WIR ~ Let's Get Fit 2014

[greeniis10]

Great to see everyone getting active!  I decided to employ the "reward" system for myself in order to get some motivation.  If I do 30 - 45 min. of cardio (depending on the machine and my schedule) then I can go out and sit by the pool for 15 min. and read.  Ah, heaven!

In the winter I reward myself with 10 min. in the sauna after a workout, so once the weather gets warm I lose that reward, so I'll supplement instead a few minutes of peace and relaxation poolside.  Seemed to work better last week so hopefully I can stick with it!

[Pants]

How many calories in Ramen? How about whiskey? Because all I can think of right now is heading home to a hot toddy (tea, honey and whiskey) and a bowl full of chicken ramen to make me feel better on head cold day #3...

[sarcasticgirl]

380 calories in ramen. I know because I have been eating it more days than not when my allergies are making me totally miserable.

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[crazylady14]

Scrgrl47: I have been getting up early and taking the dog for a 30 min walk. I have also been using the step counter on my phone, but not yet making sure I reach a specific amount of steps. Tomorrow, yikes! I plan to start riding my bicycle to work, depending on weather and appointments. I’m really nervous, I have to cross the highway during ‘rush-hour’ and go into the industrial park with no bike lanes and lots of semi-trucks. I may chicken out.

Greeniis10: I’m working on finishing my degree and I have to take a PE class. The class description says you set goals and (while reading a health book) learn how to achieve them. I’m excited to have the extra summer motivation.

Sarcasticgirl: I make low sugar strawberry freezer jam, the pink box. The kids love it on pbj and pancakes (instead of syrup).

Minnesotapaintlady: I have a friend that took photos as her motivation, I haven’t yet. Did it help to see the progress you’re making?

[sarcasticgirl]

crazylady14 do you have the recipe for the freezer jam? I think my hubs wants some. 

Got the dog out for a couple miles today... but it is hot and there is so much cottonwood in the air! my throat hurts now after just 40 minutes outside! 
There's an indoor pool at one of the city parks near me. I'm going to check into getting a pass for lap swims. I'm hoping they stay open through the winter... that would be awesome! 

[kilroy]

No pastry for me today (and yes, I was buying them, so now I can save money as well as calories). And I had another good workout today.

[crazylady14]

sarcasticgirl: I'm so glad my allergies are mild.  This is the recipe I use, real sugar (not chemicals), not as sweet as the yellow box so it has more/better strawberry flavor.  I know wal mart carries it.
www.kraftbrands.com/surejell/recipes/recipe-detail.aspx?recipeId=50994&recipeName=SURE.JELL® for Less or No Sugar Needed Recipes - Strawberry Freezer Jam
Make sure you match the recipe to the box.  Do not swap out recipes or brands, it does not firm up, then you have to go to All Recipes and search for strawberry muffins and make lots and lots of muffins....just speaking from experience.
I don't mash my berries, I stick them in the blender for just a second or two.  I don't like syrup & chunks.  The blender makes bits, the jam does stay a little softer this way, with perfect spread-ability in my opinion.
Stawberry picking is about 2 weeks away yet for me. mmmmmm

Down to 171 today, so I'm slowing moving in the right direction.    I was happy to see that because I had a rough week (donuts, chips, beer).

I did not ride my bike today, raining, maybe tomorrow.

[greeniis10]

I don't know, crazylady14, that bike ride sounds hazardous!  I realize it'd be a great way to sneak in some daily exercise, but I don't trust other drivers to be attentive to cyclists.  Anyway, good luck if you decide to try it!

[crazylady14]

greeniis10, I'm chicken.  I need to suck it up and do it.  maybe tomorrow.

[greeniis10]

Well, I'd rather be an alive, fully functional chicken, personally!  Not criticizing you at all.  Just my own wimpiness when it comes to that sort of thing.  Boring as it may be if not at the gym, my power walking is done on the high school track a block from my house. 

We have some river trails to walk or bike but there are way too many isolated places.  There have been a few abductions and/or rapes over the years and I'd rather no risk my own personal safety.  It's too bad, though.  Getting fresh air and sunshine is so much more beneficial then a germy, hot gym.

