks. And according to the body fat calculator on my scale I gained no muscle during that time. Just wanted you to know you are not alone. I've always exercised so I am keeping that up but also counting my calories. One thing that hasn't been mentioned is cutting out alcohol. I have gladly been the designated driver when we go out now because it keeps me from drinking alcohol and which also makes a difference. Good luck! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ot-need-some-advice-from-the-wls-girls/page/2#post-125036 Wed, 10 Feb 2010 16:18:29 +0000 Vani 125036@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Angie, I've already jumped headfirst into the WLS threads It's amazing what a little support and encouragement and a whole lot of inspiration will do!</p> <p>Maya, I know firsthand what you mean by a few pounds on a petite frame. My poor petite frame has had to lug around more than it should for a long time! Bust size is the first to be affected by weight (more specifically fat) gain or loss. </p> <p>I second (third, fourth...) everything that has been said here about diet, portion sizes and calorific deficit. Protein and good fats (like avocado) help to keep you feeling full longer than just even good carbs. </p> <p>A fistful (roughly 21 almonds) is your allowance per day and makes for a wonderful, filling snack for your salty cravings. Also try asking mum to help you with roasting chickpeas in the oven. They are supposed to be one of the lowest GI grains and another cure for the salty snack craving. </p> <p>For sweet cravings, the SB diet bars Joy mentioned are great. I'm not a big fan of any other flavours but the chocolate flavour is deelish. I also love cottage cheese with diced fruit (apples, banana etc.) Another thing I do is mix almond slivers and a few raisins (only a few as they are high in sugars) into a third of a cup of ricotta cheese. I love it. I eat it for bfast, as a snack or when I'm craving dessert. Only once a day though. Another power snack creation of mine which I LOVE - one slice of whole wheat bread smeared with a teaspoon of nutella, topped with about a tablespoon of cottage cheese topped with banana slices (1/2 banana). Yum!</p> <p>I really want to stress the importance of some kind of weight training. It boosts your metabolism like no other. As for the advantages of a lb of muscle vs a 1 lb of fat, here's a good visual - <a href="http://charliewall.files.wordpress.com/2009/11/fat-v-muscle.jpg" rel="nofollow">http://charliewall.files.wordp.....muscle.jpg</a> . Plus, as we grow older and lose bone density, strength training is the one thing that will help keep us strong and limber. I really recommend this website for a lot of good information about the advantages of strength training for women, beyond the obvious - <a href="http://www.stumptuous.com/" rel="nofollow">http://www.stumptuous.com/</a></p> <p>Good luck Maya! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ot-need-some-advice-from-the-wls-girls/page/2#post-125033 Wed, 10 Feb 2010 16:04:00 +0000 Anonymous 125033@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'm on a diabetic diet with help from hospital dietitians. As others have said, several small meals or snacks are better than a 2 or 3 bigger meals. About getting hungry...I've been told to add protein so that I don't get hungry as fast. My breakfast is 2/3 cup of dry 1-minute oatmeal (instant won't work) to which I add skim milk, a bit of salt and a teaspoon of cinnamon, but no sweeter. To get the protein, I'm to eat a low fat mozzerella stick. Sometimes instead I add pecans to the oatmeal or use cottage cheese instead of milk. The last option is really filling. I also am to have 3/4 cup of blueberries with this breakfast, although they tend to send the blood sugar up. If I leave out the protein, it's amazing to me how fast I get hungry.<br /> An easy snack that will last me at least 2 hours is a South Beach Living High Protein Cereal Bar (10 g protein, 140 calories). These are perfect to have in my bag while shopping or at a movie, etc. They are available in chocolate, which helps that craving.<br /> Anyway, this is a long post to say that you need some protein to keep from getting hungry. Also, the dietician claims miracles can happen if you eat oatmeal and beans every day. I wish you the best of luck. You will need to experiment to see what works for you. