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Beckster
Senior Member
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Posted: 28 April 2008 06:14 am |
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I need 1 (or a few) people with similar goals to help keep me accountable as I embark on yet another attempt to lose weight. I'm 5'9" and 250 lbs. I'd like to get down to 170 over the next year. I started working at a desk instead of running around taking care of patients (ICU Nurse) about 9 years ago. Coincidentally I've gained 70 pounds in that period of time.
One kid in college, one in grade school, good kids, good husband. Just ordered an elliptical, should be here in a couple of weeks. Just need some help to find the time and stay with it. I promise the encouragement will be reciprocated!
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Peter
Founder, caloriesperhour.com
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Posted: 30 April 2008 06:27 pm |
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I hope you find a diet buddy(s). It's really helped me.
Also be sure to consider joining our weight loss challenge starting May 5... and you can look for someone with similar goals there, too!
Peter
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pbf4326e
Distinguished Member
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Posted: 2 May 2008 02:21 pm |
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Hey Beckster,
How's it going? I hear you. Over the last 20 years I went from 175 to 290. In between I went on fad diets and lost anywhere from 20 - 40 lbs, only to gain it back when I wnet off the "diet." I put diet in quotes as I've finally learned that we look at the term "diet" as something temporary and we should be looking at making fundamental changes in how we live.
I've came to the decision to do just that in mid-July, 2007. Since then I've lost 82 lbs. My goal is to lose 100 lbs and I'll fine tune it after that.
I'm married to a wonderful gal for nearly 34 years. We have two grown children, a grandson and a granddaughter on the way. I'm 56.
I've been counting calories and exercising and taking my time, averaging 2 lbs a week. I don't deprive myself and will have the occasional pizza or Dairy Queen when I really, really have the hankering for it. This is about lifestyle change and adjustments and this stuff is part of life. If we deprive ourselves too much we will never succeed.
You're right about accountability. I've told family, friends and co-workers about my goals and my journey. It's not to boast but by telling people, it holds me accountable and I get a great deal of support.
I'm close to my goal but if you want a buddy to help you through the journey you're about to take, I'm here. It will also help me on the long road to maintaining my healthy lifestyle. We can hold each other accountable and support each other. Use this site. It's great!
Just let me know and have a great weekend.
Bert
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Beckster
Senior Member
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Posted: 3 May 2008 08:46 pm |
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Hey Bert,
Thanks for the reply, it's really nice to connect with someone "out there". I'm pretty new to this type of communication! Strong work on your weight loss! Wow, that's a good pace, staying healthy but definitely losing weight at a steady clip. I absolutely agree with what you said about making it a lifestyle change and keeping it doable. One of the things I'm really working on is balancing keeping my food intake varied and healthy with responding to "do I really really want this?" Also, exercise...essential, can't do it without it. It's good for my mood, self esteem, and physical well being.
Hey, I gotta take my son to guitar lessons, then I'll be out of town for a week. I joined Peter's weight loss challenge too, so maybe I'll see you over there as well...Thanks for your reply, it's really encouraging.
Beckster
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pbf4326e
Distinguished Member
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Posted: 5 May 2008 02:02 pm |
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Hi,
Hope your son had a good lesson. I've been playing since I was 13. Tell him I play a Taylor 710CE. He'll know what that is.
Have a great time out of town. I hope it's vacation. We leave May 17 and I can't wait.
Bert
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Beckster
Senior Member
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Posted: 11 May 2008 06:42 pm |
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Thanks! I'm back from Chicago and I feel OK about how I did-I did have one slice of deep dish pizza  but generally watched portions and stopped before I felt full, also did a lot of walking. Praise God for comfortable shoes (Dansko, Clarks)!
I gotta say, airline seats are getting more uncomfortable all the time. Obviously I'd like a little more elbow room but I do still fit within the confines of my seat and seat belt! But my knees were jammed against the seat in front of me. One more incentive to lose weight, although that won't make my legs any shorter!
Hope you have a good vacation on the 17th and are able to keep active. What do you like to do for exercise?
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pbf4326e
Distinguished Member
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Posted: 12 May 2008 01:36 pm |
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Hi,
Glad you made it back safely. I know what you mean about air travel and the seats. When I started I was 290 lbs and flying was a pain. I'm now at 204 and I can't wait to go on another trip. Now I just can't afford the prices.
I had pizza this past week too. You gotta have some indulgence otherwise you won't be able to stay focused. Changing lifestyles doesn't mean we have to deprive ourselves all the time. You did it right.
I have a stationary bike at home and weights. I do aerobics on the bike 5-6 times a week and strength training 3 times. I started on the bike and did 10 min. but I'm up to 56 non-stop now.
I'm not feeling well this morning and stayed home. I don't know if I'll get anything done today but I had a strong weekend of working out.
