[patbruck]

I am really pleased with my weigh-in this morning. I am down four pounds! I weighed myself on the "doctor's scale" at the gym (to make sure mine wasn't playing tricks on me) and sure enough.

Let me tell you, I was in SUCH a rut these past few weeks - I was going to the gym about 5 times a week but slacking when it came to watching calories. I would lose a couple of pounds, then gain a little back, then lose a little more. I pretty much stayed the same for a couple weeks there. Not motivating at all, let me tell you!

Now what rings in my head is something grace.maddie said: "if I am consistent, the scale will be too". I need to be consistent in my calorie intake if I want to be successful. If if feel like eating extra, then I must burn extra. Exercise is a really a wonderful thing, and the benefits go so far beyond weight loss. To lose one pound per week, you'd have to burn an extra 500 calories a day - now I don't know about anyone else here, but I usually burn a lil over 400 in an average workout, and that is only 5-6 times per week. That said, watching your intake is where you're really going to see results. yes, i count calories. It works for me. I also try to select foods with higher protein and fiber contents, and lower fat and sodium contents.

Anyway, this past week I was swamped with a huge deadline for school - major field research paper due and I only got to the gym twice. With that in mind, I made a decision to cut my intake - I was previously shooting for 1500 calories per day (which ended up being more like 1700 oooops) so I lowered it to 1200. The first couple days were tough (late night snacking!!!) but honestly, I've done 1200 the past four days and really don't notice the reduction as much anymore. What has also helped is that DH and I haven't gone out to eat for the past couple of weeks too.

[twinners]

I am going to officially join you guys in this challenge! Even though I didn't submit my info, I started last week and have lost 2.4 pounds as of this morning. Pm'ing my info now

[mpayne]

Don't forget, too, that muscle burns fat even at rest. So even though you do need to cut back or use up 500 more calories a day to lose a pound a week, your resting metabolic rate is also a HUGE factor in weight loss! The more lean muscle mass - the more calories you burn when you're doing nothing! All the more reason to get those workouts in and build some muscle.

[danielephant]

how is everyone doing!?

[patbruck]

Having my ups and downs this week. Baked shortbreads yesterday and I ate a ton of them. Felt guilty and decided to skip dinner, but DH brought me 2 plain tTaco Bell acos. On the upside, I only ate one of them.

Today baked some more, and DID NOT EAT ANY! not even licked my fingers or anything. Had plans to go out to dinner w/a friend so i only ate like 700 cals today before dinner, but am pretty sure I consumed too much dinner darn restaurant.com GC - we had to spend $35 to use it so we had to order an appetizer. I'm afraid I ate too much, but fortunately I don't eat like that often.

Plan to hit the gym bright and early tomorrow AM for a nice long cardio workout. maybe some weights too if the gym isn't too busy. And tomorrow afternoon DH and I are doing some christmas shopping, so hopefully I'll get some walking in. maybe I'll wear my HR monitor so I can convince my DH of the many benefits of shopping

[lesliec]

Just saw this thread and am getting motivated. Thanks.

[patbruck]

Down another 2.4 pounds this week. Was secretly hoping for more, but when I think about it, I've lost more these past 2 weeks than I did the whole month prior, so I am happy I did have a couple of, ummm, 'misunderstandings' with some Christmas cookies this week too...

I made it a goal awhile back to get under 200 by New Years (this was before my loooonggg plateau) and now that i am back on track, I may reach it after all. How is everyone else doing?

[susan_t6]

I haven't been able to get to the gym this past week because of snow and Dh at a class for work. Sooo I did do a lot of shoveling. We were out of town part of this weekend so there went eating right. Tried but didn't work well. Not too mention those darn christmas cookies. I am supposed to have a friend come over tomorrow to make some cookies but I think I'll call and cancel. Right now my defenses against cookies are too weak. Might not get to the gym to be weighed today because we had a blizzard this weekend and DH had to take my 4wheel drive truck to work to get through all the snow. I'll try tomorrow. Roads should be better.
Hope everyone is doing better than me. Good luck.

[mpayne]

Congrats patbruck!