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ot-need-some-advice-from-the-wls-girls/page/2#post-125021 Wed, 10 Feb 2010 15:26:01 +0000 Angie 125021@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>High five, Laura! That book is fab. </p> <p>High five, Julie! We use your method of “offsetting” all the time too. AND I read Mireille Guilano’s great book. I am not a Francophile at all but we do eat according to the French foodplan (minus the mammals for me). It makes a lot of sense to us and seems to work for our lifestyle and tatsebuds. </p> <p>I also echo, Khris! Maya, Ele, Dawn, Vani, Shana and anyone else – join the YLF WLS group. It’s really working for the ladies who weigh in every week. You need to be held accountable for your foodplan to work. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ot-need-some-advice-from-the-wls-girls/page/2#post-124974 Wed, 10 Feb 2010 03:06:58 +0000 Lena 124974@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Maya, I don't have a lot to add.</p> <p>Another useful website for info and calorie data is <a href="http://www.nutritiondata.com" rel="nofollow">http://www.nutritiondata.com</a>. Hee, I looked up quinoa and avocado recently. </p> <p>Dashrashi, I totally know what you mean about mouth-hungry vs stomach-hungry. And big yes to forgetting what stomach-hungry feels like, and how it takes some time to readjust (fortunately for me it doesn't take long to get back to normal, usually a day). </p> <p>Good luck, Maya! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ot-need-some-advice-from-the-wls-girls/page/2#post-124907 Tue, 09 Feb 2010 23:20:09 +0000 shana 124907@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Maya, like you, I really just want to lose 10-15 pounds (which would put me at your current size!) and agree that on someone with a petite frame, this is actually a pretty big change! For me, every 5 pounds is about one size! Anyway, I just wanted to say that even though my weight loss goals are on the smaller scale, I have been participating on the WLS thread and have appreciated the support, ideas and general positive attitude by everyone there.</p> <p>I don't have anything else to add except to say that having some fat component in your meals is important to keeping you feeling full. I notice that when I eat a carb only type of meal, I end up being ravenous only a short while later. I also agree with Ele about strength training. My mother is in the early stages of osteoporosis so I am a firm believer in taking care of your bones! The other factor to consider is that the biggest impact in terms of strength training on bone density is before the age of 35. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ot-need-some-advice-from-the-wls-girls/page/2#post-124882 Tue, 09 Feb 2010 21:50:16 +0000 Dawn 124882@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Maya, I just wanted to echo Ele's thanks for starting this thread. Like you, I have the same problem of recently putting on weight and going up another cup size. I want to deal with this before it becomes a problem and the weight continues to go on.</p> <p>And now I'm off for a run... </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ot-need-some-advice-from-the-wls-girls/page/2#post-124879 Tue, 09 Feb 2010 21:45:57 +0000 RoseandJoan 124879@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Maya, do you offset your calories? It only really works when you realise the calorific value of what you are eating, but since I have lost my baby weight I use the philosophy of offsetting my food all of the time. For example if I meet a friend at the local cafe for cake in the afternoon, I will reduce the size of portion I eat at my evening meal. </p> <p>Have you ever read the Mireille Guilano book French Women Don't Get Fat? It was very popular a few years ago and I really love her philosophical approach to food. I also know you are a francophile so will probably enjoy the cultural references. I strongly recommend it. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ot-need-some-advice-from-the-wls-girls#post-124871 Tue, 09 Feb 2010 21:28:14 +0000 Michelle 124871@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Just wanted to echo Khris: whether you have to lose 5 pounds or 50, you're doing something tough that demands support. Plese join in the WLS discussions any time you want, even if it's only sporatic!</p> <p>maya, even cutting down to one cookie a day instead of two could make a difference. It's amazing how much little changes can add up. That said, you clearly know exactly what to do, and I'm sure you can make it happen. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ot-need-some-advice-from-the-wls-girls#post-124854 Tue, 09 Feb 2010 19:42:43 +0000 Maya 124854@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I read Michael Pollan and have written about him and his books on the forum before. Eating plants is sort of a no-brainer for me though. I mean, I suppose I could be a vegetarian who lives on bread, chocolate, and cheese (I wish!), but it's not exactly sustainable.