Stay in touch and stay strong. We can do this.
Bert
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Beckster
Senior Member
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Posted: 16 May 2008 04:46 am |
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Hey Bert,
A week away from work and I'm paying for it! Starting to get caught up now and I really do like my job about 90% of the time. You said you weren't feeling well on Monday-hope you're better now.
I'm staying pretty well on track this week. Daily calorie intake has been from 1600-1800 with daily walking or elliptical for at least 40 minutes. I can't believe how out of shape I've gotten-I used to be pretty athletic, not quick, but very strong. Boy have things changed! I just want to be able to go for a decent day hike again. I keep telling myself I need to add some strength training. I'll get myself some weights this weekend and let you know how it goes.
My husband took me out to a seafood place last night and traditionally I would love to have a rich seafood pasta. Last night I had a hot seafood salad-a base of wilted spinach, mushrooms and red onions with shrimp, clams, fish and scallops in a balsamic vinagrette on top. Yumm! And I didn't have to feel guilty afterward.
Take care of yourself. Wherever you're going on the 17th, hope you have fun.
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pbf4326e
Distinguished Member
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Posted: 16 May 2008 01:59 pm |
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Hey there,
That dinner sounds great. I love stuff like that. I too have changed what I eat. In the past I would have had a fried platter but now I've developed tastes for things like the salad you described.
We're headed for the Smokey Mountains in Tenn. I can't wait. We'll do some hiking and I checked with the Pigeon Forge Community Center and they have a complete gym I can use for $6.50 a day. I should get at least 3 days of working out in. I'll watch what I eat but since I'm on vacation I'll indulge a bit. I always like to take my girl for an ice cream at night.
Have a great week. I won't be back on-line until the week after next. Be safe and stay strong.
Bert
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Lucy
New Member
| Joined: | 8 May 2008 |
| Location: | Canada |
| Posts: | 191 |
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Posted: 19 May 2008 10:49 pm |
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Beckster wrote: I need 1 (or a few) people with similar goals to help keep me accountable as I embark on yet another attempt to lose weight. I'm 5'9" and 250 lbs. I'd like to get down to 170 over the next year. I started working at a desk instead of running around taking care of patients (ICU Nurse) about 9 years ago. Coincidentally I've gained 70 pounds in that period of time.
One kid in college, one in grade school, good kids, good husband. Just ordered an elliptical, should be here in a couple of weeks. Just need some help to find the time and stay with it. I promise the encouragement will be reciprocated!
Hi Beck, we are so similiar in size! I am 5' 9.5" and weighed myself alittle over a month ago and was around 246, I have since lost, but not sure how much, as I have not been weighing myself. I am going to copy and paste my intro thread into here.
Hi there, well I found this forum yesterday and it seems to have everything I need. So many out there, with very little activity. So here's my short story.
I am 5'10 weighed 135 most of my life (now 40 years old)...had some kids, really wasnt the issue of my weight gain, although I did maintain around 165 after them. Now I quit smoking 4 years ago, and hello food! Went up to 250 !! #%@&!. So here I am, giving it a go for real this time. I have of course "tried" before, like I tried so many times to quit the cigs. For a month now I have been using hoodia, yes a real one, also exercising 5 days a week for 45 minutes. I am using a recumbant bike, an ab roller, and resistance bands. Now I am not weighing myself. I do know I have gone down 4 notches on my jeans belt, and one more notch, and I need to buy a new belt. Alrighty then, there it is. See you around the forum . Forgot to add that yes my eating habits have changed, for the better. Okay talk soon, from your new Canadian former couch potato! Lucy 
Let me know if I sound like a good fit to your goals....I too am shooting for around 170, I was wanting to be there by xmas, but that may be to much to soon,....I have 4 kids 2 from a first marriage girl 20 boy 15...Second marriage(well common law this time round!) and two boys 4&5....currently a stay at home mom.
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Beckster
Senior Member
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Posted: 24 May 2008 05:41 pm |
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Hey Lucy!
I'm not very good at posting during the week-pretty busy, long commute, etc.
It's so nice to "meet" another tall woman. There are advantages and disadvantages in the weight loss realm for us, although I think mostly advantages once we get the ball rolling. What I mean is that we're probably going to burn a few more calories, and maybe lose a little faster because of our size and higher BMR but then again, we have to lose a lot more weight before a weight loss really shows! My focus these days is on changing to a sustainable eating and exercise pattern. About 1600-1800 cals a day, exercise 6-7 days a week and wearing a pedometer and going for 10000 steps. I joined Peter's Weight Loss Challenge, so I'm posting over there too. I have a lot of support from my family - they don't nag me but they give me room to make my workouts a priority. It's so much easier now that my kids are a little older. Our son is in sixth grade and our daughter is a freshman in college.
