View Full Version : August weight loss and fitness challenge
I'll bite. Here's a new monthly thread to try to keep those of us working on these issues actually working on them in August!
This year has been a serious flop for me so far. I had some initial success with a hard-core Atkins trial, but then fell off the wagon when things got stressful. Need to get things under control though, for all kinds of reasons. Went clothes shopping yesterday. Ugh. Not a pleasant experience. And my energy levels, etc are not what they should be.
Soooooo -- for August I plan to get back on a good running/swimming/weight lifting program, get back to low carb eating, resume taking my multivitamin and start taking 5-HTP to see if it helps with my carb cravings a bit. I probably should also get a full physical done, since I haven't had one in years. I'm overdue for a baseline mammogram, etc., too.
Things are really stepping up at work as my boss's departure date nears, so I need to get my fitness routine strongly established so that I don't slack off on it. It and my physical health need to be a priority. I won't be as effective at work or anywhere else if I stay in this sluggish, lower-than-prime state.
lhamo
The only thing I accomplished in July was giving up diet coke....again. But that's a pretty big thing so I need to be o.k. with it.
I tried drinking tea but that dehydrates me too much (to the point of constipation).
August - continue walking and kayaking. Decrease sodium and.....sugar.
Well the end of July I had a 4 day retreat with awful food. Processed, salty, greasy and not much else unless we drove away for all meals. Gained 1.4 pounds which I am going to get rid of in addition to more for the next weigh in.
Love being back to my own refrigerator and all the foods I have stocked that are fresh and unprocessed.
Also overdid the exercise classes last month and have hurt my knee so I must carefully start back up and watch all knee work.
Don't feel bad, llhamo, it's been a "floppy" year for me too. I haven't gained back my loss, but I have been on a major plateau for some time.
To update, I'm on Weight Watchers. I really like the program and my meeting leader. The downside, (I think I've found for me) is that fruit is 0 points, and I overindulge in it. So I think when I cut back, I have better loss. Very hard to do in the summer when there is SO much good fruit around!!
Anyway, I am still down 50 pounds from the beginning, have begun writing down everything I eat again, so maybe I'll get going again. I did have a 2# loss last week.
Since the AMA declared obesity to be a disease, I am pushing my HMO to support me in a healthy, gradual weight loss. And, am living the HAES lifestyle for now. I have an appt. with my PCP next week to talk about this. I also bought a Fitbit, to track my movement, and it has helped motivate me to increase my stairs & steps. I'm slowly recovering my stamina after this year of med treatments. It's taking longer than I had hoped! Ah well... Such is life.
fidgiegirl
8-2-13, 12:16pm
Redfox, will you please keep us updated on the FitBit? I am interested, but in the past tracking has served to demotivate me. It's been a huge trigger for negative self-talk and resulted in inaction. Intellectually, though, I see why it's a good thing - just like with finances. I see that weight is not involved at all, just sleep and movement. I like that. I will be curious to see how you like using this tool.
We were just on our trip to the Black Hills, actually I may not have even mentioned that we were going to go! - We did quite a bit of walking/hiking but also a ridiculous amount of driving - 2000 miles in 5 days. Uffda. My back and butt hurt just sitting here typing this. I plan to brave my bike again today - it will be the first ride since I injured my SI joint in June after a long bike ride. It's feeling a lot better so I think a short jaunt will be ok. And I've gone back to a few yoga classes. Last one was so hard but felt so good!
Well, I have maintained my weight, not losing, but not gaining. I am keeping up with my pedometer challenge and am up to 5500 steps a day for August.
In July I managed to do 29 days over 5000 and 18 of those were over 5500.
I've been upping it 500 steps each month and notice that I am sleeping better...hmmm...are all theose people who say exercise is good on to something??
I'm good a BABY STEPS and as long as I don't compare myself to any one else I stay on track.
As soon as I start thinking about all the things others do and look at myslef as a slacker I give up.
So the goal is to pay attention to ME!
Good luck in August and I'm going to work on it!
Wow, nswef, I remember when you were working on a goal in the 2000s range. Awesome progress! You're really moving a lot more!
Thanks Fidgie for remembering about my first months with the pedometer. I am quite pleased with my progress. I think this month will be harder as I don't think I can do it without a dedicated walking component.
