Motivation

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Original Post by mollymouser:

QUESTION OF THE DAY, MONDAY JUNE 9

What do you think of this quote from yesterday's Seattle Times: "Most people are not aware of a simple rule from the world of behavioral psychology: If you want to change your feelings in a situation, you must start by changing your behavior - not the other way around."

 

MOLLY

Newbie joining! Hope that's ok.

I like the quote. It never ceases to amaze me how people can complain and vent about things but they hardly ever decide to change the situation. I know it's hard to do, but it's the only way you can really make a difference I think.

Oh, and as for goals..... right now I'm working on my mini-goal of getting back under 350 lbs. Over halfway there. I had lost down to 309 but let life's chaos get to me and unfortunately didn't take control back from it... so I gained back up to probably around 370ish. Bleah. Back on the path now though and I'm hoping that I can make that goal by July 4th. I'd really like to be down to around 335 by the end of August.

Hey! New people! Welcome aboard!!! Thanks for joining us ... all we ask is that you share your goals, check in when you can (the Question of the Day is a nice excuse to visit), and let us know how we can help!

I am slowly sneaking up on the 100-pounds-lost mark. This morning's weigh-in showed a 98.4 pound loss!!! My hope is to hit the 100-pound mark by June 22 (which is my 10th month dieting anniversary!)

Getting Closer!
Getting Closer!
Getting Closer!

Hi all,  Well, I did not have the weekend I wanted.  I wanted to get in one workout and I wanted to count calories which I had not been doing.  I did not do either, HOWEVER, my Monday morning weigh-in showed a 1 lb loss! YIPPY!  Now I know my scale can read something other than 138. 

I am celebrating this because eventhough I didn't hit my weekend goals, I was very conscious about what I ate and I tried to count in my head instead of running to the computer, something I just had no time for.  I also threw a healthy potluck dinner where I asked folks to bring something healthy.  They did and we all felt great!  So if you want a kick butt tilapia recipe, try this http://weightwatchers.com/util/prt/recipe.asp x?type=1&Recipeid=129201  You can entertain with it even with folks who are not doing the healthy lifestyle thing.  So tasty!  Also, for desert we grilled up fruit, sprinkled toasted coconut and crumbled Ameretti cookies on it with a small dollop of whipped cream.  I know it sounds decadent but because the fruit is the star of the show you use so little of the fattening stuff it turns out to be fewer calories. 

As for the question of the day, my shortened version would be "fake it 'til ya make it" which I've always believed in.  I think that we have to force ourselves to do some stuff before we really understand or buy-into it's benefits.  We also have to do the same in relationships as southern-midwife was saying.  I know I did for my step-family members and tho it was hard we are much better off for it.  

Hope everyone had a good weekend. 

Regarding the quote- I think we often wait for a change of feelings when what really needs to happen is that we change our behavior.  I know that so often in the past I have understood why I might overeat, but the fact is that until I make the necessary changes in behavior understanding the why is not going to stop the overeating and weight gain.  I agree that it is necessary to understand why we do what we do, however, knowing without action isn't going to change anything. 

Today I received two very short telephone calls from my wonderful DH. The first call was Monday morning (Monday night for him), and then another 3 minutes call Monday night (Tuesday morning for him.)  He mentioned that he'd be "very busy" on Tuesday and that it would be another long day. (He called me at 5:30am, his time)  So, I am praying EXTRA for him, since I assume "working" means he is flying yet another mission (after all, he IS a pilot.)  Both times we spoke today he sounded tired ... so I am praying for his sleep and his rest, as well as for his safety.

I finished up a load of laundry today, I swept out front, I filled bird feeders, I harvested some tomatoes, and I watched --- for the second day in a row -- "Starship Troopers."  I think my goal is to watch it EVERY DAY until August 1, when it ends on cable's free On Demand. I know, I know, I'm being silly ... but it's just something fun and weird to do, ya know? Anyway, we'll see how long this strange idea lasts, lol! I also chatted on the phone with a few friends, wrote out a few cards for Ron, and bought some basics at Trader Joe's.

Yay ... the scale was extraordinarily well-behaved this morning... and I've lost 98.4 pounds so far. Of course, now the scale will show a 10 pound weight gain tomorrow, right? LOL! Actually, I've eaten clean today ... but I know that my body and the scale are in cahoots these days. Anyway, it's bad air quality and temperatures in the upper 90s, so no biking today. Dinner was lean sirloin, a fresh tomato (a safe one), an english muffin, grilled portabella mushrooms with garlic (oh my gosh, YUM!) and a protein shake. (I mixed the vanilla protein shake with diet rootbeer and some crushed ice and pretended it was a root beer float!)