I forgot to weigh this morning and I've already had a bunch of coffee So I will do it tomorrow morning.

The only exercise I got last week was "running late" Hope to do better this week, but I'm fighting a migraine so it's hard to get motivated to get on the treadmill when I just want to crawl under the covers.

[mpayne]

Oooooooooooooo! Hungry Girl - Monday Newsletter has some YUMMY looking stuff today!

[patbruck]

Originally Posted by susan_t6

I haven't been able to get to the gym this past week because of snow and Dh at a class for work. Sooo I did do a lot of shoveling. We were out of town part of this weekend so there went eating right. Tried but didn't work well. Not too mention those darn christmas cookies. I am supposed to have a friend come over tomorrow to make some cookies but I think I'll call and cancel. Right now my defenses against cookies are too weak. Might not get to the gym to be weighed today because we had a blizzard this weekend and DH had to take my 4wheel drive truck to work to get through all the snow. I'll try tomorrow. Roads should be better.
Hope everyone is doing better than me. Good luck.

OK shoveling is a great calorie burner. I wear my HR monitor when shoveling and am amazed at how many cals I can burn. So don't feel bad about that. I was thinking of ordering some workout dvd's for days that the weather is too bad to get to the gym (or so I can do a second workout at nite if I am so motivated).

The cookies are my enemy as well. I made chocolate-caramel shortbreads last week and...ugh. All that butter and flour and sugar, yikes. I think their only redeeming quality was that I topped them with almonds . Anyway, I have found that I can't eat "just one" - once I start, I seriously cannot stop. So I just tell myself NO. I love to bake, so when I do, I make sure I unload it right away - to the IL's, some to my parents, some with DH for the guys at work. You can still bake w/your friend, but just keep a small amount for your DH and family and send the rest home w/her! When there is only one cookie left on the plate, THEN let yourself have one. That way you eat one and only one.

I also struggle with eating right away from home and my best advice is to look at restaurant menus online before going. If that's not an option, stick to grilled foods, veggies, green salad w/fatfree dressing, etc. Also, don't forget portion sizes. Eating a restaurant burger isn't great, but it's not nearly as bad when you split it w/someone else. I also "fill up" on water before the meal comes so I eat less.

[patbruck]

checking in...believe it or not, this actually helps me stay on track

have been doing ok this week. finals + horrible weather make going the gym not all that realistic, but I am gonna try to get there tomorrow morning. the icky weather actually helps me food-wise, though, b/c there is no way I'm going out there just for fast food or a bag of chips. DH wants to go out to his favorite brewery for dinner on Friday so I am going to have to plan that one out carefully - I am sure I'll have enough temptation next week!

oh and here's some great news. I was going to buy myself a new dress for Christmas and had the style I wanted in mind. Well I remembered that I already had a very similar dress that I bought for a wedding in 2002. I was smaller back then and figured there wasn't a chance it would fit, but thought it would be nice to see "how close " I was.

Tried it on and omg, it fits!! I absolutely could not believe it. The dress is a size 14, which ok does not exactly make me skinny, but I just can't believe I am wearing clothes I wore over six years ago. I will ask DH to take a picture of me tonight and post it with a "before" picture.

[susan_t6]

Originally Posted by patbruck

Tried it on and omg, it fits!! I absolutely could not believe it. The dress is a size 14, which ok does not exactly make me skinny, but I just can't believe I am wearing clothes I wore over six years ago. I will ask DH to take a picture of me tonight and post it with a "before" picture.

Congratulations!! I am happy for you that it fits. I love being able to wear something I haven't been able to. It is a good feeling. Keep going!!!
I haven't been able to get to the gym either but still working at shoveling snow. I woke up this morning and my muscles were sore from shoveling yesterday. It helps work the muscles when the snow is up past my knee.

[susan_t6]

I start a new job on Monday (orientation) and it is business casual. I have to go and buy some clothes. I am dreading that. Last time I bought clothes I had to get two sizes bigger than I was currently wearing even though my clothes weren't tight on me. Don't like mine tight. So that doesn't help the ole self esteem any.