How were the Black Hills? Somehow that area never enters my head as a place to go ( East coast girl) but we loved Michigan and Indiana, so why not the Black Hills?
I am learning how to fish....Very excited. Today I cast lures in the front yard and my husband felt I did VERY WELL. Because i am 64 I can get a fishing license in MD for $5- so now I am going to use it. We'll see if I love it or just get bored to tears.
I'm doing pretty well. Have not dropped as much weight as usual in summer, but am in the middle of the 5# range where I like to be. Have been walking a lot with the dog, painting rooms in the house, and moving landscape rock in preparation for re-landscaping the front of the house. The weather has been great for being outside, and the mosquitoes are not as bad as they were a month ago.
In general, I am eating pretty well. Loving all the beautiful, local summer produce. Mentally preparing myself for the trip to my parents' in a few weeks, where there are always way too many irresistible sweets.
My DH is in love with his new tablet gadget and I just ordered a Fitbit for him, because he really needs to move more to improve his mood and energy. I will be curious to see if it motivates him. The sleep monitoring may also be of use for him.
It is funny what motivates people or doesn't. My sister is not a "stars on a chart' person and I am. I like to keep track and watch my progress. those who remember my cemetery lane challenge last year for this fitness - new update: I hadn't walked it in a good while, did it to get in some steps, 2 days in a row and my shins were killing me. I thought I had messed things up badly and didn't understnad why it bothered my shins. ( Stil don't know, but ice and rest fixed it) I missed one day of 5500 steps and that's all. So, I am happy about that...stars on my calender for 7 out of 8 days this month!!!
The Storyteller
8-10-13, 5:51pm
I stopped eating almost all processed foods, especially refined carbohydrates, began a plant based, low meat diet (for ethical reasons, I'm eating vegan most of the time), and started juicing some meals, back in April and have lost 31 pounds so far. I went from technically slightly obese (according to my BMI) to just a few pounds overweight. At first, the pounds came off quickly, losing a pound a day. Now, it's at a trickle. Maybe a pound every week or sometimes two weeks.
I started exercising at a gym, and added lifting, so I keep telling myself I'm losing fat but gaining muscle.
I don't really count calories, although when I eat a treat (ice cream is my secret sin) or something dense in calories like potatoes, I always watch my portion size and might count the calories on those. Most of the veggies I'm eating have high nutrient density, and I eat nuts occasionally. I'm trying to eat as many different types of whole, raw foods as I can. I'm not cutting out grains, but making sure they are only whole, un-preprocessed grains. Fruits, celery, and cucumbers are my new fast foods. My goal is to eat really well, and get my weight down. I already passed my first goal. My next goal is to weigh what I did when I met my wife 30 years ago, and want to do that by our anniversary in December (8 pounds to go). My ultimate goal is my top shape fighting weight in the Marines. I want to shock my cardiologist in October.
I have lost a pound so far in August.
Well done, Storyteller!
I had a very stressful week (virus on my computer my first day back at work, which threw a wrench in my ability to catch up with 3 weeks of backlogged email, followed by an exploded pipe in our kitchen, followed by more work stress later in the week), but still managed to make it to the gym a couple of times and did a lot of walking while getting various tasks completed around town. Did pretty well on controlling my snacking urges, too (being busy and going to be at 8 due to jetlag helped!) and as a result am down 1 kilo to 70kgs. Still FAR FAR FAR from my target weight but if I can get down to 65-66ish by the end of the year, I will be very happy. Started back on another Hal Higdon 5k training program -- stepped it down to beginner level this time so that I won't overdo and can stick to it during what is going to be a very stressful time at work (I'm in charge now due to boss' absence, and then we will be dealing with all the transition of responsibilities when he is back in September, all while having to handle my regular portfolio of program work -- eek!). I also need to get back on track with my weight training, which is an important piece. Anyway, feels good to be making at least some progress. I'm going to be eating a lot of salads the next few weeks while the weather is hot. That should help. I'm not staying totally away from carbs as that is hard in our household, but am trying to cut back significantly.
Good luck everybody!
lhamo
Good work Storyteller and Ihamo. I love reading about successes. My thoughts are that every success is an inspiration and every little step is success!
