Healthy Habits week of Dec. 15 - YouLookFab Forum

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Healthy Habits week of Dec. 15

Mo

(website)

Veteran

Is it no accident that this thread hasn't been started this week?? Lol. Holiday time is hard. I went for a run between rainstorms Saturday late afternoon, but picked up a bottle of wine on the way home. I think they cancel each other out. Then Sunday is always football with some beer and bar food, so the scale wasn't so kind this morning.
No wine for me today, and keeping calories in check. Will go run twice this week and attempt more push ups. I had to go back a week on the 100 push ups program. Lost some oomph with my lingering cold the last few weeks.
Goal is to ring in 2014 under 120 lbs. I've been bopping up and down around that number all month, so it's completely doable.
You? Just hanging on for the next 2 weeks, or some goals to aim for you want to share?

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22 replies

Latest reply was from Mo

LACeleste

Veteran

Hi Mo,
Thanks for starting us off. I've had a little weight creep going on so I need to step up the cardio. Planning on adding 30 minutes of low intensity bike, elliptical, or walking to my regular intense workouts. This will be hard for me as I prefer intensity. I've been injured so much this past year--guess I'm getting smarter.

Wishing everyone a great week!

Janet

(website)

Veteran

I don't know my exact weight, but I can tell a stray couple of pounds have crept on since I left for Texas.

Two days ago I went for my first run since leaving for Texas, and I went for another one today. I did a LOT of walking in TX but no running, so it feels good to get back into it, even though today was freakin' cold and my hands were going numb for the first mile and a half.

I'm going to try to not go overboard on my eating for the rest of the holiday season. That and making sure I do something to sweat every day should keep me from hating myself in January.

Mo

(website)

Veteran

Yeah, Janet, your comment that you don't know what you weigh reminds me that the scale is merely a tool to gauge - what I'm really aiming for is a fit middle to keep my wardrobe comfortably stylish Looking to trade in muffin top for washboards!
Oh, and a faster running pace is always a good and lofty goal. I will say running at 5pm instead of in the morning Sat gave me a huge energy rush afterwards. Morning runs make me tired, by comparison.

MsMary

Veteran

I made it to four boot camp classes last week but my diet is a little higgledy-piggledy with the holidays and nonstop parties. I'm trying to maintain until I start my vegan diet after Christmas.

In other news, I had my annual physical today and my doc was tickled with everything. She says my "metabolic age" is 28. I'll take it!

anne

Veteran

It is a hard time of the year indeed. I think I am doing pretty well considering the season - am slowly going down in weight despite christmas and other functions! At 123 (morning weight) - I'd love to be under 120 like you Mo, though I suspect I have a sightly larger frame.

My new activity as from today is to start riding my bike to work some of the time. It is only about 5 miles and a nice flat ride. I really enjoyed it, and it brought back memories of my teens and early 20's when it was my main mode of transportation. I am still finetuning the logistical issues, but I'll get there soon.

And I think I might be getting some energy from the iron infusion - hard to say, because any improvement has been gradual, not in one hit like I expected. And I still get tired when I do tiring things, like going to bed too late and waking too early (easy to do with the long days here in australia) and walking around the zoo for hours at 100 F !!

Mo, I always find I run better in the afternoon. Unfortunately with kids and hot australian summers I haven't got to do it that often, though now I run on the treadmill in my lunchbreak, and hope to venture outside then when the weather cools.

I have been very interested in your intermittent fasting. I tried a different model, the 5: 2 plan, but abandoned it, as I was getting too weak and hungry on the 500 calorie days, and ate too much on the other days so didn't lose weight after the first few weeks.

Janet - sounds like a good plan (sweating every day)

rae

(website)

Veteran

Yeah, for my height I'd love to get back to 120. Fighting nature and stress isn't easy, but I'm trying harder this year. I have been about 130 for the past couple years. Sometimes I lose 5 lbs, but usually gain them back once I hit a cold or weird stressful time. No shock that I am one of the least fit on the thread.

Ran tonight and last, and I think a couple days ago. Did jumping jacks, burpees, and pushups while watching an episode of Sherlock. Work schedule has prevented me from getting to gymnastics class, and today donuts showed up at work. Trying to go slow and just establish workouts as part of a routine, first of all.

Janet

(website)

Veteran

Yeah, Mo, there are times I'm really glad I don't own a scale. I can't imagine letting a variance of a pound or two risk putting me into a funk for the rest of the day. I have an "ideal" in mind (I'm around 140 now, and 135 is my "ideal", but part of me would love to get back to 130 -- I am fine boned and cannot carry the weight most women my height can), but my larger goal is to be fit and healthy, and fit into my clothes. I try not to get hung up on those numbers. The numbers that are deeper indicators of health -- my blood pressure, cholesterol, etc. -- are all good or excellent these days, and I try to remember those are the more important ones.

MsMary

Veteran

Coming back to say I'm also a member in good standing of the "I want to weight 120 or less" club!

And also? I had a flu shot yesterday and YOWCH on my arm today!