[xmaspickle]

Originally Posted by patbruck

Having my ups and downs this week. Baked shortbreads yesterday and I ate a ton of them. Felt guilty and decided to skip dinner, but DH brought me 2 plain tTaco Bell acos. On the upside, I only ate one of them.

Today baked some more, and DID NOT EAT ANY! not even licked my fingers or anything. Had plans to go out to dinner w/a friend so i only ate like 700 cals today before dinner, but am pretty sure I consumed too much dinner darn restaurant.com GC - we had to spend $35 to use it so we had to order an appetizer. I'm afraid I ate too much, but fortunately I don't eat like that often.

Plan to hit the gym bright and early tomorrow AM for a nice long cardio workout. maybe some weights too if the gym isn't too busy. And tomorrow afternoon DH and I are doing some christmas shopping, so hopefully I'll get some walking in. maybe I'll wear my HR monitor so I can convince my DH of the many benefits of shopping

okay..I know I'm really late in reading this and that taco has already digested..but when you've binged..please, please don't skip the healthy food..maybe make it a bit lighter..you know less fat, sodium, sugar..definitely whole grains, healthy food..but don't skip totally..you don't want a yuck headache and then get lethargic or feel worthless..just make yourself a healthy stirfry..maybe scramble some egg beaters with veggies..a piece of whole grain toast..a can of light progresso soup...etc..and count those calories in...

also..my favorite thing at taco bell is the fresco style chicken border bowl..make sure it's fresco..and they swap out the cheese and stuff for chopped tomato salsa..super yummy and 350 cals/8 grams of fat..and still from a fast food place...

[xmaspickle]

Keep Going ladies (and gentlemen if any are peeking in)...this is for the rest of your life..go grab the dreams you want...

I'm the one that started on biggestloserclub the day after the show started..I'm down 26lbs. and 2 1/2 sizes...14s were ripping tight when I started and no way was I going up a size..10 fit a bit loosely right now..and 8's are a bit snugger than I would wear in public..but I can get them on (pants) without a tummy hangover..

I can do real pushups now..I can jog/run..it's probably a loose interpretation of jogging..but something like 4.6 mph during a 5K with occasional walks if I get winded...and just today for the first time since I do not even remember when I can touch my heel to my butt when doing stretches..I either had no flexibility and/or so much fat on the backside of my leg that it wouldn't bend so far to be able to kick my own butt...(that's something in the jillian 30 day shred dvd)...

and this week my blood pressure was 109/56 with again a resting pulse of 48...measureable results for eating healthy and moving the old bod...

so I'm rooting all of you on..keep going..in fact..you guys are doing this through the holidays so I'll go grab my fav lower cal egg nog recipe and post it...it's easy, tastes reasonable and my butt loves it..

[xmaspickle]

Light Eggnog
1 quart skim milk
1 cup fat free egg substitute like egg beaters
6 packets or equivalent equal
3 T sugar free vanilla instant pudding
2-3 teaspoons vanilla
1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
dash rum flavoring

put all ingredients in a blender and whirl for 30-60 seconds until smooth

1/2 cup = 61 calories/.3 grams fat

hoorah!

[mpayne]

xmaspickle - thank you for posting here! You are SO motivating!!!

Hang in there, folks! The hardest week is coming up, but we can all try to make healthier choices over this holiday. Munch on the veggie platter instead of the fried appetizers, enjoy the turkey - it's great lean protein! And have a piece of pie or cake if you want it - remember, life is to enjoy IN MODERATION!

I still need weigh-ins for several people for this week - so if you haven't sent yours, please PM me!

So far PATBRUCK is in the LEAD with a 2.9% weight loss so far this month!!!

[mpayne]

I need this week's weigh-ins for the following people:

twinners
Qponbelle
susan_t6
wlcross
Mom2threeLovesCVS
onlymadaresane

[susan_t6]

I am going into the gym tomorrow and can give you the weight then. Don't have a scale at home. Hopefully it will be down.

[patbruck]

omg I am in the lead?! wow that is very exciting This entire thread has been pretty motivating, so keep it coming everyone.

