Author Topic: Losing Weight in 2016  (Read 459512 times)

rockstache

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Re: Losing Weight in 2016
« Reply #300 on: March 07, 2016, 11:25:51 AM »
First Monday of the month check-in:

January 4: 153.0
February 1: 147.2
March 7: 140.2

About 5 lbs away from my initial goal now, which is great. I am going to continue and try to get to about 125, but we'll see if I hit a plateau in there anywhere. So far, my only changes have been food/diet related.

Geostache

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Re: Losing Weight in 2016
« Reply #301 on: March 08, 2016, 06:32:56 AM »
@Microspice: Tracking calories has been enlightening. When I don't indulge in junk food, I'm having a hard time hitting a 1,200 calorie minimum. When I do, well, I think we know how that ends. It's easy to go way overboard on processed and fatty foods. Your weight loss progress looks great!

@Elaine: I know weight loss slows down as you approach your ideal weight, but I figured I was still far enough away from the ideal weight that it's shouldn't slow to a screeching halt!

@Rockstache: Congrats on getting close to your initial goal! Your weight loss stats look great!


rockstache

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Re: Losing Weight in 2016
« Reply #302 on: March 08, 2016, 09:08:19 AM »
@Microspice: Tracking calories has been enlightening. When I don't indulge in junk food, I'm having a hard time hitting a 1,200 calorie minimum. When I do, well, I think we know how that ends. It's easy to go way overboard on processed and fatty foods. Your weight loss progress looks great!

@Elaine: I know weight loss slows down as you approach your ideal weight, but I figured I was still far enough away from the ideal weight that it's shouldn't slow to a screeching halt!

@Rockstache: Congrats on getting close to your initial goal! Your weight loss stats look great!

Thanks Geostache. I am coming to the same conclusion as you above. The one thing I haven't yet done is convince myself that I don't deserve/need an after dinner snack. I have been keeping them small and low-cal, so it hasn't really been a problem for losing weight...I just don't like my mindset about it being a 'requirement.'

Geostache

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Re: Losing Weight in 2016
« Reply #303 on: March 08, 2016, 12:34:24 PM »
The one thing I haven't yet done is convince myself that I don't deserve/need an after dinner snack. I have been keeping them small and low-cal, so it hasn't really been a problem for losing weight...I just don't like my mindset about it being a 'requirement.'

Agreed. I understand the thinking behind the minimum caloric intake, but it's hard. I'm trying to listen to my body's signals about hunger. Half of the time, I have to convince myself that I really am hungry. But there are times when the hunger signal is absolutely clear. Some of those times happen a few hours after dinner. I say, if your after dinner snacking is under control and it's not impinging your weight loss, enjoy it!

1967mama

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Re: Losing Weight in 2016
« Reply #304 on: March 08, 2016, 12:39:42 PM »
I'm happy to report that I've just finished my 4th Whole30 and I'm down 45 pounds! I started this Whole30 business last year and I've had tremendous success -- nothing has ever worked for me. I'm about 1/2 way to my goal weight now. I haven't been this weight in over 18 years. Delight doesn't begin to describe how wonderful I feel!

elaine amj

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Re: Losing Weight in 2016
« Reply #305 on: March 10, 2016, 09:40:23 AM »
Jan 4 - 154 lbs
Jan 11 - 153.2 lbs
Jan 18 - 149.2lbs
Jan 25 - 149.2lbs
Feb 1 - 146.6lbs
Feb 8 - 144.8lbs
Feb 15 - 143lbs
Feb 22 - 141.2lbs
Feb 29 - 143 lbs
Mar 7 - 138.2

GOAL WEIGHT - 130lbs

Total: 16 lbs

Just realized I didn't check in on Monday and it's already Thursday! Added my Monday number above - 138 is my new low! Of course, this morning I bumped up to 139 after eating conference food for the last 2 days. I did pretty ok at controlling myself, but did indulge a little (the food was GOOD!). Thankfully, one of my coworkers likes walking so our tradition is to go on a long walk at nights. So, that helped make up for some of the extra desserts. Still haven't finished logging the food for those days although I took noted on my phone.

I haven't worked out much for about 2 weeks now though. Been super tired + very busy. I leave on vacation TOMORROW to Disney and Universal and have a week of insane over-indulgence ahead. We'll see how I make out. On the good side, I will get a lot of walking in.   

Geostache

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Re: Losing Weight in 2016
« Reply #306 on: March 10, 2016, 10:18:27 AM »
@Elaine, nice progress! Does your phone track steps taken? It'd be interesting to see how many steps you take during your vacation.

I'm totally stalled out, weight wise. My calorie count suggests that I should lose some weight this week, but the scale is begging to differ. Tomorrow is weigh in day, so we'll see. I started a workout video this week, and my body was sure to let me know how lazy I've been for far too long! It feels good to know I'm working my muscles. I'm also noticing a distinct difference in how my clothing is fitting. I've been able to get back into some really cute dresses I've been unable to wear for awhile.

elaine amj

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Re: Losing Weight in 2016
« Reply #307 on: March 10, 2016, 09:55:14 PM »
@geostache I have tracking apps, but worried about killing my phone batteries if I use it on top of my heavy use. I walk a lot there though and expect to easily hit 10 miles a day.

As for weight, I stalled for about two solid weeks just yoyoing between a pound or two. Then whoosh, dropped 3 lbs in 2-3 days.


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elaine amj

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Re: Losing Weight in 2016
« Reply #308 on: March 11, 2016, 05:33:33 AM »
Hmmm...just found out that my iPhone6 has a pedometer already built in and counts all steps anyway. This is perfect!!


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brett2k07

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Re: Losing Weight in 2016
« Reply #309 on: March 11, 2016, 06:48:30 AM »
A little late to the game, but count me in. My wife and our roommate have been working on getting healthier and losing weight over the past 5 weeks. So far, our roommate has lost 20 pounds. Though he was morbidly obese and eating Taco Bell and McDonald's almost every day, so just eating better and getting any kind of exercise in was a positive change for him.