Anyway, up until last year I was your typical "cardio junkie" logging 60-90 min. workouts 5-6 days a week alternating between the treadmill and the elliptical.  I was never athletic as a kid so once I had worked up to this level I felt great!  So accomplished!  However, I was beginning to resent the huge chunk of time it took out of my days and I was concerned about overuse injuries.  So, I made the switch to mainly weight lifting and what a change!

Ironically, lifting heavy weights (mainly dumbells in many different sizes and using ankle weights for floor exercises) has felt like a burden has been taken OFF of me.  Mentally.  I try not to take rests between sets and this has also become my cardio.  I now only get on the elliptical or treadmill for 30 min. 3 x per week.  I try to do HIIT instead of spending so much time.  It really has helped me.  

Just wanted to share in case anyone else is feeling like there is not enough time to do enough cardio to get you to the point you want to be.  (and, yes, my body shape has changed for the better, too) 

[Deleted]

Jun 16, 2014 16:19:27 GMT -5 crazylady14 said:

Minnesotapaintlady: I have a friend that took photos as her motivation, I haven’t yet. Did it help to see the progress you’re making?

Yes!  Very much!  I checked them out last night and couldn't believe I was that flabby looking just 6 weeks ago.  The pictures were pretty unflattering all around, but you could definitely tell I'm a lot different now.  The little changes on the scale every week don't drive that home as much. 

[greeniis10]

Measurements make a big difference, too, as someone already mentioned.  I track my measurements more than my weight.

Sorry if my long post above sounded preachy.  Not my intent.  I've just always been one of those people who did not believe that lifting weights was as beneficial to weight loss (if not more) than lots of cardio.  Once I finally tried it it has really improved some things for me. 

Time to rally some mid-year motivation!

[sarcasticgirl]

That reminds me greeniis10 - I need to do measurements again. 

I am going to get a pass for Lap Swimming at the local pool. My allergies are killing me again. Whenever i take the dog out for a long walk/jog it kills me. I come in and my throat is burning, my eyes hurt and I feel crappy. SO much to my dog's chagrin... I will be making our walks much shorter and taking up swimming instead of jogging which makes me sad. I love long walks and jogs outside. 

I've also totally failed at the strength training... I'm going to get out that now!

[scrgrl47]

Crazylady - how'd the bike go today?  Good luck and stay safe....helmet! 

Green - you can DOoooooooo it. 

Sarcastic, uuuggghhhhh allergies.  Right there with you.  This will be over soon enough, right?  RIGHT??!?!?  <<rubs itchy eyes>> 

Besides allergies, everything is kosher here especially after another reduction on the scale.  I made sure to fix that real good with ice cream today (since when does 'a small with one tiny scoop of x and one tiny scoop of y' = 4 mounded scoops?  No wonder 'Murica is fat!).  Picked and made strawberry jam today - cannot wait to eat that on toast next January.  We found a pectin that doesn't use sugar to activate it so the sugar is just to taste.  We'll see! 

Game 1 - 6/18/14: 5.9 lbs lost to 188.3 (7/9/14 goal: 7.8 lbs lost to 186.4)
Game 2 - 6/18/14: 4.2 lbs lost to 188.3 (7/11/14 goal: 7.7 lbs lost to 184.8

[kilroy]

I broke 130! This morning I stood on the scale twice and both times it said 129.5 :-)

Took long enough :-P

[scrgrl47]

Kilroy, WOHOO!!  Two days after putting that pastry down ;-)  Congrats!  

[sarcasticgirl]

Jun 19, 2014 5:20:09 GMT -5 kilroy said:

I broke 130! This morning I stood on the scale twice and both times it said 129.5 :-)

Took long enough :-P

CONGRATS!!!!! 

[greeniis10]

Well, I'm still whining about lack of motivation but this heat sure makes it tough!  In the winter I have a much easier time working out because that's the only time I can warm up.  Now, when it's 90 degrees, not so much.  I did do 30 min. on the elliptical yesterday and then sat by the pool and read for 30 min. as a "reward".  That helped. 

I'm still a bit wary of MyFitnessPal.  In a way, I like seeing exactly where I am each day as far as calories, sodium, and sugar (which is what I mainly track; fat and carbs are secondary) but sometimes it gets me down because after I log breakfast and lunch there isn't much left for dinner and maybe I was looking forward to something that night? 