Sounds like you're making progress if you needed to buy a new belt! I keep waiting for my fresh washed jeans to feel loose but I'm not there yet-they are maybe not quite so tight. I have to keep in mind that when I started this, I was wearing size 20T but probably really needed a 22. So when my 20s feel like they really fit comfortably I'll know I've made some progress
Good for you for quitting smoking! As a nurse, I gotta tell you, if you're a smoker, that really is the single most important thing you can do for your health. Hope you gave yourself lots of credit for that one, because it's a hard habit to beat.
So keep me posted on how it's going for you. (By the way, which part of Canada are you from? I live up in the northwest corner of Washington, so BC is our neighbor.)
Take care!
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MidgeH
Senior Member
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Posted: 24 May 2008 09:02 pm |
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Hi Beckster. I'm a little late to the party, but thought I'd say hi anyway.
I'm 5'9" and right now am at 258.5 - started at 281 - and have a goal of 170 as well. Looks like that's a common number for people around our height!
I'm trying to focus on smaller goals though - I might even beat my first one of 257 by 5/31! <<fingers crossed and veggies at the ready>>
I find that my biggest struggle is with exercise - but you seem to be doing great with that! How are you keeping yourself motivated?
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Beckster
Senior Member
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Posted: 25 May 2008 03:58 am |
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Welcome to the party! 3 tall chicks and a guy! I think you all have a head start on me; I've only lost 3.5 lbs so far.
I don't know about the motivation thing, I think the timing just has to be right and you get in the zone. For me that usually means I want to lose weight more than I want the ease of not exercising or the comfort of food. I got tired of the constant self-loathing, clothes not fitting and the fear of ending up in an ICU with diabetes, sleep apnea and heart disease like so many of my patients! I know from experience how much better I feel physically and emotionally when I get some aerobic exercise. When the weather's nice (like today) I walk with my dog and I gotta tell you, it's hard slogging up those hills sometimes. I can feel every extra pound dragging me down. I was sooo glad to get back up my hill tonight! But now I've logged in another good day, well, pretty good...I did have a piece of canadian bacon pizza that I hadn't intended to. 
In the meantime, I'm with you, small goals. I joined Peter's weight loss challenge, I'm going for 238 by June 30. Keep me posted on how it's going for you!
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Lucy
New Member
| Joined: | 8 May 2008 |
| Location: | Canada |
| Posts: | 191 |
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Posted: 26 May 2008 11:08 pm |
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Okay Just wanted to check in quickly...last week I was checking to see if you had responded yet Beckster, almost had given up! lol...glad you showed up as well as Midge! Guess we can be official now? and come up with a name, and Beck I think you nailed it with three tall chicks and a guy?
I think its fantastic that us ladies are all relatively the same height and weight!! Most of the articles and such I read about success stories, I always look for height, and more often then not the ladies are five six and under....so its nice to relate on a "higher" level, pun intended! (and was only meant as a joke, not that I think I am any more important then anyone).
I will stop by again later when kids are in bed to update on my progress...had abit of a setback these last few days...but back on the wagon as they say.
talk soon..
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MidgeH
Senior Member
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Posted: 27 May 2008 12:50 am |
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It is nice that we've found each other on the forum. I've been getting inspiration all over the board, but it's nice to compare notes with people in about the same size boat.
3 tall chicks is a good title.
Just an update on me - I'm almost at my first goal of 257 by 5/31. (I have no idea where I got that number. Why 24 lbs and not 25? Huh. Weird.) I'm at 258 right now - I was 257.5 yesterday but I used too much soy sauce on my stir fry! We'll see what the scale says tomorrow. Almost time for a new goal!
First question for you guys - how often do you weigh yourself and are you taking your measurements? I weigh myself everyday - I sorta have to because of my heart issues (when I was told to weigh everyday it was to watch for serious fluctuation that indicate a problematic water gain. The RN said to watch for a gain of 2 lbs or more. I responded "Dude, my weight fluctuated 2 lbs during this discussion!" - which is very true of people our height/weight) but even if I didn't have to I've become addicted to it. Bad me. I've begun measuring too, I'll share that in a later post.
I will stop by again later when kids are in bed to update on my progress...had abit of a setback these last few days...but back on the wagon as they say.
Set backs, schmet backs. All you can do is let them roll away and focus on what you're doing now. Which you are.
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pbf4326e
Distinguished Member
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Posted: 27 May 2008 06:51 pm |
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Hey there,
Three tall gals and a guy eh? I'm glad to be part of this troop.
Well, we had a great vacation. I was good 60% of the time but the other 40%, I was very, very bad. Gained 6 lbs but working it off.
I did go on a 5 mile hike in the mountains one day and hit the gym for two days. It could have been worse. I have to post for the challenge now. 
Bert
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Beckster
Senior Member
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Posted: 28 May 2008 03:58 pm |
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Hey!
