"My Skinny Summer" Weight Loss Journey

[Tanzi]

Thanks for the advice mhowe.

 

I'm trying not to look upon days as "blow out" days, especially now that I feel am well established on a diet. (If I'm trying to get on that diet ladder it's a different story.)

 

Take today for instance ... it started off with pancakes and ended with a meal out with friends. I could have written the whole day off but I managed to reign it in. I had a smoothie for lunch and tonight, while everyone around me was having burgers, steaks and pasta, I had a salmon fillet (without the hollandaise sauce) and salad. I feel good for that now.

 

Well, I didn't get the chance to do my 20 mins on my stepper today which I'm disappointed about. Oh well ..... Zumba tomorrow!

[Tearsbegone]

Sweetie, always eat when you feel physically hungry! But I'd still consider -- just as an experiment -- eliminating wheat products for a week and see if that affects your bloating and weight gain! It's totally your call, but when there's bloating and pain and weight gain, that's the first thing that comes to mind for me anyway.

 

I am a vegetarian and wheat has never bothered me. I'd love to test it, but I am staying with family now and don't really get to make choices about that sort of thing. I was tested to glutan intolerance and it came back fine.

[Tearsbegone]

Thanks for the advice mhowe.

 

I'm trying not to look upon days as "blow out" days, especially now that I feel am well established on a diet. (If I'm trying to get on that diet ladder it's a different story.)

 

Take today for instance ... it started off with pancakes and ended with a meal out with friends. I could have written the whole day off but I managed to reign it in. I had a smoothie for lunch and tonight, while everyone around me was having burgers, steaks and pasta, I had a salmon fillet (without the hollandaise sauce) and salad. I feel good for that now.

 

Well, I didn't get the chance to do my 20 mins on my stepper today which I'm disappointed about. Oh well ..... Zumba tomorrow!

 

You did great! It's so hard when people around you are eating indulging food, way to go!

[Tearsbegone]

Wooo-hooo -- you are ON your game, girl! Your plan sounds great -- so what if you have pancakes? It's the big picture that counts. I'm actually pretty excited about starting this 2 smoothies a day thing.... I really hope it's do-able. I like eating FOOD, so it's going to be a challenge!

 

You are doing awesome, I wish I could eat smoothies!!!!

[Tearsbegone]

Hopefully the gastro specialist will be able to give you some answers. When are you scheduled in to see him?

 

I do agree that being in a relationship makes you put on weight. I put all this weight on during my last relationship. That's why I want to use this time to get slimmer and healthy again. If I ever find myself in another relationship, I am going to have to find a suitable maintenance diet or regime so that it doesn't happen again.

 

I've said that before though. Why do we let it happen I wonder?

 

Next week I should know more. I know I am bloating and swelling cause there is air in my intestines but that doesn't explain weight gain. The only thing that would is if there are polyps or cysts- I had passed some recently due to going on birth control, which could have also been the culprit, but then I went off it so that weight should have come right off right? I'm actually being more active and eating less so it's odd. I can only think about the fact that this is the most stressed I have been in my life, thus I am releasing tons of cortisol which can have a massive impact on weight gain. Or maybe me and the new bf just eat out too much- now at least I'm on track. Only salads and such- no more pizza!

[Tearsbegone]

Raw coconut is good for you! I have them every now and then -- you just open them up and pry out the meat. Full-fat canned coconut milk, which is what's used in curries, can be high in calories. For curries I use the the canned low-fat or make my own milk from blending coconut (fresh or shreds) with water. I can post the curry recipe if you'd like!

 

Sounds great! What do you put in your smoothies?

[Tearsbegone]

A great day yesterday and feeling like I might be able to face the tape measure soon. Did my workout and ate well: green smoothie breakfast.... curry and rice and a big orange/grapefruit juice mid-day.... baked potato with vegan nacho cheez sauce for dinner. I need to have some salad today!

 

I'm always shocked at what a big difference exercise makes. It really IS worth the effort.

 

SO glad to have started this now -- with plenty of time until summer!

 

Way to go! I am SO happy to have started with plenty of time as well! Last summer I weighed 30 lbs less which is a ton for me (breakup) but at least I looked good, well maybe a bit too thin.

[sharky988]

Sounds great! What do you put in your smoothies?

 

There's endless combinations -- basic recipe is a few cups liquid (water, juice or non-dairy milk or a combo), a few cups greens (spinach, kale, etc.) and a few cups fruit. I always add at least one frozen banana for creaminess.

 

My favorites lately have been: juice from 4 oranges, 2 handfulls spinach, 1 frozen banana and one regular banana. Really simple but delish.