Hello all, found you! Well things have got a bit stuck. Still at 145.5 pounds at weigh-in, 143.5 at home in the early morning. We are off again in 10 days so I am working at getting a pound or two off by then.
Interesting programme on BBC television The Men Who Made Us Thin about the diet industry - you might be able to watch it on line.
I generally wear my pedometer all day every day and it is set to where I have a target of around 6500 steps per day. These are just moving about steps as well as if I decide to go on a longer walk. After that number it is "Doing me good"
I don't drive a car and so just a trip to the store or post office is a 2 mile round trip.
I've been in a holding pattern this summer at 269 lbs.I weighted 285 at Christmas time last year.Got as low as 259 before summer.
Both kids will be back in school next week,so hopefully I'll be able to return to the gym.I'm also employeed once again. My orientation is next week.This job will be physical,so I'm sure it will help me lose weight.I want to get down to no more than 215 lbs.I'm going to reward myself with a kayak if I can lose the weight.
The Storyteller
8-12-13, 1:23pm
I have lost a pound so far in August.
Scratch that. Two pounds, as of this morning.
Juice fasting today.
Jim
How's everyone doing? I had another fairly stressful week, kicked off by DS calling from home mid-day on MOnday to tell me he was feeling bad -- he'd had a chicken pox vaccination the day before and was having a reaction to it. NOthing major, but I had to run home to make sure he didn't need to go to the doctor. Then lots of errands on Tuesday, and then horrible hot, humid, smog-filled air Wed-Fri. I ate things I shouldn't have and weight went back up, but after two solid workouts yesterday and today combined with being more careful with what I eat I am back down again to 69kgs.
I've only worked out 7 times in 18 days so far this month -- I can make it to my monthly target (13 times/month), but hope to do better than that. Might be challenging as I have another hectic week coming up. Big reception for the new country director of one of our major funders on Tuesday night, then separate orientations for the kids on Thursday and Friday. Still, if the air quality stays decent I should be able to get in 2-3 workouts this week, plus my usual two weekend routines.
I had to go to the doctor for something minor the other day and was dismayed to find that I have actually gained six pounds since last December (on their official scale-the scale I have at home is old and not very accurate - but in my favor). I've only physically felt it only recently as in my jeans getting too tight around the top, giving me the dreaded muffin-top look. I guess I can no longer nibble my way through the Whole Foods workday and not feel the effects! In reality, I am told I actually look a bit better with a little more meat on my bones. I would like to loose about three pounds, though I have to keep my weight just above 150 lbs. in order to get paid the higher amount for donating my plasma.
I forced myself to walk today as I didn't have enough steps (5500) I'm so happy that I did it!!! It was moist out- rained this morning, but the hills were visible and the tress glistened. The bumblebees are all over the sunflowers and the hummingbirds are swooping and zooming. I would have missed all that had I stayed in my chair! Plus I will sleep better tonight I am sure. Baby steps. I've decided to stick with just the 5500 steps this month and next until I am doing it with ease, not force. Keep on folks, every little bit counts.
I've stayed off the diet coke for over 30 days now! Woo Hoo! Habit broken.
Working on giving up bready items - seem to have some sort of fail almost daily on that. I seem to be floating the same 5 lbs off and then back on.
The Storyteller
8-19-13, 2:07pm
How's everyone doing?
4 pounds in August so far.
SiouzQ, I stepped on the scales at the doctor's office and it went more in my favor. I have actually lost 38 pounds since April 24. That's 6 more than I thought going by my home scales. I'm still tracking my day to day progress on my home scales, though, even if they aren't as generous as those at the doctor's.. :)
Congrats on the diet coke fast, Float On! That one is real hard, I've heard. It's funny, the only things I drink anymore are water, coffee, and tea, plus an occasional beer or mixed drink. Somewhere along the line I lost my taste for carbonated beverages (diet coke was my thing too). I only like it every once in a while, though I did drink about one per day while I was on my road trip to New Mexico. It was too hot to drink coffee and I needed my caffeine.
And reporting on my own little victory, I have now been smoke-free for over five months!
The Storyteller
8-20-13, 12:27pm
5 pounds in August! Just 4 pounds away from my next goal.