I am 5' 10" and my current weight is 226. My initial goal weight is 180. The ideal scenario would be to hit that goal by September 24th when I will be the best man at a friend's wedding. But overall, I just want to be healthier and look better. I will need to lose around 1.77 pounds per week in order to hit that goal. I will achieve this by working out 5 times per week for at least 30 minutes each time.

Best of luck, folks!

Geostache

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Re: Losing Weight in 2016
« Reply #310 on: March 11, 2016, 07:00:00 AM »
Hmmm...just found out that my iPhone6 has a pedometer already built in and counts all steps anyway. This is perfect!!


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Yep, that's what I meant! The 'Health' app built in to the iPhone tracks your steps automatically! Whoop!

Enjoy your trip!

Geostache

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Re: Losing Weight in 2016
« Reply #311 on: March 11, 2016, 07:06:02 AM »
I'm down 0.6 this week. Again, with the plateau. It's a loss, so at least my calorie tracking is close to what I think it is! I'll just go with that. Got lots of compliments yesterday on the bodycon dress I was wearing. It felt good that my efforts are showing to other people, too!


Stats:
1/01/2016: 182.8
1/08/2016: 176
1/15/2016: 173.4
1/22/2016: 172
1/29/2016: 168
2/05/2016: 167.2
2/12/2016: 165
2/19/2016: 162.6
2/26/2016: 163.0 (+0.4)
3/4/2016: 163.6 (+0.6)
3/11/2016: 163

Total loss: 19.8
Goal weight: 140

Geostache

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Re: Losing Weight in 2016
« Reply #312 on: March 11, 2016, 07:11:47 AM »
A little late to the game, but count me in. My wife and our roommate have been working on getting healthier and losing weight over the past 5 weeks. So far, our roommate has lost 20 pounds. Though he was morbidly obese and eating Taco Bell and McDonald's almost every day, so just eating better and getting any kind of exercise in was a positive change for him.

I am 5' 10" and my current weight is 226. My initial goal weight is 180. The ideal scenario would be to hit that goal by September 24th when I will be the best man at a friend's wedding. But overall, I just want to be healthier and look better. I will need to lose around 1.77 pounds per week in order to hit that goal. I will achieve this by working out 5 times per week for at least 30 minutes each time.

Best of luck, folks!

Welcome, Brett! People on this thread are really supportive. Best of luck and we look forward to hearing about your journey!

elaine amj

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Re: Losing Weight in 2016
« Reply #313 on: March 12, 2016, 06:42:29 PM »
@brett: welcome!!! That sounds like a very reasonable goal.

geostache That's awesome! And on my first day at Universal Studios so far, I'm at 17,000 steps and will likely hit 20-25,000 steps by the end of the night! I am indulging, but also learning to stop when I have enough. Had an all u can eat stirfry for dinner tonight and still stopped after some reasonable indulgence - maybe about 800+ calories although I did consider another trip up. Was pleased with myself.


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brett2k07

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Re: Losing Weight in 2016
« Reply #314 on: March 14, 2016, 05:27:10 AM »
Indulged a little over the weekend. Had a beer and a couple slices of pizza on Saturday night because we had another couple over for some food, games, and conversation. Ben and Jerry's has introduced a new line of non-dairy products, and they sent me two coupons good for one free pint each. I used one of those coupons on Saturday while buying the beer and I ate half of the pint over the course of two days. Also had a couple slices of leftover pizza on Sunday afternoon. I haven't indulged like that in awhile.

We did workout on Sunday, and we're going back at it again tonight with the more intense DVDs starting tomorrow (we're starting month 2 of the Insanity program tomorrow, we're currently in "recovery week"). I'm also getting back on the diet and eating good food. It was nice to indulge a little bit, but I also felt terrible eating all of that. I just felt like I was eating all of the progress I've made so far and was putting it all back into my body. So it gave me a new appreciation for my healthy food.

In the past when I would start the Insanity program I would weigh myself almost every day. I feel like that is part of why I never stuck with it for very long. I would get discouraged when I would see no or very little progress from day to day. This time around I've committed to only weighing myself once per week. So on Friday morning, we'll see how much that indulgence over the weekend hurt me, if at all.

Geostache

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Re: Losing Weight in 2016
« Reply #315 on: March 14, 2016, 07:09:56 AM »
@Elaine: That's a lot of steps! I hope you have comfortable shoes! It sounds like you have a very reasonable approach to indulging while you're on vacation. Those steps will definitely help, too!

@Brett: I hear you. I had a weekend full of celebrations: Two baby showers and a kids' birthday party. I ate all sorts of food that I ought not to, including my favorite cake. I almost immediately regretted the cake. This week, I'm focusing on getting back to basics.

I'm also finding the daily weigh in cumbersome, especially now that I've been at a plateau for the past 3 weeks. It's really frustrating! It was a great motivator to start, and it's definitely become a de-motivator with this plateau. Especially since I saw major movement on the scale yesterday, only to be undone this morning! Argh!

Daylight savings time killed me this morning. I got up to work out, put one foot in my yoga pants, took them off, put my pjs on, and went back to bed. And then overslept!

I WILL get up tomorrow morning and work out though. No excuses!

Cookie78

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Re: Losing Weight in 2016
« Reply #316 on: March 14, 2016, 07:41:13 AM »
Considering how hungry I was all week I'm quite happy with staying the same weight this Monday morning check-in compared to the previous.

Monday check in:

Jan 4 Starting weight: 160
Jan 11 weight: 156
Jan 18 weight: 155.2
Jan 25 weight: 156.8
Feb 1 weight: 155.2
Feb 8 weight: 153.2
Feb 15 weight: 151.6
Feb 22 weight 152.6
Feb 29 weight 152.2
Mar 7 weight 149.4
Mar 14 weight 149.4
Goal weight: 130

Geostache, I don't know if it will help you in the same way it helped me, but when I started tracking weight on a graph once per week (Monday morning) it helped with not getting discouraged through the plateaus. I could look at the graph and see how far I'd come, see the previous plateaus that were temporary, and feel positive about my achievements even though I hadn't seen any change over the past couple weeks.