Personally, I have to be careful that the numbers don't cause me more stress than it's worth because I don't have weight to lose; I just want to improve physically and have more energy and eat as cleanly as possible.

Anyway, my random musings for Friday.  Everyone have a great weekend!

[crazylady14]

Greeniis:  I'm wimpy too, that's why I haven't done it yet.  I wouldn't walk as much, or as far, without my big old dog. 

Minnesotapaintlady: Ok, I might try to take pics this weekend, maybe.

Scrgrl: I’m not taking my bike yet. It has been raining all week. I’ve missed most of my morning walks too. I have been walking some evenings, but I don’t walk as far then.

Kilroy: Hooray! Congrats!

[kilroy]

I did 40 minutes on the elliptical this a.m. Woot!

[flamingo]

While my allergies are kicking my butt, I've manage to maintain after a cross-country move. Living in a "walking" city has to be helping at least a little bit with that. It's not much, but I walk 1/2 mile to work and 1/2 mile home every day plus since I sold my car and am cheap, I walk to the grocery store, to the hardware store, basically any where that's within a mile or so. Add that on to what I do anyway (run, strength) I think it's helping. Whatever, I'm just happy my crappy food intake hasn't made the scale go in the wrong direction

[mizbear]

I am hoping that my promotion at work helps me get back on track. I have been made closing manager effective immediately and righy now it is kicking my butt.

[scrgrl47]

Mizbear, congratulations on the promotion!  You haven't been there very long, have you?  Must mean you're kicking butt and taking names.  Nice job. 

Kilroy, you show that elliptical who's boss.  How have the last few days been?  By the way, are you a Boston person?  If so, someone just sent this to me.  Free!  www.friendsoffortpointchannel.org/fort-point-fitness

crazylady14 - how are those steps going this week?  Can you believe Wednesday is almost half over already?  So (kinda) close to the weekend!

flamingo - join the awful allergy club of sarcasticgirl and I.  They seem to be starting to wind down here in the Northeast, hopefully your area will be clear soon too.  Brutal this year.  Do you find your breathing is severely impacted when you run during allergy season?  I have exercise-induced asthma so running sucks anyway but is so much worse with allergies.  Congrats on maintaining during a stressful time, that's super hard.      

greeniis10 - reward system, nice!  Is that still working for you?  What are your thoughts on tracking naturally occurring sugars vs. added sugars?   

sarcasticgirl - has the move to the pool helped the allergies at all?  

minnesotapaintlady - i've been too chicken to take pictures, good for you.  I did catch a full body shot of myself in the mirror this morning as I was getting in the shower and had one of those 'huh.  this is actually working' thoughts.  It's amazing how much of a snowball effect it can have.  You start to see results and you want to do even better (positive motivation) and not ruin everything you've worked hard for (negative motivation!).  There are probably super fancy terms for those thoughts... 

bsbound - how's it going? 

I'm still hovering around the same weight +/- a pound which is okay because I haven't been nearly as disciplined with the food in week 2 as I was in week 1.  Went to the beach and packed all good food but couldn't resist the beachfront clam roll, helped my brother pack and ate the pizza he bought for everyone, ate my weight in crackers and cheese earlier that day, etc.  Those occasional slips are totally fine (for me) during maintenance time but I'm actively trying to net-negative calories right now so I'm a little disappointed in myself.  That being said, I have to look forward and just do better next time.  Beating myself up isn't going to help anything. 

Onward and upward!


 

[greeniis10]

"greeniis10 - reward system, nice! Is that still working for you? What are your thoughts on tracking naturally occurring sugars vs. added sugars? "

Yes, reward system is still going well!  Apparently I'm a whiny baby who needs my little treat to make me do the work.  But, whatever works, right? 

I'm still doing a lot more weight lifting and only 3 days per week of 30 min. cardio sessions.  The weight lifting really has paid off.  Plus, I figure if I can't maintain by doing only 30 min. of cardio regularly then clearly I need to change my eating habits.  So far so good.  I was the everyday-long-session cardio junkie for so long I'm still adjusting to this change even though I've been at it for almost a year.