I have been good at watching my calories yesterday and today so far. Even ventured out to the gym on Wednesday evening b/c I felt lost w/o my workout. what a dork, I know! Yesterday was a no-go as I had 2 finals to take (and cram for beforehand) and today I got a mini-workout in shoveling snow. We are under a winter weather advisory and I wouldn't be surprised if my gym was closed - every thing else is around here. Tomorrow I'm planning on hitting the gym in the afternoon and Sunday bright and early. I am seriously lost if I don't plan ahead!

[patbruck]

oh and I almost forgot: I just made chocolate covered pretzels drizzled with peanut butter and didn't pig out on them! I don't like to even let myself have one b/c once I start, well you know how that goes. But I also cannot send food over to someone's house w/o testing it first, kwim? so I took a broken little pretzel and dipped it just to make sure they tasted ok. They are good, whew, but I figure the most enjoyable part is that first little bite anyway...so I am good! Now if I can stand up to the shortbreads next week...

[susan_t6]

[quote=patbruck;1130313]omg I am in the lead?! wow that is very exciting This entire thread has been pretty motivating, so keep it coming everyone.
/QUOTE]

Congratulations and keep up the good work.

[xmaspickle]

I opted to not compete with you guys as I'm pretty much on my own track with the biggestloserclub online...but I just did my stats..and from Thanksgiving day to today I'm down another 6.5 lbs.....so from the day after the biggest loser season started (figured it was absolutely stupid to watch very obese people working out if I'm sitting on the couch with 50 to lose) to now..I've lost 28.5 lbs and 3 sizes...this weekend I grabbed my stash of size 8's and they fit perfectly..let's say 14s were extremely tight when I started and there was NO WAY I was buying 16s...the jeans I had in the 8 pile were dark blue and like new so it felt like I had gone out shopping and had brand new stuff...and it's cold here..and just layering a turtleneck & sweater and not looking like the pillsbury doughboy is great

also, I just found a "clean eating" magazine at barnes & nobles..it's only been out a year or so..and it had recipes with all "real" food not processed malarky..and all recipes had the nutritional stats on them...and most things looked real easy to make...I doubt I would ever do all the things they suggest as it looks like they lean toward protein powders and smoothies at times..and I can't see me drinking a meal..I like crunches and textures...

and I see you mentioned hungry girl..that is one of my favorite sites for "fun" foods not necessarily clean eating (as she uses artificial sweeteners or anything else she can locate)..but I can personally vouch for her recreated raspberry frappuccino...it something like 67 cals and is delish..the starbucks version is my daughter's fav treat..but expensive and calorie ridden...I did have to search for the unsweetened almond milk (whole foods) and the sugar free raspberry torani syrup (cost plus world market)...and my other fav is her version of the KFC chicken bowl...her's start with mashed butternut squash and layers corn, morningstar farms chicken patties, fat free cheese, etc..and is low cal..and honest to god..so wonderful and flavorful..even my teenager who hates squash loves this version..he voted that way to eat his squash each time..and I've found cubed fresh butternut squash at several groceries and at Costco...

and Devin Alexander has several cookbooks out with fast food recreations..her "big mac" is very very close and uses the diet lean burger and I think actually tastes better than the mickey d's version...her special sauce is dead on...and again..I test on my teens and didn't mention what I cooked..and when they bit into dinner...it was a "this is a big mac" conversation...

so girls (and guys if you're lurking) don't do stuff that will make you feel deprived..find ways to have a bit of favorites but healthified versions so your new thought and action patterns support the person you want to be..it's not depriving yourself..it's fueling your lean machine...

and believe me putting on slim size 8 jeans this weekend was the BEST present anyone could give me...and the slow steady way I'm doing this I can keep up the rest of my life..it's not something I'm planning to "diet" and then go off on and resume old eating patterns..I'm adapting daily and balancing out my activity...

on Saturday I went jogging with my husband..and that is the first time we've done that together and we've been together 29 years...so start a new trend!

[mpayne]

That's awesome! I can't even *imagine* getting into a size 8, but I guess there's always hope! I dunno, though, I have some hips here that I don't think would allow that no matter what I weigh...

I lost a pound last week! Not much, but slow and steady wins the race, right?