Geostache

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Re: Losing Weight in 2016
« Reply #317 on: March 14, 2016, 12:15:13 PM »
@Cookie: Thanks! Yes, I think I will start doing the once-per-week weigh in. I've been thinking about weight loss as a short term goal, and have completely lost sight of the big picture!

Rightflyer

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Re: Losing Weight in 2016
« Reply #318 on: March 14, 2016, 12:27:12 PM »
Well, I'm probably the slowest "Loser" here but...still on the way down.

Nov 1  - 201lbs.
Jan 13 - 188 lbs.
Jan 18 - 187 lbs.
Feb 12 - 186 lbs.
Feb 27 - 185 lbs.
Mar 06 - 184 lbs.
Mar 13 - 183 lbs.

Goal = 180 lbs

Stretch Goal  =175 lbs



MicroSpice

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Re: Losing Weight in 2016
« Reply #319 on: March 14, 2016, 03:43:00 PM »
Usually, I post my progress every two weeks, and I weigh in on Mondays, but since TOM is approaching and my weight is fluctuating wildly, I decided to go with this past Friday's weigh-in, which saw me down just over a pound from the previous week!

In the past, when I got to around the 2 month mark of trying to lose weight, I would just get complacent and lose motivation to keep going. I would either feel like I "deserved" treats and would completely derail or I would be frustrated that I wasn't losing fast enough and would completely derail. This time feels a little different, though. I am feeling more motivated than I have in the past. It doesn't hurt that my clothes are fitting better and I am actually feeling better. Haven't received any compliments from any one other than the husband, but that's okay. My sweet little almost 2-year old tells me nearly everyday that I'm pretty, so I'm good. :-)

The one thing, though: I STILL haven't started exercising. ManSpice has been impressed with my progress and seems to want to join in, so he keeps prodding me to work out. I know I need to in order to be happy with my loss, not to mention the health benefits, but it's so much easier to just eat less than it is to wake up early and exercise!

Weight Progress:
- 1/10: 133 pounds
- 1/18: 131.8 pounds
- 1/21: 130.8 pounds
- 2/22: 128 pounds
- 3/7: 126.4 pounds
- 3/12: 125.2 pounds

Goal Weight: 110 pounds

brett2k07

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Re: Losing Weight in 2016
« Reply #320 on: March 18, 2016, 05:04:55 AM »
Weighed in a 226.4 today. Only worked out on Monday this week due to the wife not feeling well, so I was taking care of her most of the week. She claimed she is feeling better today, so hopefully we can get back on track today and hit it hard over the next week.

Beginning: 226
3/18/16: 226.4 (+0.4)

Geostache

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Re: Losing Weight in 2016
« Reply #321 on: March 18, 2016, 06:51:29 AM »
FINALLY! I broke the plateau, somehow! I'm down 2.8 pounds. I only worked out once this week. I think daylight savings time messed with my system. Next week, though, I'm back at it. And I'm on the verge of passing on my work clothes and getting some that aren't hanging off of me.

Stats:
1/01/2016: 182.8
1/08/2016: 176
1/15/2016: 173.4
1/22/2016: 172
1/29/2016: 168
2/05/2016: 167.2
2/12/2016: 165
2/19/2016: 162.6
2/26/2016: 163.0 (+0.4)
3/4/2016: 163.6 (+0.6)
3/11/2016: 163
3/18/2016: 160.2

Total loss: 22.6
Goal weight: 140
Stretch goal: 135

RedmondStash

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Re: Losing Weight in 2016
« Reply #322 on: March 18, 2016, 09:26:30 AM »
Late to the party, but I'm in too.

Height: 5'5"
Current: 157
Ultimate goal: 130
Age: 50

At 50, this is harder than it used to be.

Whinypants excuses for why it's even harder:

1. Some medical/fatigue issues mean that my muscles don't recover well from unaccustomed exertion, so I have to build up very slowly or risk being unable to function for up to 3 days. I currently hit the stationary bike 3 times a week for 45 minutes. Trying to work up from that, maybe work in 10- to 20-minute bikes, walks, or yoga workouts on the in-between days, so far without much success. When I get sick, I have to cut back on exercise, and then rebuild to where I was. Really frustrating.

2. I work at a videogame company, which basically means I work at Willy Wonka's chocolate factory. The amount of junk food around me daily is unbelievable and really hard to resist. This is my biggest challenge, because...

3. Sugar helps with the aforementioned fatigue issues, so I tend to turn to it during the day when I'm flagging, so I can do my job. (Caffeine is not an option; it gives me migraines.)

Honestly, this would all be easier if I were FIRE already. But you folks are pretty inspiring, and there's no time like the present.

Also, I hate shopping and I don't want to have to go buy new clothes. :)

Good luck to us all.

Bee21

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Re: Losing Weight in 2016
« Reply #323 on: March 19, 2016, 01:55:56 AM »
With my back getting worse and worse, I will have to put my gym membership on hold. I am regular at the physio now. Damn. And put on enough weight that all my skirts feel tight. I think I'll need a soup week or something equally drastic.

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Re: Losing Weight in 2016
« Reply #324 on: March 19, 2016, 07:19:48 AM »
It took me 3 months to lose 5 pounds. Strep throat has just peeled off another 3. As long as 1 of those stAys off, I'm happy. Slow is good for my body

alleykat

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Re: Losing Weight in 2016
« Reply #325 on: March 19, 2016, 09:21:37 AM »
I joined before only to drop out because I just was not sticking to eating healthier, but, I am in.  I am starting at 156 lbs. the highest I ever been.  It doesn't feel good at all and, quite frankly, am amazed how hard it is to stop eating my beloved junk food. 

This morning I made a smoothie. Will keep it light today.  Will go out for some fruits and vegetables to snack on. 

I walked a ton last week and realized how out of shape I am fitness wise.  My feet still hurt. It is time to seriously make a commitment to getting healthy.

Thank you all for being inspirational.

« Last Edit: March 19, 2016, 09:24:15 AM by alleykat »

Cookie78

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Re: Losing Weight in 2016
« Reply #326 on: March 19, 2016, 09:36:15 AM »
FINALLY! I broke the plateau, somehow! I'm down 2.8 pounds.

Congrats!! Feels good, ya?