I spoke briefly with my (fence) neighbor ... the new fence is scheduled to be installed on Friday!!!  And today is my last evening with little fuzzy Pecan (now named Abby Tabby and moving in 2 doors down!)

I think I spent too much time on the Internet today, because I discovered the world's most dreadful music video on You Tube .... THIS ONE.  (And what's with the weird background sounds, anyway?)

I just got home from a 12 hour session at the library.  (Isn't finals week fun?)  I did walk to school and back, so I wasn't on my butt all day, but I'm still sore from sitting so much in a wooden library chair.  I'm certainly ready for this week (and this weather) to be over so I can get back to my normal, healthy routines.  I'm just trying to not be too hard on myself about diet and exercise this week since I'm so busy with school stuff.  Now I'm just one 20 page research paper away from freedom!

Molly, I can't even imagine how excited you must be about getting so close to the 100 pound mark.  We'll have to have a forum party for you!  

Oh, and the Hasselhoff video was about the weirdest thing I've ever seen.  It's funny, because I used to think his video for "Jump in My Car" was the worst video ever, but now I know better. 

I think the quote is right in many ways.  I waited forever to find the "motivation" to get healthy.  In the end, I think I only found the motivation once I had started acting healthy.  In other words, fake it till you make it.

I am incredibly frustrated right now since I seem to have hit the dreaded plateau.  I've been going since mid-January with no real plateaus but now it's been two weeks fluctuating between 169 and 171 with no movement. I know I'm still exercising a ton.  I work out an average of two hours a day!  I'm not eating too little, because I've kept my calories around 1900-2000 and sometimes a bit higher on big exercise days like my Dr. told me.  So what did I do to deserve this?!  I haven't gone off the wagon on my eating either. I've been eating well and staying around my calorie goal.

Is it possible that this is due to muscle gain from increased protein intake?  Or am I just kidding myself?

Aaaaargh.  I just keep telling myself if doesn't matter.  My body is just doing what it needs to do.  That I've lost 39 pounds (or 38 or 37 according to the day) so far and I'll lose the rest by being patient and keeping on keeping on doing what I'm doing.

I feel great in so many ways, so this is just a minor obstacle.  It still sucks though!!!!!!

Original Post by melly991:

<snip>I am incredibly frustrated right now since I seem to have hit the dreaded plateau. I've been going since mid-January with no real plateaus but now it's been two weeks fluctuating between 169 and 171 with no movement. I know I'm still exercising a ton. I work out an average of two hours a day! I'm not eating too little, because I've kept my calories around 1900-2000 and sometimes a bit higher on big exercise days like my Dr. told me. So what did I do to deserve this?! I haven't gone off the wagon on my eating either. I've been eating well and staying around my calorie goal.

Is it possible that this is due to muscle gain from increased protein intake? Or am I just kidding myself?

Aaaaargh. I just keep telling myself if doesn't matter. My body is just doing what it needs to do. That I've lost 39 pounds (or 38 or 37 according to the day) so far and I'll lose the rest by being patient and keeping on keeping on doing what I'm doing.

I feel great in so many ways, so this is just a minor obstacle. It still sucks though!!!!!!

I've posted this a couple times before, but it bears repeating.  There is new research out (I got this from a biology professor) that is not even published yet that says that after a person loses 10-15% of their body weight, a plateau is normal, should be expected and is even good for you.  Basically, your body has to "reset itself" to run at these new parameters.  She said that sometimes the plateaus can be extended, even months long.

None of us want to hear that - BUT the good thing is that it means you aren't doing anything wrong at all.  In fact, you did everything so right that your body has to figure itself out again before it can continue losing weight!  

Doesn't make it any less frustrating, I know.  But at least you know you're still on the right road.  Hang in there!

melly991 - Hang in there! Eventually, the scale will move again. But just keep reminding yourself that the scale is just a tool, not your body. YOU are doing the right thing and your body is benefiting from it no matter what the scale says.

digigirl - Thanks for reminding us about the 10-15% loss plateau. When I think about my weight loss and gain history over the past 5 years, it was exactly at 10-15% weight loss where I plateaued and eventually just gave up and started gaining again. This new insight is going to be very valuable to me when I reach that point again. At least this time around, I will expect it to happen and understand what's going on. Hopefully, this time I will persevere and not give up again. When I get there, I'll let you all know so you can hold me accountable.

Forgive the birth analogy but as a midwife, I can't help myself. I see plateaus like transition stage of labor. Transition is the hardest time of labor and is the most discouraging. Women often say "I can't do it any more." "When is this going to end.", etc. But transition only means you are getting very close to pushing. It just doesn't seem like it at the moment. Time seems to stand still for the person going through it. But it's no time to give up.... because good things are about to happen. You just have to get through the transition stage before you can move onto the next stage of labor and finally have your baby.

Please remind ME of this when I hit my plateau at 180-175 lbs (at least that's when I expect it).