Success begets success. This is getting so fun, I was able to bypass the break room table at work loaded with cookies, brownies, and cupcakes all day at work yesterday and today with barely a note. I grabbed some fruit, instead, because the progress has been so good lately.
Last night, I worked out at the YMCA. I know it isn't very frugal, but I find it helpful walking a treadmill with all kinds of gadgets telling me how I'm doing. Besides, being a heart attack survivor, I fell safer exercising where I can check my beats per minute, and where there is a defibrillator handy. I'm more likely to push myself a bit more. There is a very nice walking park within walking distance, but this is working so well I think I will stick with it. I upped my time by ten minutes, and increased the incline. I then lifted weights for a while, using the circuit method and doing low weight/hi rep, for cardio and weight loss.
We are currently living in one of our rentals most of the time, which is close enough to work to walk to and from. The Y is between our house and work. My usual morning routine is to walk my wife to work (she works across the street from my work), then back to the Y and work out for an hour, then walk to work. I'm thinking about getting one of those pedometer thingies to see how I'm doing, steps-wise.
I weigh less and feel better than I have for years. Life is good.
Wow, everyone is doing so well! Storyteller - I love your success, it makes it seem so easy for me to be successful, too!
I am not really going for weight-loss, but more overall fitness. It is just shy of one year from hubby's heart problems, and we have come so far. Limited processed foods, no sugar, no soda, no white potato, only whole grain breads and pastas. We eat waaaayyy more fruits and veggies. One year weight loss is about 20 lbs, but more important is the inches - I am down one to two dress sizes. Five inch loss in my hips! Yay.
My new goal is to be consistent. I need to work out at least five days, but I allow life to sidetrack too many of my workouts. Must commit!
I had a meeting with a personal trainer last week, and with her suggestions I will implement a calendar that I think I can stick to. I am one of those who WILL keep an appointment if I schedule it, so it is so simple to just write in a workout....
Her recommendations - if anyone else cares to hear it - was a half hour of cardio five days per week, two days of intervals and three of steady state. Two days of whole body strength training - one of those workouts to be the same every week, and one a hodge-podge - then mix up the "same" workout every six weeks. Two days of flexibility / balance work of about 20 mins. Then, just for fun - one day of "active recreation" for an hour - strolling, bike riding, swimming or participating in a sport. And of course, one full day of rest! I am going to do the cardio after work with my hubby - we walk our dogs, so that just leaves a half hour workout each day on my lunch or after work - totally do-able! Phew, seems easy enough.
The Storyteller
8-22-13, 7:59am
6.
I just wanted to say that I keep pulling up this thread to enjoy your successes.....because I am not experiencing them personally but know that I NEED TO GET ON IT!!!!
I also hired a trainer, lmerullo, and loved her recommendations. I have agreed to do interval workouts three days and her whole body strength training three days, and we'll meet again in a couple of weeks to see how it is going. The workout is HARD..for me, anyway, but I am enjoying it and feel great to be putting my focus there. The intervals are easier than just going for a run because I can do that workout in less time. Somehow I keep thinking I need to work more and that translates into workout out less but at my age (57) and with my progressive osteopenia I know I have to do weight work. Plus I hate it when I get tired easily in the garden, and when I can't lift my end of the canoe!
So thanks to everyone who posts your updates because you have been encouraging to me as I lurk about. I want to stay consistent so I am trying to be realistic and not go hog-wild (diet, exercise, sign up for a marathon) as I have done in the past. I get tired, then I get sick, and then I can't get back on the bandwagon...but hopefully this time will be reasonable enough to maintain.
Have a great day....we are getting a little last bit of summer weather here....lovely!
edited for typo....
Woo hoo - weighed myself just now and I'm at my goal weight - 10 lbs lighter than I was. I was weighing daily and had managed to lose about 5 lbs in a month. But lately I'd been becoming a bit laxer on the diet - a couple frappes, eating out once, a little chocolate. But I tried to stick to really healthy for my normal eating. And I hadn't bothered weighing myself for a couple weeks. And I was extra surprised as I've been injured and haven't been able to do my usual walking.