Keep sticking with the plan and it goes down eventually. There's got to be an analogy we can use about markets always going up (but not consistently) when we stick with the plan, and weight always going down over time when we stick with the plan even when it feels like it's not working, but it's too early on a Saturday for me to phrase it succinctly.

My Thursday was horrible. Between St Patricks Day and Persian New Year* the amount of chocolate and donuts at work was ASTOUNDING. Until dinner that night (which was small) my calorie intake consisted of one banana, one orange, and multiple forms of delicious chocolate. I skipped both my breakfast and lunch, had the two aforementioned fruit snacks, had a small dinner, and was still over my daily calorie target (but only barely). .... Do I get a virtual cookie for skipping the donuts? Haha.

*I work with a wonderfully lovely lady who is originally from Iran. She brings in the most delicious cakes and treats quite often, but even larger amounts during various Persian holidays.

elaine amj

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Re: Losing Weight in 2016
« Reply #327 on: March 21, 2016, 08:29:51 AM »
@geostache CONGRATS on breaking through that plateau!! I know how frustrating it was for you.

As for me, I'm back from a week's vacation in Orlando. After a few days of being reasonable about food intake, I went nuts and ate everything in sight. Of course, it didn't help that we splurged on Disney's Deluxe Dining Plan (just for 3 days thankfully) and made it through an insane amount of food. I've weighed myself for the past 2 mornings now and I'm up 2.2 lbs. Not too bad, I suppose.

It really helped that I walked a LOT. I averaged 25,000 steps/day during my 3 days at Universal and on my one Disney day, hit 35,000 steps! So I burned over 1000 calories a day easily. On my last day, I was feeling guilty so I upped my activity levels - played an hour of tennis, an hour on a spin bike, and a half hour of kayaking. Considering I haven't worked out much in a while, I felt surprisingly good after all that exertion. If there had been more time, I would have done even more. I have to start training for an 8 hour adventure race (hiking, biking, canoeing) in June, so this was a good start.

I surprised myself by getting excited about coming home to eat my cooking again (definitely NOT normal!). DH is on a super restrictive diet for health reasons and had trouble finding decent food on vacation, even with Disney's super helpful chefs. He ate a lot of plain fish (and some steak and treats that are not in his diet plans).The one time we pushed harder for a specially prepared meal, the chef got us all excited - but then brought out a plate of different plain veggie sides. It had asparagus, carrots, broccoli, etc. It was good (thank goodness he likes veggies!) - but surely not exciting. Last night, I made up for it all and made him a plate of spiralized zucchini and carrots with zucchini "meat"balls in a homemade marinara sauce. So far I have had no issues jumping right back into my diet plans again (only one day back so far though). I even cut back to just a 1000 calories yesterday to make up for some of the vacation overindulgence.

Jan 4 - 154 lbs
Jan 11 - 153.2 lbs
Jan 18 - 149.2lbs
Jan 25 - 149.2lbs
Feb 1 - 146.6lbs
Feb 8 - 144.8lbs
Feb 15 - 143lbs
Feb 22 - 141.2lbs
Feb 29 - 143 lbs
Mar 7 - 138.2 lbs
Mar 14 - VACATION
Mar 21 - 140.2 lbs

GOAL WEIGHT - 130lbs

Total: 13.8 lbs

Cookie78

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Re: Losing Weight in 2016
« Reply #328 on: March 21, 2016, 08:38:11 AM »
I guess I'm going through my own plateau now. But I know it's because I am quite hungry (maybe because of the new medication), not very active (also blaming crazy exhaustion on medication), and indulging in treats at work. This morning I managed to avoid the cookies until they were all gone.


Monday check in:

Jan 4 Starting weight: 160
Jan 11 weight: 156
Jan 18 weight: 155.2
Jan 25 weight: 156.8
Feb 1 weight: 155.2
Feb 8 weight: 153.2
Feb 15 weight: 151.6
Feb 22 weight 152.6
Feb 29 weight 152.2
Mar 7 weight 149.4
Mar 14 weight 149.4
Mar 21 weight 149.6
Goal weight: 130


Geostache

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Re: Losing Weight in 2016
« Reply #329 on: March 21, 2016, 09:19:12 AM »
@Cookie: Thanks! It does feel good. And don't beat yourself up over one slip up. You said yourself that you were only barely over your daily calorie allowance. Hang in there through that plateau!

@alleykat: Welcome back! Habits don't change instantly. The whole point is to make sure you're making changes that will stick, so take your time and figure out what is going to work for you.

@RedmondStash: Welcome to the thread. Sugar is a beast. I found that my energy levels were more stable when I cut refined sugars out of my diet completely. Of course, I don't have the fatigue issues you're struggling with. :(

@Elaine: Thanks and welcome back! 2.2 pounds isn't bad, considering. The point is, did you have a good time? After all, what is life without being able to indulge every once in awhile. And I hear you on looking forward to your own cooking. I used to travel for work a lot, and I got so tired of dining out all the time. I finally wised up and starting booking my travel at hotels with full kitchens.


elaine amj

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Re: Losing Weight in 2016
« Reply #330 on: March 21, 2016, 10:33:05 AM »
@cookie78 What about trying for more satiating meals? I have found giant salads very filling for low calories. And nowadays, I make a lot of zoodles and eggplant curries and find them super filling.

@geostache We had an amazing time! thank you so much! I toyed around with logging while on vacation but decided it wasn't worth the bother of eyeballing and estimating. I'm not good enough at that yet and it takes me forever. I completely overindulged on ribs, chicken wings, and a LOT of desserts. It was worth it though and i'm glad I kept my activity level high. I can get rid of 2 pounds in a couple of weeks so it didn't set me back very far. I did enjoy looking at photos of myself 15 lbs lighter!

The looking forward to cooking part surprised me. I LOVE eating out. But knowing DH was having trouble getting food that fit in his diet concerned me. At least now we're home, I can cook him good stuff. I'm still shocked that I am looking forward to cooking. i have always been an iffy cook. But skinnytaste has transformed my meals from blah/ok to incredibly delicious! Have I mentioned yet how much I love the recipes there?

