https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/weight-loss-support-check-in-9-8-09 Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Sat, 09 May 2026 05:17:04 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/weight-loss-support-check-in-9-8-09/page/2#post-93922 Tue, 15 Sep 2009 03:33:48 +0000 anne 93922@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thanks for all the advice about flexiblity - and the timely reminder about why my 6 year old is more flexible Khris!<br /> On my walk/jog I incorporated more stretches, as per advice, and I think it made a big difference.<br /> I have also reseved a pilates video from my library (I have done mat classes before, but I don't think I could fit a fixed class time into my week at the moment)</p> <p>I should probably mention that running straight after I get up, at about 6am, is part of the problem. I would much prefer to do it later in the day, as I did pre-children, but that is not going to happen on any regular basis. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/weight-loss-support-check-in-9-8-09/page/2#post-93602 Mon, 14 Sep 2009 00:34:04 +0000 Christie 93602@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Shiny, I just have to say thank you for your thoughtful and informative words about calories. :)</p> <p>Anne, have you tried pilates? Its wonderful and when I'm consistent with it (twice a week) I see wonderful improvement in flexibility and posture. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/weight-loss-support-check-in-9-8-09/page/2#post-93598 Mon, 14 Sep 2009 00:26:11 +0000 yublocka 93598@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Anne I think I am as inflexible as you. The stretch you described in particular I cannot do at all. I must confess I have never been consistent enough with yoga to see if it does help in regards to that stretch. I know it does help my hamstrings when I do it, but so do simpler stretches too.</p> <p>As part of my <a href="http://www.43things.com/people/progress/yublocka/13464471">exercise every day challenge</a> I am planning to go to a beginners yoga class tomorrow night, so maybe I will have some news to report one way or the other in a few weeks...if I manage to stick with this that is!!!</p> <p>And I just wanted to say how impressed I am with your generous offer NCYogini!! What a lovely gesture of support to all of us here!!! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/weight-loss-support-check-in-9-8-09/page/2#post-93555 Sun, 13 Sep 2009 22:08:49 +0000 chewyspaghetti 93555@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Anne- kids are more flexible because they still have quite a bit of cartiledge. Don't compare your own range of motion to your daughters or you will be extremely disappointed. Yoga has incresed my flexibility a lot, but I don't think that I will ever be one of those uber flexible people. Dh can stand with his feet together and put his hands flat on the floor. He says his grandmother could do that in her 60's. I can't do it even doing yoga regularly. But his family also has really long arms and short legs, so that may be part of it. </p> <p>Velvetychocolate- I think the current recomendation for cardio for health is 30 mminutes per day, so 3 1/2 hours a week. You really haver to make sure that you're eating back some of those calories, though. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/weight-loss-support-check-in-9-8-09/page/2#post-93380 Sat, 12 Sep 2009 18:00:11 +0000 shiny 93380@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'm sure Steffie is going to give you the best advice, but yeah, you should definitely up the weights! You are probably not challenging your muscles if you haven't increased the weights. </p> <p>I used to do Pyramid sets. You can google that term. Here's a quick description:<br /> <a href="http://www.fitsugar.com/223548" rel="nofollow">http://www.fitsugar.com/223548</a></p> <p>Do you know Krista at Stumptuous? She's got a lot of great information and ideas for workouts:</p> <p><a href="http://www.stumptuous.com/" rel="nofollow">http://www.stumptuous.com/</a> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/weight-loss-support-check-in-9-8-09/page/2#post-93365 Sat, 12 Sep 2009 17:14:53 +0000 velvetychocolate 93365@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Wow - thanks shiny! </p> <p>And yes ineedy - I find the elliptical very boring. Was waiting around for the cooler weather to start up my long walks outside again. Much prefer being outside. </p> <p>I've tried to up the weights, but haven't tracked it or been persistent with it. More like, "Hey, maybe I'll try a heavier dumbell today" or what have you. </p> <p>Woo hoo - you have me psyched up now to put back some more cardio. I'm gonna start with that, and then in a couple of weeks, I'll call that personal trainer again and have her help me figure out a new routine and/or something like what you've described - weights every day, instead of 3x weekly. That way, I can get it done faster. As an example - the back/biceps day takes me a good hour. If I have to do cardio on top of that, it won't likely get done. Perhaps splitting it all up the way you've suggested is the way to go. </p> <p>And it's 3 sets of everything, start with 8 reps...work up to 12-15 reps, and when I can do that, then it's time to increase weight. That's what the trainer told me. Thing is, I haven't exactly been all that consientious about upping the weight. All that said, I do see improvements - for instance, I could barely do one pushup when I started, and now I can do a lot more. Same with stuff like back extensions. </p> <p>You've given me some excellent advice shiny - so thank you very much! I think it's going to help if I can reduce the number of resistance exercises - this will allow me to do cardio a few more times a week. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/weight-loss-support-check-in-9-8-09/page/2#post-93356 Sat, 12 Sep 2009 16:57:53 +0000 shiny 93356@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Velvet, that sounds like a great routine, very similar to what I used to do (way back when...I had time to live in the gym!). Except instead of elliptical for cardio, I would run. And I would lift weights 5x's a week. So imagine your routine, except like this:</p> <p>Monday - chest/tris plus a run<br /> Tuesday - legs and abs plus a run<br /> Wed - back, biceps plus a run<br /> Thurs - chest/tris plus a run<br /> Fri - legs and abs plus a run</p> <p>Monday - start where you left off... so back/biceps... </p> <p>And in my case I'd run first, because running was personally more important to me than the weight training. </p> <p>Question - have you/do you increase your weights? If you are still working with the same level of weights the trainer started you on, that's what I would change up first. Increase the weights. Also how many sets do you do of each exercise? </p> <p>As for the cardio, I think it's fantastic you've gone from 10 minutes to 45-60 minutes! As for adding in more cardio, I think it's up to you and your goals, and what you enjoy. For me, while I'm no longer doing any weights, I do think weight training gives more bang for your buck, if changing your body shape and dropping dress sizes is your goal. But cardio is wonderful for my mental health - helps me de-stress. And of course it's good for the heart and for blood sugar control. </p> <p>Number 1 suggestion: guard against boredom. If elliptical is getting boring, try something else. The worse thing, IMO, is to get bored and quit. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/weight-loss-support-check-in-9-8-09/page/2#post-93324 Sat, 12 Sep 2009 15:10:33 +0000 velvetychocolate 93324@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>NCYogini4 (Steffie)....thank you for chiming in. </p> <p>I do have a question for you (and everyone else). I've mostly lost this weight through diet, but joined a gym last November (just putzing around). Then, in February, I hired a personal trainer to develop a newbie/beginner's weight training routine for me. </p> <p>My question is this - do you think I need to increase the cardio? </p> <p>Basic routine is this:</p> <p>Mondays - weights - chest and triceps - tricep dips on the tower machine, chest press, chest fly, pushups, skullcrushers, tricep kickbacks</p> <p>Tuesday - cardio - just elliptical - haven't tried intervals or anything daring like that yet</p> <p>Wednesday - weights - legs and abs - squats, walking/standing lunges, hip adductor/abductor, calf raises, planks, abdominal crunches on the ball, Roman Chair, and standing side ab weights (sorry, I don't know all the technical terms) and side twisty abdominal things with a giant dumbell</p> <p>Thursday - cardio - elliptical </p> <p>Friday - weights - back and biceps - pullups on the tower machine, lateral raise, cable rows, back extensions, standing barbell bicep curls, concentration curls</p> <p>Several months ago, I was also adding in some decent long walks in there every day as well - I don't really count this as 'cardio' - but it certainly did help speed along weight loss, and it also really helped with newbie muscle soreness (weight training). </p> <p>With the elliptical - I just do 45 to 60 minutes on it - at a pretty easy incline/resistance. When I started, I was doing just 10 minutes. </p> <p>In about 8-9 weeks of the newbie weight routine - I 'only' lost 10 pounds, but I dropped almost 3 clothing sizes. Adding in the weights, even though it was a very newbie-ish routine, had a dramatic effect. </p> <p>That said, I now feel somewhat stalled out. Do I need to change up the weight routine (the trainer said something about changing everything up - called it 'muscle confusion') or should I be doing more on the cardio front? And if I need to increase/add more cardio - will daily walking do the trick? I'm feeling a bit chicken to hire that trainer back - she was *tough* - thing was, her routine totally worked to improve things for me. It was months ago that she suggested changing up all the weight exercises - I was supposed to call her back...but um, didn't. </p> <p>Those first two weeks in the weight room - were uh, *killer*. I mean, I was joking around with my husband that I wanted him to get me a walker or something. It hurt to shampoo my hair, even. But, I did it. And things got much easier. </p> <p>But that's the thing - the routine is seeming 'easy'. And I'm not really getting anywhere, progress wise.