 

For breakfast I usually have spicy chocolate: 2 cups water, a big chunk fresh ginger, 2 handfuls spinach or kale or collard greens, 1 peeled orange, 2 frozen bananas, 1 regular banana, cayenne pepper, cinnamon, 2 Tbs raw cacao. Sometimes I add a Tbs of spirulina if I have some around for extra protein.

[Tearsbegone]

There's endless combinations -- basic recipe is a few cups liquid (water, juice or non-dairy milk or a combo), a few cups greens (spinach, kale, etc.) and a few cups fruit. I always add at least one frozen banana for creaminess.

 

My favorites lately have been: juice from 4 oranges, 2 handfulls spinach, 1 frozen banana and one regular banana. Really simple but delish.

 

For breakfast I usually have spicy chocolate: 2 cups water, a big chunk fresh ginger, 2 handfuls spinach or kale or collard greens, 1 peeled orange, 2 frozen bananas, 1 regular banana, cayenne pepper, cinnamon, 2 Tbs raw cacao. Sometimes I add a Tbs of spirulina if I have some around for extra protein.

 

awesome thank you! Does this fill you up? Have you ever used protein powder?

 

If you don't mind me asking how much does it cost? All that for one smoothie seems way out of my budget

[sharky988]

Just to check in: seeing a big difference now! I've been recovering from a shoulder injury from last year, so this is the first time I've been able to use the NordicTrack without real pain afterwards for many many months.... this has been my go-to machine for 20 years now, so I'm THRILLED to be able to really use it again! I'm still afraid to go longer than 20 mins though until I'm sure my shoulder's okay with it.

 

Got in my workout and had a good but reasonably dull eating day yesterday: big smoothie for breakfast, curry and rice for lunch and again mid-day.... not really hungry for dinner so I just had a spoonful of peanut butter and called it a night! Another day or two of curry before I can begin Smoothiethon 2014. Definitely getting bored of curry.

 

I'm really pushing it shoulder-wise, but today I want to try for 4 days in a row on the ski machine. I'll rest it tomorrow.

[Tanzi]

Next week I should know more. I know I am bloating and swelling cause there is air in my intestines but that doesn't explain weight gain. The only thing that would is if there are polyps or cysts- I had passed some recently due to going on birth control, which could have also been the culprit, but then I went off it so that weight should have come right off right? I'm actually being more active and eating less so it's odd. I can only think about the fact that this is the most stressed I have been in my life, thus I am releasing tons of cortisol which can have a massive impact on weight gain. Or maybe me and the new bf just eat out too much- now at least I'm on track. Only salads and such- no more pizza!

 

If it were to do with the pill then you would surely be able to lose the weight once you were off. Fingers crissed that you get some answers soon.

[Tanzi]

That's amazing sharky. Well done. So glad the combo of diet and exercise is paying off.

 

I feel rubbish today ... horrible stomach cramps and nausea. If I don't feel better soon then I won't make it to Zumba tonight which will be a shame.

[sharky988]

Oh no -- I hope you feel better soon!

 

Don't worry, you can still jump into Zumba next week if you have to.

[sharky988]

awesome thank you! Does this fill you up? Have you ever used protein powder?

 

If you don't mind me asking how much does it cost? All that for one smoothie seems way out of my budget

 

You can make my personal favorite smoothie with a few bananas, 2 cups spinach leaves, 4 oranges and some ice cubes, which isn't too pricey. This makes about 1 quart of smoothie. This fills me up, sometimes I make a second one mid-morning if I'm hungry later. More recipes are available here: link removed

 

I don't use protein powder, but sometimes I do add spirulina if I have some around. That's a pricier add-in, though, as is cacao. You don't need any of those -- just fresh fruits and greens. The only must-have (for me) is bananas, which are pretty cheap.

[Tanzi]

Well I didn't make it to Zumba last night. I felt better but I still didn't have the energy. A friend and her daughter came round last night and I was cooking some pasta for the all kids. In the end my friend and I decided to join them. Moments like this are priceless. It's not often that my girls are all around at the same time anymore and to have a lovely company too …..

 

I'm going to have to make up for it today somehow! A smoothie for breakfast and a smoothie for lunch should do it … plus 20 mins on the stepper!!!

[sharky988]

Well I didn't make it to Zumba last night. I felt better but I still didn't have the energy. A friend and her daughter came round last night and I was cooking some pasta for the all kids. In the end my friend and I decided to join them. Moments like this are priceless. It's not often that my girls are all around at the same time anymore and to have a lovely company too …..

 

I'm going to have to make up for it today somehow! A smoothie for breakfast and a smoothie for lunch should do it … plus 20 mins on the stepper!!!

 

Yes -- sounds like a good plan for recovery! Just keep moving forward, that's what counts in the long run. This is a marathon, not a sprint.