Geostache

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Re: Losing Weight in 2016
« Reply #331 on: March 22, 2016, 11:03:20 AM »
I just had to come and share with y'all the feedback I have been receiving at work.

1. Several colleagues pick up on my refrigerator oatmeal habit. I think it's awesome to share healthy snack ideas with folks. :-)

2. Today, another colleague suddenly became intrigued at my sugar free lifestyle. This colleague said, "I really commend you on taking charge of your life," and then proceed to say that they wanted to learn more about my new habits. The thought that I don't eat sugar as part of my diet seemed really foreign to them. I told them that I do, in fact, indulge every once in awhile. But as a rule, added sugars just aren't part of my food vocabulary anymore. I was also asked how I feel, and I explained that I have never felt better! Getting rid of sugar in my diet is perhaps one of the best things that I have done for myself.

Of course, several other people in the room proceeded to give complainy-pants reasons why they could never cut sugar out of their life. Meh. To each their own. I'm happy to share my plan with those that are genuinely interested. Otherwise, I try not to get too preachy about sugar. People get really weird about the sweet stuff. My neighbor also recently said to me, "Good for you for sticking with it this long," as if it was a fad that was just going to pass...

[Edited because I submitted it before I was finished typing!]

« Last Edit: March 22, 2016, 11:04:52 AM by Geostache »

RedmondStash

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Re: Losing Weight in 2016
« Reply #332 on: March 23, 2016, 07:59:41 AM »
@RedmondStash: Welcome to the thread. Sugar is a beast. I found that my energy levels were more stable when I cut refined sugars out of my diet completely. Of course, I don't have the fatigue issues you're struggling with. :(

Thanks, Geostache. Just for kicks, I did actually try cutting out sweets for about 6 weeks. I did feel a bit more stable, energy-wise, but not at a level where I could maintain the level of productivity I wanted to at work, unfortunately. I may try it again sometime, though; that experiment did result in my cutting down on sweets long-term. Right now, I'm gambling that using sugar moderately for energy for the next year or two will see me through to FIRE, at which point I can afford to be fatigued and groggy-headed if I like. :) It's a trade-off, but one I hope to stop making at some point.

I just had to come and share with y'all the feedback I have been receiving at work.

1. Several colleagues pick up on my refrigerator oatmeal habit. I think it's awesome to share healthy snack ideas with folks. :-)

2. Today, another colleague suddenly became intrigued at my sugar free lifestyle. This colleague said, "I really commend you on taking charge of your life," and then proceed to say that they wanted to learn more about my new habits. The thought that I don't eat sugar as part of my diet seemed really foreign to them. I told them that I do, in fact, indulge every once in awhile. But as a rule, added sugars just aren't part of my food vocabulary anymore. I was also asked how I feel, and I explained that I have never felt better! Getting rid of sugar in my diet is perhaps one of the best things that I have done for myself.

Of course, several other people in the room proceeded to give complainy-pants reasons why they could never cut sugar out of their life. Meh. To each their own. I'm happy to share my plan with those that are genuinely interested. Otherwise, I try not to get too preachy about sugar. People get really weird about the sweet stuff. My neighbor also recently said to me, "Good for you for sticking with it this long," as if it was a fad that was just going to pass...

This is very cool. I'm glad it's working well for you, and inspiring other people even to just question what they're doing is a fine bonus too. :)

alleykat

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Re: Losing Weight in 2016
« Reply #333 on: March 23, 2016, 11:05:43 AM »
So, I have recommitted but can see where this will be a real challenge.  Never thought I would have so much trouble in this area. 

I am going to dust off the bike today and maybe go for a spin if it is not too cold out. At least, in the beginning I can try and balance things out with some exercise, which I definitely don't get enough of.

dsmexpat

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Re: Losing Weight in 2016
« Reply #334 on: March 23, 2016, 12:02:40 PM »
I didn't notice this topic until today but I was doing this separately anyway. I binged pretty hard all through Christmas and put on about a stone so I've been working on that. I'm down about 22lb so far this year and the lowest I've been in a while. Still got more to go though.

Also, while I don't want to turn this into an advertising post, I'have found something that works extremely effectively for me. There are websites that allow you to make bets on your weight loss, either directly against the house (healthywage) or entering pools with other people which split the entry fees between those who make the target (dietbet). I am extremely motivated by money and the desire not to lose money which outweighs my normal disinclination to exercise and dieting. By having already "lost" the money and needing to win it back it turns the cost of a pizza from $10 to several hundred.

So far I've just made $100 or so from the weight I've lost but I should clear $400 or so before I'm done. It's an easy game, you're betting on an outcome entirely within your control. Given that we're a cult of self disciplined badasses who like accumulating wealth I would expect the rest of you to have a similar experience.

Disclaimer: There are referral bonuses. I've not included any referral links because I think that's a shitty thing to do on forums but if anyone wants to give some $ to an internet stranger then message me for a referral link. I am genuinely using these services and have been for about two months now, would recommend either way.

RedmondStash

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Re: Losing Weight in 2016
« Reply #335 on: March 23, 2016, 05:19:51 PM »
Today, I resisted the siren song of the cookies at work. It was a close thing.

brett2k07

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Re: Losing Weight in 2016
« Reply #336 on: March 25, 2016, 05:27:43 AM »
Today's weigh in is a little bittersweet. I am down 3 pounds this week, but the catch is that I've been ill for most of the week. I've been having severe stomach pains mixed with nausea all week, so I haven't really eaten much all week. I went to the doctor yesterday who thinks it's a GI issue and so I'm on a clear liquid diet yesterday and today. So I'm going to see some weight loss, but it's not in the healthy way. Hopefully once this clears I can keep it off, but I'm expecting my weight to jump a little bit once all of this is over.

Beginning: 226
3/18/16: 226.4 (+0.4)
3/25/16: 223.0 (-3.4)**

Geostache

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Re: Losing Weight in 2016
« Reply #337 on: March 25, 2016, 06:59:11 AM »
Friday weigh in day. I'm down 1.6 this week. I overindulged last weekend. That seems to be a pattern for me. Time to figure out why I'm so lax on the weekends and make some other, small changes. I'm now near the weight I was back in 2009, which feels good! How is everyone else doing?