</p> <p>I have some more fat I'd like to lose - I'm not as close to goal as I thought I was, owing to checking out various BMI charts and measuring my wrists and stuff for frame size and yadda yadda yadda. </p> <p>Any suggestions/comments? I'd love to hear what everyone thinks. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/weight-loss-support-check-in-9-8-09/page/2#post-93315 Sat, 12 Sep 2009 14:34:34 +0000 shiny 93315@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'm really inflexible too, Anne. I think some of us just are that way naturally. If I'm doing yoga consistently, I do get better, but there's a limit to how much I can improve. I will never be able to touch my forehead to my knees while holding on to the bottom of my foot!</p> <p>I would say whatever you do, don't stretch before you run. Walk or jog slowly for at least 10 minutes, then stop and stretch. Or stretch after running when your muscles are warmed up. I say this because in the past I have injured myself stretching cold muscles!<br /> I like the stretches in the link Cciele posted. Those are the basic stretches my PT has me do every day for my back problems. </p> <p>And if you feel tight and as if you can't move very fast, I find it really helps to give yourself a long, SLOW warm-up. My best runs always start out with about 10 minutes of really slow jogging - nearly a walk. If I start slow, I can end fast. And the run tends to be much more comfortable and enjoyable overall. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/weight-loss-support-check-in-9-8-09/page/2#post-93200 Sat, 12 Sep 2009 04:12:43 +0000 anne 93200@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thanks so much Cathy! Looks great. I'll have a closer look tonight as it is lunchtime here! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/weight-loss-support-check-in-9-8-09/page/2#post-93197 Sat, 12 Sep 2009 04:10:16 +0000 NCYogini4 93197@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Hey Ladies!</p> <p>I am so impressed with the support for your wonderful weight loss adventures. And wow, we are lucky to have several members with a great amount of knowledge re: diet and exercise!! I just wanted to let you know that if you ever have any questions about diet/exercise, I'd be happy to humbly offer my .02 in as well. It's my line of work and would be delighted if at any time my knowledge could supplement the already great advice you're receiving from the other gals!</p> <p>Great job everyone, and keep it up!</p> <p>Steffie </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/weight-loss-support-check-in-9-8-09/page/2#post-93180 Sat, 12 Sep 2009 03:41:30 +0000 cciele 93180@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Anne, you might want to look into active isolated stretching (AIS). Here are some sample exercises for runners:<br /> <a href="http://runningtimes.com/Article.aspx?ArticleID=3512" rel="nofollow">http://runningtimes.com/Articl.....cleID=3512</a></p> <p>I don't do this type of stretching (I'm a yoga person), but my husband swears by it! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/weight-loss-support-check-in-9-8-09/page/2#post-93176 Sat, 12 Sep 2009 03:21:37 +0000 anne 93176@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I have a question re: jogging.<br /> At this point I am just trying to get my aerobic fitness up, but on previous experience, that shouldn't take too long. I also feel that a limiting factor for me in getting back to running is that my legs feel tight and that I can't move very fast. </p> <p>My daughter was showing me some of the stretches she does in her acrobatics class and there is no way I could do them! For instance, sitting with legs apart and straight, she can touch the floor with her body, I can only slightly lean forward (and she says she could do them as soon as she started learning; it isn't a skill she has acquired in the class).</p> <p>Any hints for flexibility? ( I am not really keen on the idea of yoga) </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/weight-loss-support-check-in-9-8-09/page/2#post-93146 Sat, 12 Sep 2009 01:16:35 +0000 yublocka 93146@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Chewy thanks for continuing to keep this thread going!</p> <p>You ladies have all been doing fabulously. It is inspiring to read your stories!!!</p> <p>My efforts since the last time we checked in have been poor! I can feel my pants and jeans fitter tighter - not good!! </p> <p>For now I am focusing on trying to incorporate some form of exercise, even if its just a walk into every day. I am tracking my progress <a href="http://www.43things.com/people/progress/yublocka/13464471">here on 43things</a> (does anyone else use that site???). My gym membership has just expired, but I don't want that to be an excuse for not moving!!! A local personal training studio has just started a bootcamp a few minutes walk from my house, and there is also a yoga studio I want to go to. With the weather starting to get warmer (hello 28&deg;C today!!) I want to get out and enjoy the great outdoors more!!! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/weight-loss-support-check-in-9-8-09/page/2#post-93048 Fri, 11 Sep 2009 18:20:03 +0000 shiny 93048@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Angie, I'm with you. I have always had a really hard time eating first thing in the morning too. But I do know that when I do, I tend to eat better the rest of the day, and also I'm more likely not to skip my exercise, and to find exercise a lot more enjoyable. </p> <p>Best trick for me is to just drink a smoothie! I can't eat anything in the early AM, but I can drink. So I blend it thin enough to drink through a straw. And yes, when I have to go into the office, I just pack it in a thermos and drink it in the car. </p> <p>I will confess that on Sunday's DH and I have only one meal: a huge, late brunch. I get a veggie omelet with a salad and fruit, and he'll eat the hungry man's special. He and I could both probably get away with one single, midday LARGE meal every day and be quite content. I do not do well on any diet that encourages snacking and mini-meals throughout the day. I have tried and tried, but it's just not something my body likes! I've never been a grazer. I prefer being fully sated after a meal, instead of hungry a few hours later. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/weight-loss-support-check-in-9-8-09/page/2#post-93046 Fri, 11 Sep 2009 18:16:54 +0000 velvetychocolate 93046@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Yes, it does make sense shiny - thank you for the helpful post. I haven't been to the gym in a few weeks, but will be going back next week. </p> <p>I'm not the best at logging my food intake, but I notice that when I do - the calories are anywhere from 1100-1400 or thereabouts. That said, I suspect that when I'm logging my food like that, I have a tendency to try extra hard, food-wise. This is probably not such a great thing. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/weight-loss-support-check-in-9-8-09#post-93045 Fri, 11 Sep 2009 18:11:32 +0000 shiny 93045@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Velvet, if you are at the gym a lot, yeah, you probably are undereating. 1100 is definitely too low. No adult woman, no matter what age, fitness level, or height can get adequate nutrition on 1100 calories. You need at least 1200, and at that level, you have to eat perfectly - completely, 100% clean. No empty calories at all. This is yet another reason why extreme dieting is harmful. You can eat less than 1200 for a very short period of time, but over the long haul, you are cheating your body of the nutrients it needs. </p> <p>Meanwhile, if you are at the gym a lot, your body needs additional calories for building:<br /> 1) Stronger muscles<br /> 2) Denser bones to support those muscles and the impact of your activity;<br /> 3) Additional capillaries to more quickly bring blood and oxygen to your muscles<br /> 4) Water stores - the body needs a certain ratio of water on hand in your muscles to be able to convert glucose to glycogen when you exercise.</p> <p>All of the above have weight. It's the good kind of weight - it's lean mass. So it's not uncommon for people's weight to go up before it comes down. Often if you've been out of shape your body first needs to do 1-4 before the fat really starts to burn off. The fitter you are, the more efficient your body is at burning fat. </p> <p>This is getting long-winded but if your goal is to get fitter, you need to eat adequate calories. Body builders know this: when they are in muscle-building mode, they eat a few hundred calories over. They do not diet. If you are dieting, you cannot build lean mass. </p> <p>So if you do up your calories, yes, you may find your weight increases - your body is going to pack on lean mass with the extra calories because you are making so many fitness demands on it - but then it should dive back down as that new lean mass starts to burn more fat, and break through your plateau. </p> <p>Make sense? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/weight-loss-support-check-in-9-8-09#post-93024 Fri, 11 Sep 2009 16:51:30 +0000 Sarah 93024@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I can SO relate, VC. I'm itching to shop and buy new things but I have no idea how my body will change. I got two dresses at NAS and another at AT and I'm really nervous. I'm hoping it wasn't a stupid move. :(<br /> Things like pants, jeans, and tops are not ideal to buy now with the intention of wearing later. But it's sooo hard! :D<br /> I make our dinners at night and make enough for leftovers for both of us the next day. I made a delicious black bean soup the other night and we're still eating it.<br /> Twice a month I buy my husband granola bars and trail mix in bulk so he can snack during the day. He's really never been overweight, and in fact often doesn't eat enough. This way he has stuff available. I pack his lunch and add in a yogurt or fresh veggies with it every day.<br /> We follow the Clean Eating plan, which has worked great for me in losing weight. I highly recommend it. Four to five smaller meals a day keeps me satisfied but not full or stuffed feeling. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/weight-loss-support-check-in-9-8-09#post-93021 Fri, 11 Sep 2009 16:47:31 +0000 Angie 93021@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Well done everyone! Sounds like you’re reaching your targets. Big congrats to all of you. </p> <p>Kari, packed lunches are the way to go. I lovingly make Greg’s lunch every morning. </p> <p>On the breakfast thing, I can only eat 3-4 hours after I’ve woken up which means that breakfast is at 9.30am ish. I’ve had two cups of tea by then though. If I eat breakfast at 7 or 8am, I feel sick and awful. I have been like this my entire life. Everyone’s bodily needs are a little different I guess! The trick is that I NEED something to eat at 9.30am to 10am and if I don’t get something – I’m climbing the walls. Like now. It’s 9.46am. Have to eat before my client appointment. Cheers! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/weight-loss-support-check-in-9-8-09#post-92979 Fri, 11 Sep 2009 15:23:16 +0000 chewyspaghetti 92979@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Kari- what about a protien bar or something like that once you get to the office? (easy and fast- no mess) I agree with the others about trying to find a way to get somethign in your stomach within a few hours of waking. I don't always want to eat right away, but I do think it helps to balance out your blood sugar and set the right tone for the day. If I miss breakfast, I know that I am setting myself up for a bad day.</p> <p>Anne- I'm glad you're finally feeling better! Congrats on your running. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/weight-loss-support-check-in-9-8-09#post-92975 Fri, 11 Sep 2009 15:11:26 +0000 anne 92975@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Kari, I agree with Sara on the breakfast thing - waiting til after 7 should be fine!</p> <p>I am happy to report that I no longer have a cold and have managed three jog/walk sessions on Mon/wed/ fri. This is more exercise than I have managed for some months (It's been winter here in Australia and I have 3 young kids, so the germ exposure is high. Swine Flu is probably rampant in our town too, but I am pretty certain I have escaped that, but did come down with the flu)</p> <p>However last weekend was a weight blowout again for me. I am not overweight, but have a range I am comfortable in, and went over it for the second time in the last month or so. It is quite explicable though - a weekend visit and Fathers' day feasting included all up way to much cream and paratha!<br /> I think I just need to cut down on desserts and second helpings and keep up the exercise. I am still breastfeeding, and seem to be able to eat a fair bit.</p> <p>Got to take my hat off to you long term weight loss guys - it sounds so hard and I really admire your persistence! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/weight-loss-support-check-in-9-8-09#post-92946 Fri, 11 Sep 2009 13:28:17 +0000 velvetychocolate 92946@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>kari- I don't eat breakfast that early either. I'm often out the door by 6:15 am headed to the gym. By the time I get back from gym, and come up with breakfast - it's 7:30 or even 8am. I think as long as you eat something within a couple of hours of waking, you'll be fine. </p> <p>That said, if I eat breakfast too much later than this - it messes up the whole day. Not hungry enough for lunch, but then end up 'too hungry' in the middle of the afternoon, and more likely to veer off plan. And it carries on like this the whole day. So yes, I do find breakfast very important - but just wanted to mention that I haven't noticed any terrible ramifications from waiting an hour or two. I mean, when you're up at dark o'clock - it's kind of hard to force food on yourself. But, on the other hand, you don't want to find yourself 'starving' at 10 am after having been up for four hours already. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/weight-loss-support-check-in-9-8-09#post-92913 Fri, 11 Sep 2009 06:33:48 +0000 Kari 92913@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Khris, I just kind of assume I'm eating enough because I eat when I get hungry, wait to see if eating satiates the craving so I don't overeat, and then eat some more if I'm still hungry. So maybe I'm not eating enough after all. </p> <p>Now that I'm working, I'm packing VERY healthy meals - light cheese &amp; plain lowfat yogurt, lots of raw veggies &amp; fruit to snack on (sugar snap peas &amp; apples), veggies &amp; lean proteins (today was green beans and salmon leftovers) for lunch, and drinking plenty of tea and water. I'm going to experiment with that for a while to see if my weight changes at all. I hate tracking calories but maybe I need to.</p> <p>The thing I am having a hard time is I leave my house around 6:15 AM, and I just can't eat solid food that early in the day. (I have a giant pot of tea but that's it.) I've never managed to eat before 7 without feeling sick. I know eating breakfast is highly encouraged, but I may just have to make do with tea &amp; then snack on dairy products or instant oatmeal at work until lunchtime. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/weight-loss-support-check-in-9-8-09#post-92838 Thu, 10 Sep 2009 23:41:04 +0000 velvetychocolate 92838@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thanks CS - I'll start logging my food intake again, and then up the cals and see what happens. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/weight-loss-support-check-in-9-8-09#post-92837 Thu, 10 Sep 2009 23:38:30 +0000 chewyspaghetti 92837@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I think your calorie range sounds low, and that if you up it you will see an immediate drop. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/weight-loss-support-check-in-9-8-09#post-92833 Thu, 10 Sep 2009 23:29:55 +0000 velvetychocolate 92833@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I hope it's ok to 'vent' a wee bit in this weight loss support thread. </p> <p>I'm so tempted to run over and try on and maybe buy this ink blue boyfriend blazer that I've been looking at longingly on the Dillard's website. Thing is, by the time I get to 'goal', I'll most likely have dropped two more sizes, and I have every intention of getting that job done by Christmas. </p> <p>This means I should maybe calm down on the clothes-buying front - even though I just cleared out my entire usptairs closet and have next to nothing left to wear. </p> <p>I'm going to have to buy some stuff - since I have nothing left for the next season. Well, I have two pairs of jeans, and one sweater. A bunch of cardigans (summer weight, elbow length sleeves). That's pretty much it. Oh, and I don't have a trench or coat either. </p> <p>So yeah - maybe it's a dumb idea to go rushing off looking at things I 'want' instead of things I need. Is anyone else doing this? Sort of holding back on the shopping while losing the weight? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/weight-loss-support-check-in-9-8-09#post-92827 Thu, 10 Sep 2009 23:23:08 +0000 velvetychocolate 92827@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Sorry to hear about the strep Sarah - awful how people are getting sick these days, isn't it? Did your husband get some antibiotics for the strep? You might need some too. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/weight-loss-support-check-in-9-8-09#post-92826 Thu, 10 Sep 2009 23:22:19 +0000 velvetychocolate 92826@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>So, if you suspect you're not eating enough - and you ramp UP the calories, will you see a gain from that? </p> <p>I eat three decent meals a day, plus sometimes a snack - but my calories aren't that high. I'm 5' 6" tall, and when I manage to track/log my food intake, it's anywhere from 1100-1400 calories. Of course, I'm sure there's many days I go over that, but I wouldn't know - because those are the days I just don't manage to log in my food intake (funny, how that works). </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/weight-loss-support-check-in-9-8-09#post-92752 Thu, 10 Sep 2009 18:48:14 +0000 Sarah 92752@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'm still plugging away over here! My husband is battling strep (I'm praying, crossing fingers, etc that I won't get it even though the symptoms are all here) so I've been resting a lot. I get up to go to work, take an afternoon nap, work out, nap, make and eat dinner, and then go to bed. Wow. :(<br /> Buuut, I always tell people who ask me for weight loss advice...you can eat healthy/within your calories/etc regardless of your ability to work out.<br /> Last night I made us a pot of black bean soup and a fresh mixed green salad. So tasty and very satisfying! I've been losing a few ounces every day on average, but I'm trying not to weigh too much.<br /> It's a fine line. If I weigh too much, I get frustrated if the scale stays the same or if I gain (you technically can fluctuate up to 5 pounds depending on what you ate or how much water you've retained). But if I don't weigh enough I get lazy and don't push as hard to reach a certain goal. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/weight-loss-support-check-in-9-8-09#post-92749 Thu, 10 Sep 2009 18:25:07 +0000 shiny 92749@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Re: under-eating... what seems to work is to figure out what calorie level your body needs to maintain your current weight and exercise level, and then subtract out 250-500 calories. No more than that. So for example if you weigh 200 and your goal is 150 lbs, don't try surviving on the calorie allotment for a 150 lb person. You will cut calories too steeply and your body goes into starvation mode. You see a lot of diets recommend 1200 calories and this is just too little for most people - even for me it's too little. You have to be very short, older than 50, and basically on complete bed-rest, to need only 1200 cals. </p> <p>I am very short and mid-40s, so my body needs about 1400-1600 calories depending on how active I am. When I was meticulously tracking, I found that if I shaved anymore than 400 calories off of that, I would plateau. It seemed the closer I got to my goal, the less I could shave off. So for example, right now, with about 3-4 lbs to go, I can only really shave off about 150 calories a day without slamming myself into starvation mode. Which is why it's taking me an entire month to lose a pound. The closer you get to goal, the slower the going is... there's no getting around it, if you want to do it the right way, I'm afraid!</p> <p>The good news is that 150 calories is easy. It's one less glass of wine, or slightly smaller portions throughout the day, or a 30 minute slow run. </p>