Kristin L

Veteran

Thanks for starting this Mo! Between the holidays and work, this is not always the easiest time of the year.

Even though I'm eating somewhat, I can tell a few pounds are creeping up because of fewer workouts and more treats in the office. I can tell I'm probably on the heavier side of what I want to weigh (I try to stay between 135 and 140). Maybe having a goal of looking more toned in for my wedding should motivate me.

My goals for this week are to quit grabbing the almond bark pretzels and try to do a bit of a workout during my lunch. Even if it's just walking down the block and back.

Mo

(website)

Veteran

Go 120'ers!!!
Anne, I think my test trial of the IF will be good, as I didn't change anything else. Still having nachos and beer on Sunday with football, not switching up to a sudden paleo or Atkins diet (although I try to eat relatively well), still running 2 or 3 times a week, etc. So if it were an experiment, I would say I really didn't change anything except windows of eating/fasting times. One thing I notice is that I go up 1 or 2 pounds from going out to eat and for drinks on the weekend, as usual. BUT, I go right back down the next day now. Previously, it would take me most of the week to undo my weekend damage. Time will tell if my bodyfat continues to decrease, but for now it is measuring lower.

MsMaven

Veteran

Yes, it is a tough time of year. I'm still trying to lose the weight I gained on the Thanksgiving trip so that I can wear something flattering for Christmas. Doing pretty well with core exercises, but I am not motivated to get out and move around on cold, short days.

I'm in the "I'd be thrilled to weigh 140" club. I was almost there in September.

Still, it's good to keep up and be aware and to give ourselves credit for what we have accomplished thus far.

This week I'm working on stress reduction. This goal comes from reading about how the stress hormone, cortisol, is responsible for weight gain around the middle that turns out to be so difficult to lose.

Louise

Veteran

Have only managed 1 Zumba class a week for the last couple of weeks as my knees are playing up, off to docs after christmas to check there's nothing serious and perhaps get some physio. I got a diet wake up call tonight. I went to donate blood but was refused as my iron levels were a little low, not seriously only 1 point off being able to give but even so an indicator that I need to eat better. I've not had much of an appetite lately and have been nibbling on snacky foods like toast, crisps and cereal bars. So I'm going to try and snack on fruit instead and throw together a small salad for lunch x

CocoLion

(website)

Veteran

Unhealthy habits check in time.

This time of year, being of German heritage, I get packages with things like Nurnberger Lebkuchen and chocolate truffles. Making things worse, my Mom bakes up a storm (Stollen -- a rich Christmas pound cake with almonds and raisins). Plus I am my own worst enemy. I literally went to every store looking for German and other European chocolates, I spent $140 on it. Now I've already given away around half of that as gifts but some of it has been opened and enjoyed in front of the TV. Long nights and all of that.

I know I have put on a good 5 lbs, I can feel it in my jeans (I don't have a scale). The only exercise I am getting is taking my dogs on a walk every day, it's about a mile. Plus my standing job but I get to sit a lot now because it's so slow.

Should I just give in, pull out all of my baggy jeans, and decide to do something after the new year? Or should I do something now? I am gradually outgrowing my clothes. Does anyone have any suggestions as to how to curb a vigorous appetite for sweets? Mostly consumed after 5 pm? For example should I be eating certain things earlier in the day. I tend to eat lightly until dinner as I don't like to eat much while working and don't eat breakfast unless you count the 1/2 and 1/2 in my coffee.

Carla

Veteran

Masters swim is on hiatus until the new year, so it is extra gym time for me. With folks taking time off around the holidays, trainer Kevin has been freed up and I've booked extra 1 on 1 sessions. The holidays are usually good for me since time off from work allows for more free time which translates to extra gym sessions! Treadmill running, spinning, and weight training since it is way too cold (in the -20's and -30's deg. C) to do anything out of doors.

I've got a little wiggle room for treats since I've been a couple lbs under my normal 150 (for 5 ft 7.5 in) since the end of summer. I haven't seen 120 since I was 14!

CocoLion, coming from a German family I can relate to your dilemma. Salty snacks do not tempt me, but I have a raging sweet tooth and I'm a baking fiend. DS's are rake thin young men, so there are always lots more good eats when they are home and lots to tempt!

Breakfast is a must, but small, and weekdays I eat my lunch in two settings (at 11 and 2) since I use my actual lunch hour for either a workout or a nap! Dinner is usually around 6 pm, with half the plate veg of some sort and protein, and a very small serving of carbs. Double workouts means PM time in the gym and too big a dinner makes for an uncomfortable workout! I usually have something after the workout and that is when I have to be careful.

CL, I have stollen or kucken for breakfast, and pack treats for my lunches. PM workouts help reduce the chances of pm snacking. Also, since my treats are often carbs, I omit carbs on my dinner plate a lot of the time.

anne

Veteran

Runcarla, those of us who mentioned 120 are a lot shorter than you!