</p> <p>The only two vegetables I really hate are eggplant and celery. </p> <p>I think it's mostly a matter of portion and frequency for me, rather than what I eat, i.e. Maybe I can treat myself to one cookie per week, rather than 2 per night. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ot-need-some-advice-from-the-wls-girls#post-124850 Tue, 09 Feb 2010 19:18:39 +0000 Laura 124850@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I just read the book that Angie quoted from -- Michael Pollan's In Defense of Food. Highly recommended. It will make you rethink all processed food. </p> <p>Agreed about tracking, using restraint (haha! I should practice what I preach!), having support, planning ahead (for a while it might be good to write down what you plan to eat ahead of time, so you don't get off track, especially when you know you'll be eating out), and weighing at least weekly. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ot-need-some-advice-from-the-wls-girls#post-124846 Tue, 09 Feb 2010 18:52:29 +0000 chewyspaghetti 124846@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Ladies- don't feel like because you don't have as much weight to loose that you can't participate in the WLS threads. We want to support everyone- with whatever goals they have. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ot-need-some-advice-from-the-wls-girls#post-124844 Tue, 09 Feb 2010 18:44:35 +0000 Maya 124844@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Well the good news is that the sandwich I made was way too big! So no 695 calories for me. I ate slowly and paid very close attention to when I started to feel full. I probably ate about 2/3 of it, and half an apple, before I just couldn't eat any more. Normally I would've just forced myself to finish it because there is a deranged voice in me telling me I have to eat EVERYTHING I make no matter how nauseous it makes me...but I ignored that voice and I'm glad. I am now back in the office and having a small glass of water. All together I think I probably ate something more like 400-450 calories total so far today and won't be eating again until dinner. That means I have plenty of room for lots of delicious curry tonight I'll try to pile on the curried veggies and only take a tiny bit of rice. Being of Indian and Iranian descent, rice is a big downfall for me :\ We eat it at least 3 times a week, often more. And don't even get me started on delicious Indian breads...</p> <p>Darn cultural food. </p> <p>I actually have a pedometer app on my iphone (there is truly an app for everything), but the problem is that my phone has to constantly be active for it to work, which drains the battery. I might try it tonight on my commute home if I have enough batteries left just to see.</p> <p>Once it warms up, I can start taking a 15 min. walk across Central Park instead of transferring trains to get to work. That would be both healthy and very invigorating, but it's too cold and snowy right now. </p> <p>I have to take the stairs or walk up escalators in order to be sane! I just hate the feeling of standing on escalators or elevators with dead weight on my feet. I NEED to be moving continuously, else I feel agitated and restless. Even when I reach the train platform, I'll walk from one end to the other until the train finally comes. It just makes me crazy to stand but not move. I also remembered that I bought a jump rope a while back, but I may have to work my way up to that one. I would definitely like to get back into yoga though. That's a question of strength and flexibility, which walking doesn't really help with.</p> <p>(Also, if you have ever been to the Met, you will know that there is no shortage of stairs here!)</p> <p>I begin the day with my chocolate granola bar and bookend it with just one Dove chocolate. Hopefully that will keep me happy. I'm very concerned about TTOTM though. I'm even more of a chocolate monster than usual. Time will tell if I persevere.</p> <p>p.s. Hopefully it is becoming clear why comfy shoes are so very essential to me... </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ot-need-some-advice-from-the-wls-girls#post-124843 Tue, 09 Feb 2010 18:42:05 +0000 Ele 124843@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Maya, I think it's great that you brought this up and asked for help. I have similar feelings in sometimes wanting to join in the WLS discussions, but feeling like my stupid whiny rant of "oh, these stubborn 6-8 pounds are driving me crazy!" is just so trivial compared to what some of those ladies have lost/are losing. A lot of ladies are really inspiring in their weight loss, and I wouldn't want to diminish their achievements with my (comparatively