~ Beth

Thanks for the encouragement!  It's funny because I think we all like to think we are the exceptions to the rule. I kept being told to expect  a plateau and yet I secretly thought I wouldn't hit one.  Then I reached something like almost 19% of my starting weight lost and thought, hey, there's no stopping me :)  Ah well, turns out I'm just human like everyone else.  The good part is that now that I've learned I can lose weight and still eat a comfortable amount of food there's no reason for me to stop.  I certainly don't want to start gorging myself like I used to, or stop exercising, so the only thing to do is to keep going, and let the scale work itself out.  I'm determined not to fail.  The thing is, I also think this is a weight that I may have spent a fair amount of time at in the past, which I know is another thing that can trigger a plateau.  And part of me is saying, this weight is fine, don't worry about losing any more.  You'll never be skinny.  But I simply don't believe that anymore.  I know I can reach my goal. It may just take a lot longer than I originally thought.  Anyway, enough whinging.  I'm going to run a 10k race next Saturday, and back in December I was an asthmatic smoker weighing more than 200 pounds.  That's something to be proud of. 

QUESTION OF THE DAY TUESDAY JUNE 10

Restaurants! What's your approach to eating healthy when you eat out? Do you try for certain types of restaurants? Certain types of foods? Order from the kid's menu? How do you deal with restaurants??

 

MOLLY

Original Post by mollymouser:

QUESTION OF THE DAY TUESDAY JUNE 10

Restaurants! What's your approach to eating healthy when you eat out? Do you try for certain types of restaurants? Certain types of foods? Order from the kid's menu? How do you deal with restaurants??

 

MOLLY

I avoid fast food restaurants whenever I can unless it's Subway or Schlotskey's. Both of them have a menu I can order from without too much trouble. I also love the salad bar at Jason's Deli. But you have to be careful about adding too much fat or sugar from some of the items.

I haven't faced our Hamburger place yet, though. But I know I can order a burger without the bread and dressings. So, I'll probably try that even though it will get me some strange looks. The hardest part for me will be avoiding the French fries. And I must avoid them because there are some things that I can't eat "just a few" and French Fries is one of them. I'm better off avoiding them all together.

I've also discovered ordering OFF the menu at sit down order from the menu restaurants. So far, I love this and it works very well. I've also found that (so far) it costs less to create my own order rather than going by the menu only. So that's even an added plus. I haven't tried ordering from the kids menu yet but I'm not sure about that. I think they have too many "empty" calories on most kids menus these days (fries, fried food, etc).

Hi everyone, I've decided to stop lurking and join in finally.

My Goals:

Reach my goal weight ( 5 lbs to go!)

Maintain

Not get enitrely derailed when I spend a week in Texas for my best friends wedding

And drink more water of course!

QUESTION OF THE DAY TUESDAY JUNE 10

Restaurants! What's your approach to eating healthy when you eat out? Do you try for certain types of restaurants? Certain types of foods? Order from the kid's menu? How do you deal with restaurants??

The honest answer is that I don't handle restaurants well yet. I just sort of choose something thats more healthy than my usual, but not the healthiest still and feel major guilt for it later.

 

Medveditsa, I think we're from the same area! Hasn't this been a terrible Juneuary? And we've still got  a few days until we have a possibility of hitting 70. :(

 

Hi Everyone,

Melly, if you're lifting weights and building muscle it's very possible that's the reason your not losing.  The beauty of gaining lean muscle mass is that it burns more calories than fat making your metabolism all the more efficient.  Soon you'll be losing again and what a great job you have done of changing your behavior over the past 6 months. 

Ah restaurants... so difficult sometimes.  I try to eat something grilled without sauces or cheese.  I also try to have steamed veggies and omit the bread.  When I started losing I couldn't go out to eat.  I had a very hard time making good choices and it was frustrating and not very enjoyable.  I think I was feeling resentful that I couldn't eat what I wanted.  Of course attitude is everything and had I turned that around and thought "I want to take care of myself..." In my previous life I use to diet and felt deprived and rebellious.  I now try to think that I am taking care of myself not focusing on what I can't have.  I find it funny that changing the way you think about something can have a profound effect on how you approach it.  Have a good evening and I hope none of you are facing the terrible floods-Dianne

Original Post by mollymouser:

QUESTION OF THE DAY TUESDAY JUNE 10

Restaurants! What's your approach to eating healthy when you eat out? Do you try for certain types of restaurants? Certain types of foods? Order from the kid's menu? How do you deal with restaurants??