Welcome back Bert, it sounds to me like your vacation went pretty well. You got some serious exercise (5 mile hike in the mountains! Please, I'd be panting like a guppy). And weight fluctuates, I'd be willing to bet that you didn't really put on 6 lbs of fat, like Midge pointed out, water weight fluctuates a lot day to day.
I've had a couple of not so great days but I'm not feeling that old feeling of wanting to just throw it all out the window like I have before and a big part of that is you guys and the committment and accountability. Memorial day I counted up 2700 calories! But I did go for a very long beach walk. Yesterday my calories were better but I came home from work and crashed and never got in my exercise. A lot of stress and pressure at work, lots of politics sometimes too, it just takes a lot out of me. My best response is to work it out with exercise, my worst is to eat the stress...which really just creates more stress.
In answer to your question Midge:
"First question for you guys - how often do you weigh yourself and are you taking your measurements?"
I'm weighing myself everyday now, something I haven't done for a very long time but I'm finding that it keeps me focused. One thing I know from the past is that I have to get a little bit obsessed in order to generate the amount of focus on my weight loss efforts to really keep me honest about every detail. So I also keep a food diary with calories (going for 1600 or so a day), I weigh foods if I'm not sure and I did do some measurements when I started. I probably won't re-check my measurements until I notice a significant difference in my how my clothes are fitting.
Anyway, glad you are all out there. I'm at work now, so I better get to it.
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pbf4326e
Distinguished Member
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Posted: 28 May 2008 04:39 pm |
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Hi Beckster,
You're right about the fluctuation. I think that those of us who tend to put weight on are more susceptible to it than others.
Regarding how often I weigh in, you're right there too. I weigh in every day, first thing in the morning after my trip to the john. No need for excess water. Not only does it keep me focused on what I have to do but it also shows me my successes. I'm down 2 lbs of what I gained on vacation. I'll get it down again but this is what it's all about. In life we're going to have those special occasions and we shouldn't feel we can't participate. It's the day to day things (like work stress) that drive us to the fridge or pantry. I'm susceptible to that too. Planning snacks and recognizing when I'm going to get the need to feed from stress helps. Not having the bad stuff in the house also helps.
I didn't take measurements when I started. I was a XXL in shirts and close to a 50 waiste. I'm now down to large and a 36 waiste. This is all I need to keep going.
I've been counting calories too and over the past 10 months I've learned what portion size of a particular food is with respect to calorie count and over time, my eye has gotten better on general recognition and this helps a lot.
Let's be strong for each of us!
Bert
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Lucy
New Member
| Joined: | 8 May 2008 |
| Location: | Canada |
| Posts: | 191 |
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Posted: 28 May 2008 08:16 pm |
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Hi everyone, something I have never done is weigh myself, unless I am at the doctors, I have always just gone by my clothing size as a way of determining where I am at. Measurements I have never, ever, done this, as I think I would be in way to much shock for the outcome, and that is probably why I dont own a scale.
Now with that said, and in keeping with the group, and knowing what I have done in the past, I am willing to do things different and hope for a different outcome. I will purchase a scale today, have to go to walmart for a few other things, also a measure tape and will, with great hesitation I am sure, post my stats. This really makes me nervous and nauseaous(sp) at the same time. Not sure why, but it will keep me honest.
I have read that using a scale on daily basis is a no no ? What do you say about that? Also are any of you using supplements be it meal/shake replacements, otc pills, or vitamins ect?
Midge I think you asked where the motivation for exercise comes from? My recumbent bike is in the family room in front of a tv...when my fave soap is on in the afternoon, I go down and exercise...so I guess my motivation is the tv
Oh seeing we are all in agreement with our group name, can we get it changed?
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Lucy
New Member
| Joined: | 8 May 2008 |
| Location: | Canada |
| Posts: | 191 |
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Posted: 28 May 2008 08:25 pm |
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Beckster wrote: Hey Lucy!
Good for you for quitting smoking! As a nurse, I gotta tell you, if you're a smoker, that really is the single most important thing you can do for your health. Hope you gave yourself lots of credit for that one, because it's a hard habit to beat.
So keep me posted on how it's going for you. (By the way, which part of Canada are you from? I live up in the northwest corner of Washington, so BC is our neighbor.)
Take care!
My father was military, so really from the east as in Ontario, however, have lived out west for 19 years as my first husband was military and I got to live in BC. Lived on the Queen Charlotte Islands, very close to Alaska. Currently living in Alberta so not to far from your neck of the woods. I do have family in Vancouver, which is a stones throw from you?
Thanks on the smoking compliment, it was hard, but not sure if its any harder then trying to lose weight. Funny quitting smoking is the reason for my weight gain! Well, ok we all have choices and I chose to eat instead of go for the cig, but I could have jogged instead!