small) insecurities. That said, I know that even a small gain can be a huge weight (ha, ha) on your mind, and affect your health and state of mind, too. I think it's great that you're looking ahead to make sure this doesn't affect you too much in the future. </p> <p>I think tracking calories for a few weeks is a good idea, just to get an idea of how much you're eating now, and calories of specific portion sizes. I might try jotting it all down in a little notebook with the time you eat, as well- sort of a "food diary". That way, you can see if there are any weird patterns, like you always end up eating something super sugary when you get home from work (I do). Once you know your weaknesses, you can have healthier alternatives prepared ahead of time. </p> <p>Also, I know you said that weights and typical "working out" stuff is a no-go, but I really, really think you should consider some strength training. I say this to every woman I know- working and developing muscles are so important for you fitness now, and your health in the future! Not only will it help increase bone density and protect against osteoporosis when you're older, but consider this: the caloric burn from a strength training workout lasts for 24 hours after you're done, while for a cardio-only workout it's something like 1 hour. Also, one pound of muscle (on your body) burns way more calories (even just at rest, when you're sleeping) than one pound of fat. </p> <p>I'm not suggesting that you go out and buy dumbells or get all huge and beefy, but even lifting smallish weights (or heavy soup cans!) while you watch TV is a great start. Yoga and pilates are great for this too, so if you like yoga and plan to get back into it- awesome. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ot-need-some-advice-from-the-wls-girls#post-124839 Tue, 09 Feb 2010 18:15:32 +0000 karlie 124839@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Hi Maya! You've gotten some really great advice here. The only additional suggestion I can make is that you might want to consider investing in a pedometer. You mentioned that you do a lot of walking in your daily life, but sometimes it's hard to determine how many calories that kind of activity can burn. A pedometer is a great way to track the steps you take. I recall reading somewhere that 10,000 steps per day is ideal for weight-loss. That sure seems like a lot put I think those step add up quick!</p> <p>Pedometers seem to run in a varied price range (I saw anywhere from $10 to $60+), but I don't think you need to spend a lot of money on one. This site (<a href="http://walking.about.com/od/weightloss/u/weightloss.htm" rel="nofollow">http://walking.about.com/od/we.....htloss.htm</a>) appears to have a lot of information about pedometers and walking for weight loss. Perhaps it will have some useful tools for you. </p> <p>Best of luck! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ot-need-some-advice-from-the-wls-girls#post-124838 Tue, 09 Feb 2010 18:14:02 +0000 Vani 124838@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>So amazing you brought up that link to Wolfram Alpha elpgal! A dear, close cousin was/is heavily involved in the development of the knowledge engine </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ot-need-some-advice-from-the-wls-girls#post-124837 Tue, 09 Feb 2010 18:09:10 +0000 chellebrate 124837@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Love sparkpeople.com, too. I like how it's set up in phases. That really helped me get started and stick with it in the beginning when I wasn't seeing results yet (ie. motivator.) </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ot-need-some-advice-from-the-wls-girls#post-124797 Tue, 09 Feb 2010 13:46:52 +0000 Dusty 124797@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I can recommend Sparkpeople.com as a great tool for logging your intake and figuring out how many calories you should be eating (they'll figure a range for you based on your weight, your activity level and how quickly you want to lose). They even have a calorie calculator that helps you figure out the all the nutritional information for recipes (you enter the recipe information, the serving size/number and it does the rest). It's free and it was a great resource for me in my weight loss journey. </p> <p>It's actually better to eat 5 or so smaller meals than to try to stuff yourself at three. It evens out your metabolism and if you just eat until you're not hungry anymore, you'll eat less (and not feel that yucky over-full feeling). </p> <p>Oh, and I found that when you get that gnawing hungry feeling between meals, eating something crunchy like celery can actually satisfy you more than something like yogurt. </p>