Going shopping for new work pants today. I usually hate shopping, but I actually need a couple more shirts and probably one or two work outfits. Hopefully the shopping doesn't kill me. And will see if the physiotherapist thinks I can walk more again. It's getting annoying with the great weather we've been having, finally. I need to get outside before 6 months of winter set in. At least new work building has a gym. I can treadmill this winter, which should be really helpful.
The Storyteller
8-24-13, 10:55am
That's great, Kestra! I started out just wanting to eat more healthily, but when the pounds started coming off, I got motivated to continue losing weight. I have now lost 7 pounds in the month of August. Just 2 pounds way from Goal #2!
I have decided my next goal after that is 10 pounds less than what I weigh today before my next appointment with my cardiologist on October 24th. I want to shock him. I will officially be no longer overweight, according to the BMI charts.
I have been reading books and watching a lot of docs on healthy eating and weight loss. Some things have been more helpful than others. One discouraging doc was a PBS program on weight loss. It is depressing how few calories we burn off with vigorous exercise. The point of the piece was I need to focus more on what I eat than what I do. The unintended (I'm sure) result of seeing that was discouragement about visiting the gym. Had to drag myself to the Y last night.
But, I've decided that isn't why I should exercise. I should do it to get healthier (just as eating veggies and fruits makes me healthier because of all the nutrients I am consuming), and any weight loss is just a very nice side benefit. I think this is particularly true of someone with my condition.
Keeping on,
Jim
I, too, looked at this thread today so I could get some inspiration to get myself exercising again. I've made a very concerted effort to eliminate nearly all processed foods from my diet, and construct meals that will be healthy and satisfying, but I'm not counting calories. However, it seems to be working to a certain degree, and I'm happy with that, as it's a nearly effortless way to lose weight. Still, I know I have to start exercising again.
Any suggestions on how to break back in to the walking game, slowly? For nearly three years I walked for an hour a day, seven days a week. Then I started teaching school last November and completely stopped exercising. I wasn't able to motivate myself to exercise all during the summer break, either, and school starts next week...I'll be teaching three days a week. Maybe I should just shoot for walking four days a week, since I do best when I get it done first thing in the morning. On work days, however, I NEVER get up any earlier than I have to, and will not start doing it now!
I'm afraid of bunging up my right knee again. I have good shoes and orthotics, and I've never had knee problems in my life. But near the end, there, I was chugging ibuprofen every day and bracing my knee almost 23 hours a day. When I stopped walking, my knee stopped hurting! It feels like a problem with the muscles to the right of my right kneecap, so I don't know what the problem is.
Anyway, I'm just thinking out loud here, but if anyone can tell me stories about getting back on the exercise bandwagon, or any other advice or suggestions (or just plain old encouragement), I'd love to hear from you all. Thanks!
Selah, can you incorporate the walking into your daily routine -- so add a walking segment to your walk to or from work? If it is far, then maybe you can walk to a public transit stop further away, or park your car at some distance. If it is close, then you could take a more roundabout way that takes you past some pretty views.
My challenge is that my workout time on the weekdays is typically between when I get home (around 4;15-4:30) and when we eat dinner (5:30-6:00ish). If I leave the office on time and don't have too harried a subway/bus ride, I am usually ok with coming home and getting my gym stuff on and going back out. But if, as has happened all too often lately, I leave late, even a little bit late, or get stuck on a crowded subway car/bus and can't get a seat, or have to run some errands on the way home, by the time I get to the apartment the last thing I want to do is change clothes, put my running shoes on and go back to the gym. The gym is located at the entrance to our complex, so I have to pass it on the way home. I am going to experiment with buying myself a padlock and carrying my gym or swimming gear with me. that way even if I am getting home a bit late I can go straight to the gym without coming home first. It means carrying stuff across town with me to the office, but if it increases the number of workouts I actually manage to get in every week it will be worth it.
The Storyteller
8-26-13, 3:24pm
Anyway, I'm just thinking out loud here, but if anyone can tell me stories about getting back on the exercise bandwagon, or any other advice or suggestions (or just plain old encouragement), I'd love to hear from you all. Thanks!
I've been thinking about this for the past day or two, and all I can say is what works for me.