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pbf4326e
Distinguished Member
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Posted: 28 May 2008 08:29 pm |
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Hi Lucy,
I weigh in every day but that's me. I think once a week is fine. I just do it to help me stay focused.
Remember something too about the scale. It doesn't tell the whole story. As you work out and build muscle, you'll find that you may not see the scale move as quickly as you'd like. That's because muscle weighs more than fat. Look at a pro football linebacker. These guys are all muscle and lean as can be but they weigh a lot. You're right to take into consideration how your clothes fit. That's a great judge and you should use that in conjunction with the scale.
On pills, I take a multi vitamin and an Omega 3 cap each day. That's it.
Oh! One more thing! We could call ourselves Three Long Stem Roses and a Thorn.
Bert
Last edited on 28 May 2008 08:35 pm by pbf4326e
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pbf4326e
Distinguished Member
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Posted: 28 May 2008 08:37 pm |
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Lucy wrote:
Thanks on the smoking compliment, it was hard, but not sure if its any harder then trying to lose weight. Funny quitting smoking is the reason for my weight gain! Well, ok we all have choices and I chose to eat instead of go for the cig, but I could have jogged instead!
Lucy,
I quit smoking several years ago. Very hard to do. One of the hardest things I ever had to do. I think the weight losing is easier. I still get the urge for a smoke now and again but it passes.
Hang tough!
Bert
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Beckster
Senior Member
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Posted: 28 May 2008 11:01 pm |
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Oooh, I like Bert's suggestion for a name. I'll talk to Peter to get our name changed? But I'm not sure I agree with you Bert about losing weight being easier than quitting smoking! At least with cigarettes you can abstain completely. I've never really been a smoker although I did smoke for about six months with my sister when she was recovering from the death of her husband...long evenings sitting on a freezing porch in February (shudder) Maybe it was aversion therapy with all the bad associations!
About the weighing thing, I never used to think that daily weighing was a good idea because it does fluctuate so much from one day to another. What changed my mind was hearing about the national weight control registry-it's a group of researchers who keep a registry of people who have lost 30 lbs or more and kept it off for a year or more. They've found that people who get and keep weight off have some characteristics in common: they weigh at least once a week (check), they eat breakfast every day (check) and they get an average of an hour of exercise per day (uhhh, 45 minutes?). Also, many of them keep food diaries (which I do). The other reason I weigh every day is that it keeps me focused on my goal every day. Having said all that though, I think we all have to figure out what's going to work for us over the long haul.
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MidgeH
Senior Member
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Posted: 29 May 2008 12:03 am |
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Hi guys! I'm glad everyone has checked in!
This week is turning into an odd one  , weight wise for me - 1/2 lb up, 1 lb down, 1 up, 1.5 down. Very strange. I'm watching my salt but the up and downs are annoying (and a good argument for not weighing everyday. )
I am also fanatical about measuring. Usually it's a once a week thing. I take nine different measurements and have so far lost 16 5/8" overall. Good, eh? Somehow my one arm went up 1/4" but that might just be a measuring mistake.
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pbf4326e
Distinguished Member
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Posted: 29 May 2008 01:50 pm |
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Hi,
I agree about abstaining completely on the smokes. It when you start and get hooked that it becomes a problem. Either way, quiting and losing weight are both tough.
I've never heard of the registry you mention but it's interesting with regard to what they say defines one who is successful at keeping it off. I do everything mention too but instead of a food diary I look at what I want to eat for the day and list the calories. I try to do this every morning at breakfast and list what I'm going to have for lunch and snacks for the day and then I know what I can have for dinner.
Midge, don't worry about the fluctuations. I could just be your body adjusting. Keep working out and watching the intake. As long as you use more calories than you consume, you'll lose weight. Also, make sure you eat several times a day to keep your metabolism going.
Say, I mentioned that I gained 6 lbs over vacation but as of this morning I've lost 5 of the buggers.
Later, roses. 
Bert
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MidgeH
Senior Member
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Posted: 30 May 2008 01:34 am |
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Excellent news about the loss, Bert. Vacation weight can be stubborn, but you seem to have it under control!
I'm trying not to worry about the fluctuations, you are absolutely right that it's probably meaningless. It could just be my scale. 256 today though, I hope it sticks because that's 25 lbs - my first goal!
Second goal here I come... Hope everyone is having a great day!
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pbf4326e
Distinguished Member
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Posted: 30 May 2008 02:11 pm |
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Midge,
25 lbs is TERRIFIC!!!!! Way to go!!!
I lost the other one as of this morning so I'm down to the weight I was before vacation.
You'll do it. Hang tough!!!
Bert
Last edited on 30 May 2008 02:11 pm by pbf4326e
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Lucy
New Member
| Joined: | 8 May 2008 |
| Location: | Canada |
| Posts: | 191 |
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Posted: 31 May 2008 03:53 am |
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Congrats to you Midge!! that is a huge milestone....And Thorn (do you mind if I call you that! lol) you seem to have this all figured out...I am glad this group of Roses has someone who has already had a significant amout of loss and is now more or less maintaining, your expertise is priceless....