MOLLY

Like 'offinlalaland' I have a hard time with restaurants. I live and work in a small town so there are only a handful of restaurants to choose from. My co-workers frequent the local fast foods, I've had to buckle down and make myself go home, because even choosing 'well' there, is nothing compared to what I can make at home. But on the day's that I do venture out with them, I try to look up on the internet for what I can eat and stay close to my calorie count. It's the really good mom and pop restaurants that kill me! No really way of getting accurate nutrition information, so I just try to order small and then try not to eat it all.

Going home truly is the best option. And considering that I only live 5 miles from work, I really have NO excuse! Bad Bonnie, Bad!!!!

Original Post by mollymouser:

QUESTION OF THE DAY TUESDAY JUNE 10

Restaurants! What's your approach to eating healthy when you eat out? Do you try for certain types of restaurants? Certain types of foods? Order from the kid's menu? How do you deal with restaurants??

 

MOLLY

I don't really eat at restaurants very often, so I tend to let myself splurge a little when I do.  I'm a vegetarian, so that rules out a lot of fast food problems.  Because there aren't really any protein-rich options for me at fast food restaurants, I tend to avoid them altogether.  Usually, I only eat at restaurants that make food I wouldn't make at home.  Thai food is my biggest weakness.  I love pad thai and I eat it about every six weeks or so.  I usually do it on a non-counting day and don't worry about it.  If I'm traveling and have to eat out more than usual, I shoot for places with salad bars and stuff like that.  If I end up with less healthy options, I just try to squeeze in an extra walk that day.  

Even though today was a scorcher, I got six miles of biking in this morning, yay! Depending on how the rest of the day goes, I may or may not get in a mile or two more this evening, after dinner.  But the BESTEST news of the day was this morning's scale reading (verified twice) .... I've lost 99.2 pounds.   I talked to my wonderful DH this morning on the telephone, and his advice ~ which I will probably follow ~ is to stay OFF the scale for a MONTH once I see that 100-pound-loss, so fluctuations and water retention don't bum me out. Now all I need to do is wait out these next .8 pounds which (knowing me) will take 3-4 weeks to disappear, lol! Seriously, I'd like to hit that 100-pound-mark within the next 12 days, by June 22nd (10 months of dieting!)

I am proud to announce that Abby Tabby (Pecan the foster kitten) has cheerfully gone off to her brand new home, 2 doors down. Yay, Abby. Her two brothers are snoozing happily here .... they don't seem to mind one bit, lol! She was such a cutie pie, I'm glad I will get to see her grow up!

My dinner plans for this evening are (as usual) pretty basic; and I'm using up my leftover lean grilled sirloin that I had last night for dinner, as well. My dinner has seven servings of veggies and 22 grams of fiber, too!

• organic lean grilled sirloin (225 calories)
• Thomas' light multigrain english muffin (100 calories)
• one large (safe) tomato (38 calories)
• one medium peeled cucumber (24 calories)
• one cup of sliced radishes (19 calories)
• one medium red sweet pepper (37 calories)
• three servings of green beans (70 calories)

QUESTION OF THE DAY TUESDAY JUNE 10

Restaurants! What's your approach to eating healthy when you eat out? Do you try for certain types of restaurants? Certain types of foods? Order from the kid's menu? How do you deal with restaurants??

It depends on where I am.

If it's a buffet, I start with a salad, and work my way up.  I work at a buffet, so this is a daily challenge.  I do the salad, then I go for the steamed broccoli, rotisserie chicken, and a bunch of other vegetables.  I drink water or, if available, skim milk.  The milk is because I tend to go under with protein.

Most restaurants have salads as meals, and they are really good.

Weekly progress report

1)Drink at least 64 oz of water per day

Made this goal

2)Take 2 yoga classes per week, 1 strength class per week, 4-5 cardio sessions per week to include kick boxing and boot camp.  ( These are new and I need to change up my workouts)

Did everything but the one boot camp.  I didn't have directions until Sat.

3)Get 7-8 hours of sleep per night. (Been averaging about 5-6)

 I keep trying.  Finding that I may sleep 7 hours with short breaks in between.  The cat likes to sleep on my head and she snores and purrs really loud.  I also drink a lot of water.

4)Eat one vegetarian meal per week.

Yep

5)Drink alcohol only one day per week. (Except when I am on my winetasting vacation with DH and BFFs in late July)

Did this too.

6)Eat 1200 to 1400 calories per day, except one day per week when I will eat maintainance calories.

Nope.  DH's bday, a wedding, and a baby shower in one weekend. 'Nuff said.

7)Keep fiber intake at least 25g per day and decrease sodium.

Fiber yes, sodium no

8)Log my food.  I have gotten a little lazy with this.

Great during the week, not great over the weekend.

QUESTION OF THE DAY WEDNESDAY JUNE 11

With regards to any weight loss goal(s) you have set for yourself for the 75 Days of Summer, how will you celebrate achieving that goal??? (Or any other weight loss goal you may have set?)

MOLLY