When I feel discouraged or just plain don't feel like exercising, I make a decision to just go to the gym and plan on doing an even pace with no incline for 10 minutes. I don't even plan to break a sweat or raise my heart rate. I tell myself 10 minutes of my time won't kill me, and I really plan on doing exactly that.
But every single time I have done that, and I get in that environment and fire up my Kindle to my current book and start that treadmill, I find myself increasing the incline, the pace, and time. And 9 times out of 10, I end up doing a full workout.
A formal workout place works for me, I think. I read suggestions about doing strenuous hobbies like bike riding or yard work or walking in a park, but being in a gym gets me in a different mindset. I have come to the conclusion it goes back to my daily workouts as a boxer in the late 60s early 70s, then later as a bodybuilder in the late 70s early 80s. I think all those old feelings come back and while I will never be in the condition I was back then, my mind still works the same way when I get in that environment. So, maybe some environments will work better for you than others. Maybe explore that a bit.
Another thing that might be helpful is to keep in mind the years you are tacking onto your life, and the things you will be able to do that your couldn't do before. At least, that is working in my case. I was beginning to feel as though I would have to retire at the age of 62, if I lasted that long. But right now, with the weight I have lost and the excellent nutrition I am getting and the exercise, I feel like the sky is the limit.
Then there are the calories. Exercise doesn't burn off as much as what I would like, but it does burn off some. So, I did some head math this morning. Let's say I'm maintaining a steady 2,000 calories in, 2,000 calories out and I add walking for an additional 100 calories burned off. After 35 days, I have burned off 1 pound of fat, or 3,500 excess calories. Every little bit helps!
Lastly, I have immersed myself in health books, and those are what I read when I am on that treadmill or stationary bike. The act of reading takes my mind off the details of the workout, and the content keeps me inspired and focused on becoming more healthy, while supplying me with the information I need to do that. And that is ALL I read when I am exercising. If I run out of books to read, I guess I'll just start over again. :)
Anyway, that is what works for me.
Jim
iris lilies
8-26-13, 9:37pm
I am out of the walking routine, but when I was in it, and when it was one of those days where I didn't' want to go, I told myself: Self, go out the door and to the end of the block. If you STILL don't want to complete the walk regime then ok, turn around and come back home.
I don't think there was ever a time where I didn't complete the walk.
fidgiegirl
8-26-13, 10:08pm
Just wanted to say that I am following the thread keenly, even though I don't have much to report myself. I am enjoying veggies from the garden and the heat has suppressed my appetite somewhat, so I guess that's a win, even though it's not through any effort of my own. Keep posting, please! You give me encouragement.
The Storyteller
8-28-13, 11:15am
Here's a success story...
This weekend was my uncle's 85th birthday, so we drove across state for the family potluck get together. This was the first my siblings have seen me since I lost this weight. We brought watermelon, green beans, and deviled eggs for our contribution. Others brought pork roast, pork ribs, potatoes au gratin, cake, ice cream, chips, dips, and a bunch of other yummy stuff I shouldn't eat... not a vegetable to be seen anywhere, typical Oklahoma fare. I ate watermelon, green beans, and one deviled egg.
Today my brother called me. He said my sister was worried because I didn't look healthy. That I am too skinny and have lost too much weight. I told him I consider that a complement, as I'm still 9 pounds overweight. He laughed and agreed. Said he thought I looked great.
Only in Oklahoma.
The Storyteller
8-31-13, 8:31am
That's great, Kestra! I started out just wanting to eat more healthily, but when the pounds started coming off, I got motivated to continue losing weight. I have now lost 7 pounds in the month of August.
8.
Whew! Coming off slow now. But that's okay, at least I'm heading in the right direction. :)
I kicked my ice cream habit. I was eating a 100 calorie ice cream cup in the evening. I watched the Firehouse 2 diet doc (a spinoff of Forks Over Knives) and the guy recommended frozen bananas. So, I cut up some bananas into 2 inch sections, put them in small freezer bags, and was amazed at how much it felt like eating banana flavored ice cream. I set it out for a few minutes to let it start to thaw until it is just the right texture. Cold, with a very similar mouth feel, and a sweet taste that lingers. So, another habit, permanently changed without feeling deprived.
This is getting fun!
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