Love the name we have.... Took me a minute to reccognize that this group was us! Its brilliant.... As for me, I havent yet gotten down to the measuring and posting the stats, but I will over the weekend, sometimes life gets busy.
Okay, thats my quickie for the day...
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Beckster
Senior Member
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Posted: 31 May 2008 05:10 pm |
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Hey everybody! Hope you're all having a great start to your weekend.
I have to tell you a funny story. My dear husband came home last night and asked me if I wanted to go see Sex and the City (not a show that either of us usually watch, but he thought I'd enjoy a chick flick). So we got there 1/2 hour early, but the two 8:45 shows were already sold out! Nothing else really piqued our interest, so we decided to go home and get a pay per view. So as we walk out of the theater, me in my schleppy jeans, Dansko clogs and polar fleece pullover (I did have mascara on, but that was pretty much my only concession to femininity), we see 2 tour buses pull up and spill out hoards of women in pretty dresses, high heels, fancy bags, hair and makeup, yada yada. They're all gaggles of girlfriends going to see Sex and the City! Two tour buses! We just stood there with our mouths hanging open! Maybe we'll try again in a few weeks...or maybe we'll wait for pay per view! Sheesh! Who knew?!!!!
Midge-way to go on the 25 lbs, that's a huge milestone and already such a difference in your overall health. That's a lot of hard work too, you've burned 87,500 calories more than you've taken in to get that weight off! Bert, your six pounds of vacation weight just melted off! Wow, great work! Did you pick up the workout schedule or was it just getting back into your normal routine?
Hey what do you guys do for weeknight dinners? Any good quick recipe ideas? One of our favorites is to get a deli chicken and shred some of the breast meat over a salad with blueberries, walnuts and matchsticked apples and maybe a little cheese, then drizzle with a vinagrette.
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MidgeH
Senior Member
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Posted: 31 May 2008 06:21 pm |
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Hi Beckster.
Yeah, I've been hearing about the almost Rocky Horror level of costuming people are doing for SatC. (Honestly I'm kinda one of them - I've pulled my special occasion only Prada bag out of where I enshrine it just for the movie. I think I'll wait for the crowds to die down a little first. ) It's been so long since we chicks had a movie like this to look forward to! I'll bet your husband was actually happy not to have to watch a movie with that group!
Lately I've been eating a lot of chicken and roasted veggies in the evening. I found these great chipolte chicken skewers at Trader joes (you could make something similar yourself and freese it - small chick breast cut and threaded on a skewer, season as you like, wrap in plastic and freeze.) I place the skewer on foil on a cookie sheet, then I toss some asparugus (or green beans or thin sliced carrots or zuchinni, etc. etc. ) in a little (really little - like 1 - 1.5 teaspoons) olive oil, salt & pepper. I put the veggies on a piece of foil ( like a foil boat) next to the chicken, then bake at 400 for 30- 35 mins. Easy and little to no clean up (just ball up the foil and throw it away.) It's like 5 mins of prep and you don't have to watch it in the oven - just set a timer.
I just gave into a craving. Maybe it's because I'm not feeling well so I barely ate yesterday, but I was massively craving a fast food burger today. I haven't had fast food in a couple of months. I knew I was going to cave so I thought it through and went to Steak 'n Shake because A. I like their burgers and B. I hate everything else on their menu (well, except their shakes and chilli - but it's too humid here today for dairy and super hot food.) So I got the burger. I checked the nutrition and it turns out what i got is 372 cals, 15 g fat and 650 mgs salt. WAY better choice then a big mac.
I know that no one needs to eat fast food, ever, but I'm actually feeling OK about it. I made a conscience choice to do it and did it in a way that didn't completely derail me. I just incorporated "real world" food into my daily regime. That's progress, no?
Last edited on 31 May 2008 06:22 pm by MidgeH
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Lucy
New Member
| Joined: | 8 May 2008 |
| Location: | Canada |
| Posts: | 191 |
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Posted: 1 June 2008 01:36 am |
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Hi everyone,
I purchased a scale, and was so scared to step on the darn thing, even though I knew I lost. I did a little back tracking to find out when I initially stepped on the scale at a doctors appt for one of my kids. That was:
April 9th, and I weighed 247lbs.
Today is May 31st, and I am 225lbs. -22lbs
I felt like the scale had to be wrong, and fortunetly for me, that day at the doctors I weighed both boys, so I had their numbers to confirm mine were true.
I am going to do the measurements, and post, is anyone else going to do this?
I have never seen an episode of Sex in the City! Rocky Horror, yes lol....and 2 bus loads of women dressed to the nines, would be a sight to see...