1/01/2016: 182.8
1/08/2016: 176
1/15/2016: 173.4
1/22/2016: 172
1/29/2016: 168
2/05/2016: 167.2
2/12/2016: 165
2/19/2016: 162.6
2/26/2016: 163.0 (+0.4)
3/4/2016: 163.6 (+0.6)
3/11/2016: 163
3/18/2016: 160.2
3/25/2016: 158.6

Total loss: 24.2
Goal weight: 140
Stretch goal: 135

@brett2k07: Sorry to hear you're having GI issues. I hope you get them straightened out soon. :-(

@RedmondStash: Way to go in resisting the cookies. I've read that will power is like a muscle. The more you use it, the stronger it gets!

@alleykat: Welcome back!

MicroSpice

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Re: Losing Weight in 2016
« Reply #338 on: March 25, 2016, 08:56:52 AM »
@brett2k07 - So sorry to hear about your illness. Just take care of yourself, and don't get discouraged. We all hit speed bumps, but the most important thing is to get to the root of this issue, and then see where you're at.

@Geostache - You're doing great!

@elaineamj - Glad you're back, and that you had a great time on vacation!

My weigh-in is usually on Monday mornings, but I'm "cheating" this week since Easter is this weekend and we will be going to two separate dinners. I'm still going to watch myself, and make sure I eat only a little prior to dinner, so I'm expecting to just maintain on those days.

It's funny how just a few weeks ago I posted on this board that I was feeling so discouraged and like this weight loss thing is too hard (complainypants!). I was angry and resentful about the amount of calories I needed to eat to lose weight in comparison to other people, but I'm coming to terms with it. Just last night, I was stressed out and already over my calories for the day, but I was desperate for something. In the past, I would have eaten half the pantry, but I had a glass of wine instead. Now, I am so motivated by the changes I'm seeing and feeling that I really want to keep going. I'm STILL not exercising, but I am very intrigued by weight lifting and am considering going down that route later this summer.

Weight Progress:
- 1/10: 133 pounds
- 1/18: 131.8 pounds
- 1/21: 130.8 pounds
- 2/22: 128 pounds
- 3/7: 126.4 pounds
- 3/12: 125.2 pounds
- 3/25: 123.6 pounds

Goal Weight: 110 pounds

P.S. I'm now officially in the healthy BMI range for my height!

RedmondStash

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Re: Losing Weight in 2016
« Reply #339 on: March 25, 2016, 05:10:36 PM »
Friday weigh in day. I'm down 1.6 this week. I overindulged last weekend. That seems to be a pattern for me. Time to figure out why I'm so lax on the weekends and make some other, small changes. I'm now near the weight I was back in 2009, which feels good! How is everyone else doing?

1/01/2016: 182.8
1/08/2016: 176
1/15/2016: 173.4
1/22/2016: 172
1/29/2016: 168
2/05/2016: 167.2
2/12/2016: 165
2/19/2016: 162.6
2/26/2016: 163.0 (+0.4)
3/4/2016: 163.6 (+0.6)
3/11/2016: 163
3/18/2016: 160.2
3/25/2016: 158.6

Total loss: 24.2
Goal weight: 140
Stretch goal: 135

@brett2k07: Sorry to hear you're having GI issues. I hope you get them straightened out soon. :-(

@RedmondStash: Way to go in resisting the cookies. I've read that will power is like a muscle. The more you use it, the stronger it gets!

@alleykat: Welcome back!

Some impressive accomplishments there, Geostache! I'm going to have to up my game. :)

I've had a good week, largely because I've been a bit ill. But hey, I'll take whatever good results I can get and call them a silver lining.

Will post weigh-in info tomorrow; I weigh myself on Saturdays.

elaine amj

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Losing Weight in 2016
« Reply #340 on: March 25, 2016, 07:34:52 PM »
@alleykat welcome back! Glad to have u here again.

@dsmexpat That's awesome that betting on yourself is working so well for you :)

@redmondstash kudos on resisting the cookies! You CAN do this!!

@brett get well soon - it does suck to be sick. But like u said, there is always a silver lining :)

@geostache You are still showing a solid and regular losing pattern. What about cutting yourself some slack and allowing extra calories on the weekends? I have found that it is pretty inevitable for me to eat more on weekends so I try and plan for it. It helps that I sleep in and skip breakfast. That's an extra 200-300 cals for dinner :)

@Microspice I have been there. And you are right, it's an amazing feeling to get past it and realize this is a goal worth working towards. Getting past the resentment of being short was freeing.


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RedmondStash

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Re: Losing Weight in 2016
« Reply #341 on: March 26, 2016, 09:02:00 AM »
3/26/16: 159.6 pounds

That's the lowest I've been in a while, but some of it happened because of being ill and not eating. The next step of course is my stomach recovering and wanting to eat All The Things.

How do you folks combat that? Losing weight is easy when you have no appetite. :\

BTW, it's great to be part of such a supportive thread. :)

Geostache

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Re: Losing Weight in 2016
« Reply #342 on: March 28, 2016, 07:11:39 AM »
@MicroSpice: Thanks, and congrats to making it into the healthy BMI range!

@Redmondstache: Thanks! I welcome some friendly competition. :-) Hopefully you're feeling better. I try not to overtax my system after being ill. Start off with some easy to digest healthy foods like fruit and nut butters.

@Elaine amj: You're right. Clearly I have some food issues that I still need to work through. I have a hard time getting over the guilt of eating unhealthy foods. o_O

@dsmexpat: That sounds like you've found a great motivator!

Cookie78

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Re: Losing Weight in 2016
« Reply #343 on: March 28, 2016, 07:29:32 AM »
The beginning of the week was starting out really well. I dipped down to 148. Then my boyfriend came to visit for Easter, which blew both my grocery budget and my calorie intake out of the water. No matter, I still stayed within reason (for both the budget and the calories). I was actually impressed when I stepped on the scale this morning, and thrilled that I hadn't gained more considering the feast we made yesterday.