The sugar tracking I was surprised at only because I don't have a sweet-tooth AT ALL.  I don't eat cookies or cake or candy, but I meet and/or exceed my sugar "goal" (per MFP) daily due to all the fruit I eat.  I don't know if that's good or bad??  I know added sugar is EVERYWHERE: ketchup, syrup, cereal, bottled dressing, etc. but I don't eat any of that stuff, either! 

Anyhoo, I DO have a salty tooth and cheese and crackers can be a downfall for me occasionally, too.  Or chips and salsa.  Yum!  However, I've discovered that gluten-free crackers are much better for me (even thought I'm not gluten intolerant) and given the fact that I'm thrifty and those crackers are more expensive, I don't eat them as much as I used to.

Thanks for posting and I'll do my best to keep active on this thread as well. 

[kilroy]

Thanks, scrgrl, but I'm in NYC.

Two dinners out with hubby and the scale went back up a pound :-( Back to the gym!

[Deleted]

Forgot to report in on Monday, but another week of staying the same weight wise.  I can't say as I'm totally surprised.  I was home two days with a very sick little boy last week and spent a lot of time on the couch, then he had three birthday parties in three days.  One of which was at the state fairgrounds with tons of fatty fair food.  I'm lucky I didn't gain I suppose. 

[flamingo]

scrgrl47: I only have trouble breathing when I run. It's not exercised induced anything, just my own stupidity. I hate running; I do it because it's good for me. I am competitive with everyone, even myself. So I don't run slow, nooooo, I run as fast as I can and still barely breath. Because it's like someone cares if I run a minute a mile slower than normal because my allergies are kicking my butt. Anyway, I'm weird about this, I know

I'm maintaining, which is my goal. I lost a few pounds earlier this year and my goal is to keep them off. If I lose more, cool, if not, I'm really happy where I'm at right now. So I'm working out, I'm just not motivated and excited about it right now.

[mizbear]

been there 9 weeks. The closing manager quit suddenly and I got the promotion. Our opening manager can't close and will be retiring in a few years, so they offered it to me. My replacement as Shift Leader/Manager in Training was hired yesterday and I was told I may not have to close for too long 5 nights a week once he is trained.

The teens at work are however thrilled that I will be there most nights because J and I don't treat them like they are stupid. D does (he is the asst mgr and thinks his poo doesn't stink) and B (the GM) mothers them LOL.

I have only closed twice so far and was told the store looks awesome in the morning!

I did do this job before, but that was when they put me out of work 11 years ago.

[sarcasticgirl]

Haven't made it to the pool yet to get a lap pass. For 1, I've been swamped at work and have been working late a lot of we've had evening plans that keep me from getting there and 2. I am still in the midst of a pity party for myself. I am so muthafreaking sick of feeling crappy every damn day from these allergies! It is wearing down my (little remaining) sanity!!! I have about 2 good days a week... And if I spend any time outdoors I feel horrendous the next day. *sigh* I tearing up just posting this because I love being outside! It certainly doesn't help that it has rained pretty much every single day in the last 2+ weeks. Yuck! Yeah- I am hardcore cranky!
Last night as I was crawling into bed at 8pm... I decided I have to suck it up and get on the elliptical and do strength until I can get to the pool... And even once I have made it there... Because it will make me feel better.
I gained about 5 pounds from my round of steroids and I've gotten3 of them back off... So up 2 now. Part of it, I believe, is from sodium. That has been super high since I've been eating soup nearly every day. Like RAMEN because the salt makes my throat feel better. Going to make a homemade alternative that is lower sodium.



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[greeniis10]

Sorry to hear about all the allergy troubles among some of you!  Annoying.  I have no good advice to give, either.  Thankfully never had allergies (knock on wood).

Flamingo, if you can learn to regulate your breathing you'll have a lot more endurance and speed.  It took me a while to figure it out, but now I'm adamant about it, meaning that I work out solo and do NOT talk at all.  It messes up my breathing pattern.  It takes work, but now that I'm used to it I've noticed how much more of my lung capacity it use.  I take full, deep breaths even during HIIT.  If I do it correctly, there is no frantic huffing and puffing after each high intensity interval.  (not saying that's what you do; just noting how much it has helped me)  My heart rate increases during those intervals (as it is supposed to) but my breathing remains steady. 

sarcasticgirl, if you're not up to making homemade soup, use just HALF a packet of the seasoning for the ramens.  Any little reduction in sodium helps.