As, for meal ideas...I do a lot of wraps for myself, and eat cottage cheese, salads....I dont really plan for myself, its more just chosing the right then the wrong. Generally, what I make the hubby and kids, I dont indulge in, unless it's straight up meat and veggies.
Hope everyone is having a nice weekend...
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Lucy
New Member
| Joined: | 8 May 2008 |
| Location: | Canada |
| Posts: | 191 |
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Posted: 1 June 2008 01:41 am |
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MidgeH wrote:
I know that no one needs to eat fast food, ever, but I'm actually feeling OK about it. I made a conscience choice to do it and did it in a way that didn't completely derail me. I just incorporated "real world" food into my daily regime. That's progress, no?
That's progress, yes!
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MidgeH
Senior Member
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Posted: 1 June 2008 01:53 am |
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Lucy a big WOO and a HOO on your 22 lb loss.! That is AWESOME.
Yes- I'm going to measure and post - but I'm about to have a measure day (tomorrow) so I'll post after that. Here's hoping for good numbers!
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Beckster
Senior Member
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Posted: 1 June 2008 12:41 pm |
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Lucy, that's awesome! 22 lbs. gone, you guys are such an inspiration to me. I'm about a month into this effort and I'm down 5 lbs (plus three more if you count the adjustment for getting a new scale!) That's pretty good for me but I'm really looking forward to seeing more changes in how my clothes fit-they are a little bit looser, but only a little bit. Thanks for your tips on some recipe ideas, I was getting a little stale on my menu.
Hey Midge, I don't think it's necessarily a bad thing to "give in" to a craving for a burger, especially for only 372 calories. You have to ask yourself, is it realistic to think I'm never going to eat a burger again? If not, figure out a way to occasionally have it in a reasonable way-which is what you did. And the way you handled it was really great, you put some thought and intent into it.
I'll do measurements and post too, but right now I'm going back to bed and try and get some ZZZZ
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MidgeH
Senior Member
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Posted: 1 June 2008 09:00 pm |
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Hi guys. Well, since I brought it up here are my measurements.
I take 9 - but really I guess you just need the basic 3 (chest-waist-hips), but I'll try and explain some of these. Working from the top down:
Body Part 4/21/08 (start) 6/1/08 (current) Diff
Neck 18.125 17.5 -.625
(I take this measurement because it is one of things that embarrasses me. I don't have a double or even a triple chin - I have a chin that is completely obliterated by my neck!)
Chest 51.75 49.75 -2.0
Rt Bicep 14.25 14.125 -.125
Lt Bicep 15.25 15.25 - 0
upper waist 50 44 - 6.0
waist 52.5 49 - 3.5
(I take both measurements for a couple of reasons. 1. I am very long waisted 2. I lose in the upper first - right under the rib cage - and I gain there first so it's a good barometer of how I am doing & 3. It is the difference between the 2 that best illustrates why I am sitting here today with some pretty serious health problems. I need to take a bite out of that !)
Hips 51.25 47.25 - 4.0
Rt thigh 26.75 25 - 1.75
Lt Thigh 25.25 24.5 - .75
Total loss so far -18.75". (-11.5 in the big 3)
Taking that thigh measurement is tricky (& I think this is a tall person issue) because who knows if you're getting the same spot each time.
Also - I need some help this week! I have not been drinking nearly enough water. For the next 7 days I am going to challenge myself to drink 8 glasses a day (64 oz). Anyone with me?
 today so far = 20oz (I'm already struggling )
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Lucy
New Member
| Joined: | 8 May 2008 |
| Location: | Canada |
| Posts: | 191 |
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Posted: 2 June 2008 04:27 am |
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Midge you have done great...think I will stick to the basics...not sure, but definately the main 3. When you do the breast is it just under you measure, or over the breast itself ?
Bert, you mentioned you only take a couple of supplements, have you ever used anything else durning your loss? I find protein bars are great to have on hand, and it takes away my desire for chocolate/sweets. Also, and everyone please answer this, do you try and eat a certain amount of carbs/proteins/fats? Or do you simply count calories? Myself, I am trying to eat more protein then anything else, I do eat all fruits and veggies, for salty treat, I eat corn twists, they are not high in calories, and I tend to have them 4 evenings of the week...4 cups is something like 250cals.
As for the water thing, I have always drank water. Never been a pop drinker, like coffee, and usually a glass of milk a day. Water is always my first choice. I read an article that done a study of the effects of drinking those 8 glasses a day, and the end result was, many of the claims were bogus. Of course we need it, but some say not to include juices, tea, coffee, ect in the water count, but they are mostly made of water, so make sure you add that into your count Midge...One thing I need though is for my water to be icy cold! Maybe you can spruce it up with some lemon or lime? My hubby hates drinking water, and survives purely on caffeine.