Tempting day at the office for me! Full breakfast provided and a morning tea and a meeting resulting in eating THREE wonderful berry friands and a chocolate!! (I left the lunch I'd brought in the fridge for tomorrow)
Taking a planned exercise break to recover from soreness caused by yesterday's exertions!

Mo

(website)

Veteran

I think we all have extra treats this time of year . . . That's why I asked if some are simply hoping to get through the next few weeks and then get back to working on goals.
Denise, maybe hot tea in the evening would switch up your tastebuds/cravings for sweets? I know if I'm trying to stay away from wine for that day, tea works for me. (and I'm not a regular tea drinker like many here. I go months and sometimes a year with nary a cup)

anne

Veteran

Yes Mo, I think that is about my goal. Just trying to make it through Christmas without gaining. I have lost some weight, but the real challenge will come with 2 Christmas family celebrations and 10 days off work.

I am really pleased right now. I went to the gym in my lunch break and ran 5km in 29:06. While it was only on the treadmill, with no incline and with a couple of breaks at the beginning to adjust my shoes and socks is is both much longer and faster than I have been able to fun for a long time. I think the iron infusion must be finally taking effect!

Denise I think you might as well wait until after Christmas to cut down on the sweet stuff - it is less than a week away! In the meantime I suggest upping your exercise - see this article
http://www.medicalnewstoday.co.....270235.php
I also think Runcarla made a good point about cutting down on other carbs to make up for the treats, and Mo's suggestion about tea. I find tea to be a good end point for a meal, or a sweet snack. Mind you, I have my tea with milk, which makes it a bit sweet in itself.

ivorygorgon

I am generally not a particularly good "checker-in-er", but as someone who has health and fitness related goals, I would like to drop by occasionally.

I will never see 120, even though I am am only 5'3, because I am REALLY muscular, but I would like to lose about 10-15 more pounds. This year I gave up sugar, and I have limited wheat, but want to pretty much eliminate wheat from my diet, with the exception of pizza. I also want to continually get faster at climbing on the bike. I an working hard on that right now and continued weight loss will help that too.

CocoLion

(website)

Veteran

Thanks for the advice. I was at the doctor's yesterday and indeed, I have gained 5-6 lbs. The amount of chocolate and candy around is still staggering and that feels like the problem. Does anyone have an idea of how many treats I could allow myself on a daily basis over the holidays? I hear you on not eating it later at night.

And right, exercise. There is a Curves 3 miles away but otherwise that's the only gym in my community. I could definitely go running where I live but I have never liked running, always preferring walking, yoga, dance or skiing. It's been years since I joined a gym but maybe I should go after Christmas.

I would love to not gain anymore weight over the next 2 weeks!

Jeanie

Veteran

I have been stress eating and now have a carb belly to show for it. I think I am going to birth a baby doughnut! I am starting to include some interval training to all my walking. I walk for miles but I think I need to do more to burn off these extra inches. I need to STAY AWAY from the carbs.

CocoLion - I have no willpower when it comes to sweets and chocolates. I have my DS hide it from me and only dispense a small amount if I must have it. Mostly I forget about it if I can't see it in the cupboard.

texstyle

(website)

Veteran

The warm weather lately allowed me to take at least 3 long hikes. One lame workout yesterday as I just. wasn't. feeling. it. I'm blaming low iron. lol.

It is a tempting time of year with treats but I'm not much of a "sweets" person in spite of loving to bake myself. One thing that might curb a sweet tooth is if you start reading up on how cancer feeds off sugar. Yes, I know it might be a rude awakening, but it seems to be the agreement of most oncologists.

I've been using the IF (intermittent fasting) plan Mo mentioned and it seems to be helping. I brush/floss my teeth not long after dinner (which I try to have before 6 or 7) and then I just don't want to eat again since I have to go through the effort all over again if I do. I go until 8 am when I have breakfast, which is a meal I personally can't do without. I love having eggs (organic free range for me), sometimes a frittata with veggies, sometimes a poached egg on a bed of sautéed spinach/garlic with a slice of multi-grain toast underneath.

I wish I could go for a longer span of not eating (say 5 pm to 9 am) but it's just not possible with my work schedule. I figured out that I was often snacking on nuts, sunflower seeds, veggie chips and stuff like that at night after dinner and I think those extra 200 calories or so a night were adding up. Just by eliminating that habit I can skip 1400 calories a week! If I gave up my nightly wine I'd skip another 200 a night...not sure I'm willing to do that.

Mo

(website)

Veteran

Tex, I hear you on not giving up the wine, calories be damned!! As for the IF, I continue to read up on it on both sides to try and separate the myth from the facts. I think a 14 hr window sounds best for women, keeping hormones in mind. The adrenals can become over stressed, much like insulin remains spiked by eating all day. So it seems either extreme isn't the best bet for balance of your system. I am currently having an 8 or 9pm dinner (BF works late hours) and a 10:30 or so breakfast. That equates to 4 hours before bed and an hour or two in the morning without food. I also cannot (and won't) do without breakfast. Let me know how it continues to go for you.