Monday check in:

Jan 4 Starting weight: 160
Jan 11 weight: 156
Jan 18 weight: 155.2
Jan 25 weight: 156.8
Feb 1 weight: 155.2
Feb 8 weight: 153.2
Feb 15 weight: 151.6
Feb 22 weight 152.6
Feb 29 weight 152.2
Mar 7 weight 149.4
Mar 14 weight 149.4
Mar 21 weight 149.6
Mar 28 weight 149.2
Goal weight: 130

elaine amj

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Re: Losing Weight in 2016
« Reply #344 on: March 28, 2016, 07:33:26 AM »
@Geostache I was struggling with that a little while ago. Someone on MyFitnessPal said this to me that really helped:
I spent awhile looking carefully at the best known guidelines on macro and micronutrient intake. What I figured out was that once we meet our non-energy nutritional needs, we still have a fair number of calories (regardless of weight) that are mostly "free". So if you choose to pick a certain amount of nutritional heavy-hitters, you basically have more freedom to pick things based on taste and personal preferences. There's no real need for guilt about this.

I think we've got a highly puritanical, dare I say ascetic approach in most western cultures that's really bled into thinking about matters of health. Nutrition is not all-or-nothing. Nor is the level of adherence to "eat only highly nutritious foods" a moral issue. Enjoy your favorite foods. You're taking care of yourself, and that includes allowing yourself to enjoy food.


I was able to loosen up a lot after reading that. I'm still careful and watch my calories and all that - but I don't feel horrifically guilty when I eat a cake or ice cream or whatnot. I did stop myself from having ice cream EVERY DAY and made a pact with myself to reach more often for fruit when I had calories to spare. I still don't eat a lot of nuts (because of the calories) so I will be trying to increase that a little.

I do think we have to watch out for being too strict with our diets. I've seen way too many of my friends regain the weight (usually with a few extra) after getting off a strict diet. Whatever we choose has to become a way of life.

Cookie78

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Re: Losing Weight in 2016
« Reply #345 on: March 28, 2016, 07:40:29 AM »
Today's weigh in is a little bittersweet. I am down 3 pounds this week, but the catch is that I've been ill for most of the week. I've been having severe stomach pains mixed with nausea all week, so I haven't really eaten much all week. I went to the doctor yesterday who thinks it's a GI issue and so I'm on a clear liquid diet yesterday and today. So I'm going to see some weight loss, but it's not in the healthy way. Hopefully once this clears I can keep it off, but I'm expecting my weight to jump a little bit once all of this is over.

It might jump back up a bit, especially if you are dehydrated now, but that's ok. When you are felling better you might be able to reframe it in your mind as motivating weight loss and manage to gain back only a small portion of it.


Friday weigh in day. I'm down 1.6 this week. I overindulged last weekend. That seems to be a pattern for me. Time to figure out why I'm so lax on the weekends and make some other, small changes. I'm now near the weight I was back in 2009, which feels good! How is everyone else doing?

Congrats, sounds like great progress after the plateau. :) I hear you about the weekends, especially this one. I usually manage ok on the first day of the weekend, but by Sunday the only thing trying to hold me back is that weigh in day is on Monday morning (that's why I chose Monday).


P.S. I'm now officially in the healthy BMI range for my height!

That's fantastic!! Congrats


Today, I resisted the siren song of the cookies at work. It was a close thing.

Congrats! That's one of the hardest things for me to do lately, and I'm impressed.

elaine amj

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Re: Losing Weight in 2016
« Reply #346 on: March 28, 2016, 09:53:56 AM »
@cookie78 Congratulations on still seeing a downward trend even after your indulgent weekend! Obviously, it didn't negate the hard work during the week :)

I had a more indulgent week than I normally like and for 2 social dinners, didn't calorie count - just did a quick add with a wild guess. Overall though, I stayed within my calorie counts for the week, more or less. Have also been cooking primarily veggies at home. I do have to cook practically two separate dinners every night since the kids won't eat what DH and I eat. e.g Saturday was spag and meatballs for them and zoodles and zucchini "meatballs" for us. The made-from-scratch marinara sauce was the same. It took me nearly 2 solid HOURS. Ack.

I've been doing this for months now and it never used to feel very long, but we have been on more of a time crunch this past week and the 1.5 - 2 hour cooking time every night was feeling crazy. I was hoping to meal prep this weekend, but didn't end up making the time to do it. Overall, it's worth it to have healthier meals, but rather mind-blowing when I think of how much time is taken up by cooking nowadays. On the good side, I'm definitely burning more calories than my "sedentary" lifestyle says. I think being on my feet cooking must burn some extra calories.

I'm not so sure I like Monday weigh-ins as I typically add some weight from the weekend. Thurs/Fri seems to be my lowest weight days. I went all the way down to 137 lbs a few days ago and this morning I am up to 137.8 lbs. (I think it was those brownies I baked yesterday - I kept sneaking scraps!). No matter - it is still progress.

Jan 4 - 154 lbs
Jan 11 - 153.2 lbs
Jan 18 - 149.2lbs
Jan 25 - 149.2lbs
Feb 1 - 146.6lbs
Feb 8 - 144.8lbs
Feb 15 - 143lbs
Feb 22 - 141.2lbs
Feb 29 - 143 lbs
Mar 7 - 138.2 lbs
Mar 14 - VACATION
Mar 21 - 140.2 lbs
Mar 28 - 137.8 lbs

GOAL WEIGHT - 130lbs

Total: 16.2 lbs

Now comes the crazy part. I made myself a yummy chicken curry salad for lunch today. But all of a sudden, I am having an irrational cravings for chicken wings - namely 2-for-1 chicken wings (so FOURTEEN deep fried, loaded with honey garlic sauce wings) at my local wing joint. It costs about $18ish all in (incl. tip) with slow service. But it is SO GOOD!! Wings are my downfall food *sigh* I had better say no - its an $$ lunch PLUS I indulged like crazy already on vacation 2 weeks ago. So - I am going to walk over to the kitchen, get my salad, and EAT IT. That way lunch is done and over and no more wrestling with eating out. 