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MidgeH
Senior Member
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Posted: 2 June 2008 11:43 pm |
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Hi everyone.
Yeah Lucy, I've heard that about the water too, which is why under normal circumstances I think I get enough. I think I've been retaining and awful lot the last few days though, and everything I've read about that is that you fight retention with more water. I'm trying to avoid caffeine and salt, and drinking more water helps with that too. Usually I don't have this water problem, but this week I just feel like I need a little push!
Better today - at 50oz so far and it's early.
I think you're fine with going with the core 3 measurements, Lucy. I go over the breast , but the upper waist measurement kinda takes care of the under.
I started out counting a number of things but now I only count calories. I do eyeball a number of things though - I try not to eat anything with more than 5g sugar per serving (except the occasional fruit), I make an effort to eat things that I know are high in fiber, I try to avoid all processed foods (I can't seem to get off the lean cuisine lunch, though), and I'm a little old fashioned in avoiding "starch". Trying to keep account of all those other measurements just made me batty.
How did everyone's weekend go?
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Beckster
Senior Member
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Posted: 3 June 2008 01:29 am |
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OK, sorry I didn't get back to this yesterday. I measure at the widest point, wherever that is on that part of my body. I didn't measure when I started but my measurements at this point and when I weighed about 170 in 1996 are/were:
Now: 1996
Chest 45.5 37
Waist 42 31
Hips 52 41
Thigh 32 26
Of course, in 1996 I was 33 years old. Even if I get back to 170, I'm not counting on things, uh, being distributed the same way...
I also tend to just count calories. I keep a food diary and I watch out for simple carbs, whether from sweets or from pasta or bread. I think I'm susceptible to craving that carbed out feeling. I generally try to keep it around 1600 cals a day. I get lowfat cheese sticks and keep those on hand for middle of the afternoon hungries. I try to drink at least a liter of water a day on top of other fluids. If I do a machine workout I tend to sweat more than if I go for a long walk, so I drink extra water then. I always, always have a venti Americano first thing in the morning while I'm driving to work. I don't think life would be worth living without it!  But I don't drink coffee for the rest of the day.
I got a new pedometer which currently reads 3520 steps-that's the level of sloth that I have on an average day at work. I spend a lot of time at the computer going over data. So I'm going to go hop on my elliptical and put in 45 minutes, then do sevens with my arm weights.
Can you tell how much fun I'm having with these little emoticons???
Last edited on 3 June 2008 01:34 am by Beckster
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pbf4326e
Distinguished Member
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Posted: 3 June 2008 03:48 pm |
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Hi ladies,
Thorny here. I've been incommunicado the past several days. I wasn't in the office yesterday as I stayed home with my wife to help her set up her job search. Yep; after 14 years with a dental practice, the people who bought it forced her out in just 5 months. She'll be fine though. God is good and He's good all the time.
I haven't done any measuring other than my clothes. You know, waiste, chest size, etc. As long as it's going down, that's the main thing.
As of this morning I not only lost the vacation weight but another LB to boot! I'm officially down 86 lbs. since July 16th.
Lucy, first of all, CONGRATS on the 22 lbs!!! Fantastic. You asked me about suppliments. I just take the one-a-day multi vitamin for men and the omega 3. I do enjoy a Trader Joe's Trail Mix bar now and again (140 cal) but it's not what you'd consider a protein bar. I get ample protein from fish, eggs, chicken, pork, the occasional flank steak, etc. There's also some protien in skim milk, oatmeal, etc. So far so good.
I've only been counting calories. I don't watch the protein, fat, carbs, etc. but my food choices are such that I really don't have to worry. Lot's of fruit and veggies. The fat I get is generally in olive oil and I'll use that to cook salmon or chicken with spices and have that on a big salad. I've gotten to the point where I can recognize a portion of a particular food and I can get a good read on the calorie count. This, with the exercise is what's doing it. I also eat 5-6 times a day. One of my craves is peanut butter. I get the Trader Joe's organic and it's just peanuts and none of the other stuff. This on some Petridge Farm 100% whole grain bread and skim milk and I'm in heaven.
I have some great dinner recipes that I'll put together and send them to you.
Lastly, I have no interest in Sex in the City. That's not to say I wouldn't like sex in a city, any city, but the movie doesn't do much for me. I can understand how people can get caught up in the dressing up stuff though. I'm big into the history of the southwestern U.S. in the 1880's and a few years ago I went to visit a friend in Arizona. He's 16 miles from Tombstone and they had a big festival the weekend I was there. Everyone in town, including me, dressed in period costumes complete with six guns. It was a blast!!
I'll get the recipes as soon as I can. Nothing fancy but good and nutricious.
Love ya' roses.
Bert
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MidgeH
Senior Member
| Joined: | 14 May 2008 |
| Location: | | |
