February 09 - VSC

[lizandpat 0]

A strong will can be masked with laziness. If you can achive good results in a challenge that would indicate a good will. If you give up easily when things are tough and can not find your own motivation thats laziness. You need to find the place where you create your own challenge. You will see results in many things.

I do have great results in a challenge.....I entered in my work groups "biggest loser" competition two years ago and lost 45 lbs in 4 months. I find I do better if I have someone to either help me stay motiviated by working out with me or someone challenging me. Thankfully my best friend and I are "helping" each other now by encouraging each other....we both want to be in better shape for the concert we're going to next month...LOL!

I've been good about setting goals...small ones...and for the most part I stick to them. I know I'll get there....I now have you guys too...I hope...

[Richard-Joanna 1]

<---- gets out his WHIP to scare Liz.... how's this for motivation?

[lizandpat 0]

<---- gets out his WHIP to scare Liz.... how's this for motivation?

Ummm....whips make me think of something other than exercise, RIchard!

[Richard-Joanna 1]

I am pretty sure *that* is still exercise!

and boy are you EASY!

Edited May 19, 2009 by Richard-Joanna

[lizandpat 0]

I am pretty sure *that* is still exercise!

I was just thinking I should have said that too!!!

EASY????

Edited May 19, 2009 by lizandpat

[D_n_M 0]

Damn right it is! Good cardio, among other things!

[lizandpat 0]

Damn right it is! Good cardio, among other things!

Well then I want to do THAT kind of exercise! Where's my Patrick when I need him.....

[Richard-Joanna 1]

Yes... in the words of Darth Vader when he gets Luke to fall into the cryogenic freezer thingie.... ALL too easy! So yes.. easy to get your mind in the gutter! (I confess, I said it on purpose!)

[lizandpat 0]

Yes... in the words of Darth Vader when he gets Luke to fall into the cryogenic freezer thingie.... ALL too easy! So yes.. easy to get your mind in the gutter! (I confess, I said it on purpose!)

LOL...I blame it on Patrick! I just talked to him and he has a way of making my mind wander in that direction!!

[Dave & Jenny 0]

ahhhh, just call 'em like I see 'em. When your HOT your HOT... and if you are like me... when your NOT, your not!

LOL!!

Ok..I have a question....everyone here is in a LOT better shape than I am but I'm working on it. I talked to my doctor yesterday and will be starting on Alli (weight loss pills) on Thursday. I'm walking 2 miles a day but i want to try something else as well....BUT...I have to be careful because I had knee surgery back in October and I still can't do a lot of things. Anyone have any suggestions???

You've gotten some good advice here already, but maybe I can offer some more (for good or bad). Losing weight is something that I have *had* to do since being diagnosed with Diabetes. I can now fit into clothes that I "outgrew" and have not fit into for the last 20 years (still need to lose another 10-20 though).

Overall remember to do what you can to address all of the aspects, mental, nutritional, and physical (exercise).

Mentally, don't fuss over a number on a scale. Weight will go up or down daily with all the intake and outtake and scales are less accurate than they appear. If you gain some weight, don't panic, it may be that your body is adding muscle more which weighs more while it is losing fat. Also keep working to manage your health and "habits" instead of 5-10 pounds. You can be healthy and a little overweight or "normal" weight and unhealthy. Also if you miss a day of exercise, or "splurge" don't let it affect your outlook - everyone has good days and bad, but you have the choice to let what you did yesterday affect your outlook for today - so just let it be yesterday and focus on what you can today. Also, don't forget you can make this a social thing as well - find someone to work out with (until your SO arrives, then you will have the "right" someone to "work out with" .

Nutritionally, i would be careful with your Carbohydrate intake. I think everyone should. I was amazed what minimizing this did for my energy and hunger control. Eating Carbs can make you eat more than you would otherwise. I am not a fanatic about this - some Carbs are fine, (Atkins or something like that may be a bit overkill), but the average American's diet probably has 2-3 times the Carbs needed. Remember too that Carbs are "burned" first, and excess easily stored as Fat. You will get more "lasting" energy from protein. Watch your portions - you can use a nutritional scale if you want to be fanatic. Too much of a good this is a bad thing.