Geostache

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Re: Losing Weight in 2016
« Reply #347 on: March 28, 2016, 02:12:00 PM »
@Geostache I was struggling with that a little while ago. Someone on MyFitnessPal said this to me that really helped:
I spent awhile looking carefully at the best known guidelines on macro and micronutrient intake. What I figured out was that once we meet our non-energy nutritional needs, we still have a fair number of calories (regardless of weight) that are mostly "free". So if you choose to pick a certain amount of nutritional heavy-hitters, you basically have more freedom to pick things based on taste and personal preferences. There's no real need for guilt about this.

I think we've got a highly puritanical, dare I say ascetic approach in most western cultures that's really bled into thinking about matters of health. Nutrition is not all-or-nothing. Nor is the level of adherence to "eat only highly nutritious foods" a moral issue. Enjoy your favorite foods. You're taking care of yourself, and that includes allowing yourself to enjoy food.


I was able to loosen up a lot after reading that. I'm still careful and watch my calories and all that - but I don't feel horrifically guilty when I eat a cake or ice cream or whatnot. I did stop myself from having ice cream EVERY DAY and made a pact with myself to reach more often for fruit when I had calories to spare. I still don't eat a lot of nuts (because of the calories) so I will be trying to increase that a little.

I do think we have to watch out for being too strict with our diets. I've seen way too many of my friends regain the weight (usually with a few extra) after getting off a strict diet. Whatever we choose has to become a way of life.

That's a really good perspective, Elaine! I'll definitely keep that in mind.

Now comes the crazy part. I made myself a yummy chicken curry salad for lunch today. But all of a sudden, I am having an irrational cravings for chicken wings - namely 2-for-1 chicken wings (so FOURTEEN deep fried, loaded with honey garlic sauce wings) at my local wing joint. It costs about $18ish all in (incl. tip) with slow service. But it is SO GOOD!! Wings are my downfall food *sigh* I had better say no - its an $$ lunch PLUS I indulged like crazy already on vacation 2 weeks ago. So - I am going to walk over to the kitchen, get my salad, and EAT IT. That way lunch is done and over and no more wrestling with eating out. 

Good for you on resisting the wings! Your chicken curry salad sounds delish! Madras curry powder is one of my favorite things to add to chicken salad.

Warning: Complainypants rant below
I've been struggling with the cooking lately as well. The kids will either eat or not, depending on how hungry they are at dinner time. I worry less about them eating what I'm making. However, we don't get home from work until late these days, and even though I have been meal planning, we have been eating out several times a week (yikes). I think our dining out line item is going to be bigger than our grocery line item this month. Between getting home late, and the whole micro-decision-making, my brain just isn't functioning optimally. So, I opt for going out to eat. And now that the weather is getting nicer, we've been spending more time outside on the weekends, which means I'm less likely to do batch cooking.

I know, I know. Lots of excuse making!

RedmondStash

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Re: Losing Weight in 2016
« Reply #348 on: March 29, 2016, 09:34:48 AM »
Now comes the crazy part. I made myself a yummy chicken curry salad for lunch today. But all of a sudden, I am having an irrational cravings for chicken wings - namely 2-for-1 chicken wings (so FOURTEEN deep fried, loaded with honey garlic sauce wings) at my local wing joint. It costs about $18ish all in (incl. tip) with slow service. But it is SO GOOD!! Wings are my downfall food *sigh* I had better say no - its an $$ lunch PLUS I indulged like crazy already on vacation 2 weeks ago. So - I am going to walk over to the kitchen, get my salad, and EAT IT. That way lunch is done and over and no more wrestling with eating out.

@elaine - Way to go! Battling cravings is harder than battling fire-breathing dragons, I swear. And you vanquished that one!


Warning: Complainypants rant below
I've been struggling with the cooking lately as well. The kids will either eat or not, depending on how hungry they are at dinner time. I worry less about them eating what I'm making. However, we don't get home from work until late these days, and even though I have been meal planning, we have been eating out several times a week (yikes). I think our dining out line item is going to be bigger than our grocery line item this month. Between getting home late, and the whole micro-decision-making, my brain just isn't functioning optimally. So, I opt for going out to eat. And now that the weather is getting nicer, we've been spending more time outside on the weekends, which means I'm less likely to do batch cooking.

I know, I know. Lots of excuse making!

@Geostache - Honestly, I don't see that as an excuse, but as an opportunity for strategizing, because I deal with the same thing. :) (And BTW, it sucks.)

My solution is planning ahead for the least worst option that your time and energy will support. Sometimes, that's grabbing premade sandwiches from a local grocery store, or stocking up on frozen meals that are palatable and not too high on calories. Sometimes, it's buying packages of pre-cut frozen veggies and chicken, and dumping them into a crockpot to cook overnight. (Still batch cooking, I know, but it takes relatively little time and effort.) Sometimes, it's buying premade salads and adding cheese and chicken to them. Or even buying those cut-veggie trays with Ranch dressing. Or a tray of deviled or hard-boiled eggs. Or containers of food from the deli section of a store that have at least some veggie ingredients. Or cheddar cheese, apples, and sourdough rolls, with maybe some baby carrots or premade salad.

Grocery stores often have tons of premade food that, while maybe not ideal, will get you through a few meals with relatively good nutrition and calories.

Basically, food is one area where I will spend for convenience, because I don't always have time or energy to cook. So I figure out exactly how much time & energy I do have, and plan around that. A lot of what I buy is already chopped and cleaned, or otherwise prepared. It's sort of a compromise between scratch cooking and eating at a restaurant.

Good luck to you -- this stuff is really hard.

StarBright

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Re: Losing Weight in 2016
« Reply #349 on: March 29, 2016, 09:41:11 AM »
Just read the whole thread for inspiration and commenting to follow.

Have eaten relatively healthfully in adulthood and have always been able to maintain a consistent weight, 142-147 and 5'6", without effort. I've gotten down to 135 with major effort and working out in the past, but honestly decided it wasn't worth the pain, when no effort at all still had me a healthy weight.

My mid thirties and two babies have hit and I have been fighting a five pound gain over my normal range for the last year.

I think this is the point of life where I need to start watching my carb intake on a daily basis and cutting back on alcohol. Middle age here I come!

 

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