Physically, just try to get more exercise. You said you walk 2 miles a day, which is a great start. Try to get 3 miles a day, at least on weekends. Get a pedometer and track it that way and try to add 10% more in. Park at the far end of the parking lot and walk in, walk to the store (if you can). You can also try walking with some weights, mabye 5-10 lbs per arm and working your arms while you walk. Do some weight training - this can help your muscles burn more calories even at rest (work on your upper body to spare your knees). I am 150% with the swimming idea - don't worry about a free pool - look for community or gym with a pool, maybe that lets you pay by the day. So what if you spend $50/month to be happier and healthier! How about going kayaking/canoeing? Now *that* is a serious workout that for you arms.

No matter what, don't lose faith in yourself. Get exercise as you can, try to stay healthy. It sounds like you have been doing some great things for yourself already.

[lizandpat 0]

Thanks Dave! My best friend was just talking about the "diabetic diet" last night. She said it's an easy, healthy way to eat that isn't too hard to follow. With friends like you guys here, I'll be in great shape not only for Il Divo but also for my wedding..lol!

[Dave & Jenny 0]

From what i understand and have experienced there is a window that will allow a woman to lose weight quickly after giving birth. As soon as she is healthy enough to start working out, her metabolism is working fast at that time, she can lose quickly and easily. But that is not a rule of thumb for all woman. The body chemistry and a good recovery plays an important factor.

Any man in a thong is just wrong! IMHO... but I'm a guy!

I am a guy, and I believe that all men should be in thongs. The FOOTWEAR. But NEVER the underwear.

[Dave & Jenny 0]

Only on this thread can we go from discussing weight loss to men in thongs..LOL!!

Maire - Thanks for the words of wisdom....I am going to take your advice and wait a bit longer with the pills.

D_n_M - I actually think having you as my personal trainer would do me wonders. I need someone to scream at me and make my butt get motivated. I don't have much will power but I love a challenge. As for Jenny Craig and Slim Fast...I've used slim fast and not seen any results. I was also on Weight Watchers with pretty much the same thing. I need...and will!...to exercise! I've had some set backs mostly with the knee surgery but I'm getting back on track.

Richard - I am like you...I start in the middle and work my way out...lol!

Thanks everyone for all your input and advise. It's necessary sometimes to get an outside perspective of things to see them clearly. I did see some results lately that frankly I'm shocked with.....between the first appointment on April 30th with my doctor about this whole Asthma thing and yesterday I've lost 6 pounds. Not sure how since I've not been exercising. The one thing I have done and been able to stick to...I completely cut out all soda's...even diet ones. I now only drink lemon water or tea (unsweet or sweetened with artifical sweetner). That is a HUGE accomplishment for me..lol!

6lbs is a great start. I think you may have explained some of your weight loss already. One can of coke is 140calories. If you had 1/day, you would have ~1000 calories less per week.

I would echo something though...if you don't find the "Jenny Craig"/"Slim Fast"/"Weight Watchers" very appealing, it is hard to stick to them. If you don't stick to them and substitute your "normal meal" for them or add in bad snacks, they won't help you. Also agree with regards to drugs etc...only use them if other changes are still not working.

If you want to attack the nutritional side, start reading the labels for everything you buy and eat and drink. Get a small notebook/journal and write *everything* you eat in it with the nutritional values (you can find them for most foods on the internet, private message me and I can send you some links when I dig them up). Use the journal and labels to try to reduce calories and avoid "bad foods". You can use this information to improve things and to get in the habit of understand the choice you make as you buy/order food.

[Maire 1]

<---- gets out his WHIP to scare Liz.... how's this for motivation?

excuse me????????????????ur only allowed to flirt with me MR. Flightless bird!

BTW sex is proven to make u burn calories...but what am i talking about if we are a bunch of frustrated K1 filers that dont get laid!

Edited May 19, 2009 by Maire

[D_n_M 0]

If you dont stick to the regiment it would be called "slim slow"