 

I'm going shopping today and loading up on smoothie ingredients: bananas, oranges, spinach and greens, cucumbers, blueberries. Smoothiefest begins tomorrow, woo hooo!! I'm curious to see how long I can actually do two smoothies a day, hmmm....

 

On other fronts, I had an injury yesterday that's really going to screw up my exercise regimen -- broken toe. I'm not quite sure how I'm going to work around this yet. For now, I just have to stay off it. I think when I can be on my feet again, I can try the kettlebell workout. But I'm really bumming that this could potentially keep me off the ski machine for a week or two. It's just a stupid little toe, but it REALLY hurts. We've got snow and single digit temps around here, and I had to drive my son to school in flip-flops this morning because I can't wear shoes yet.

 

I'm hoping all those smoothies will make it heal extra fast.

 

Good day foodwise yesterday: big smoothie in the morning..... curry and rice mid-day..... curry and rice for a snack..... 1 quart orange/grapefruit juice and raw cashews for dinner, yum.

[mhowe]

I have broken my little toes countless times in my life.

Most recently, only a few weekends ago at bf's house. There is no "bone" to break per se --- it is almost cartilidge.

Tape it to the next toe --- and in a few days (by Sat) you should be able to do most anything.

 

I was able to do a weight training exercise --- just avoided side planks and the bosu ball.

[sharky988]

Thanks! I hope you're right on recovery time, I was really psyched to be back on the ski machine right now.

 

I couldn't tape it yesterday -- it hurt too much. But I'll do it today! Stupid toe.

[mhowe]

Thanks! I hope you're right on recovery time, I was really psyched to be back on the ski machine right now.

 

I couldn't tape it yesterday -- it hurt too much. But I'll do it today! Stupid toe.

 

I stubbed/broke my getting up in dark to use the bathroom. Hurt like a @$@!% but didn't realize it was broken until I saw it in the morning.

It will be tender for a week or so -- but should be okay within 3 days to walk easily.

Also --- take Aleve or whatever anti inflammatory of choice you use.

[sharky988]

Thanks -- 3 days I can definitely live with!

[Tanzi]

A few weeks ago I stubbed my toe in the middle of the night when I got up for a wee! At first it didn't hurt too bad but throughout the night it didn't stop throbbing. The pain actually kept me awake. In the morning I saw that there was blood everywhere. I hadn't realised I'd split it open! Such tiny little things but they can cause quite a disturbance when they are injured!

 

Aaaanyway … today is Friday, so that can only mean one thing … time to weigh in.

 

Weigh in: 142lbs (10st 2lbs)

 

Weight loss: 2lbs

 

It could have been better but I am happy with that considering I've had pancakes and pasta this week. Even if I can lose 2lbs a week, I can be at my goal weight in the time for the summer.

 

For me, last summer was pretty written off. My break-up was still raw. We live in a beautiful seaside town but going to the beach was too much of a reminder of my relationship so I never set foot near a beach last year. This year however I have lots of plans with friends already so I fully intend to embrace the summer months, looking and feeling my best.

[sharky988]

TWO POUNDS -- that's amazing!!! That means 5 pounds total, right? AWESOME!! You're right on track.

 

The pounds are really going to start adding up now....

 

I am meanwhile hobbling around like an idiot with my toe -- which unlike everyone else I managed to break in the full light of day -- still unable to wear shoes. But the diet portion of this weight loss journey continues to pay off! I'm going to man up and face the tape measure next Friday (ouch).

 

Yesterday was good: smoothie breakfast.... curry and rice mid-morning..... then in a fit of pity-induced comfort-eating over my toe, I made some chocolate-peanut butter ice cream (blended up 2 frozen bananas, 2 Tbs peanut butter, 2 Tbs raw cacao) which was AMAZING! For dinner I had a quart of orange/grapefruit juice and some raw cashews.

 

Woke up feeling definitely skinnier today, but STARVING and nervous about this Smoothiefest. I am now having 2 full quarts of smoothie for breakfast..... yikes. Other than smoothies, I'll have salad and lentil soup. Backup snacks are cut up veggies w "buffalo wing" hummus.

 

I am SCARED about Smoothiefest. I hate diets. They make me eat MORE. But I'm sure after today it'll be no big deal. Right?

 

Summer at the beach sounds nice.

[redrose85]

Hi all!!

 

I have a “take no prisoners” approach to my weight loss this time around. I need to lose 20 pounds, at least, and for the past few years I just haven’t stuck with an exercise program. I’d start out with the best of intentions, but something would always knock me off and I wouldn’t get back on the proverbial horse. But this year is different. I started back at the gym end of Jan and I have been going 3-5 days per week, no excuses. I alternate weights and cardio and am teaching myself to use the bosu, kettlebells, rowing machine, etc... Just getting this kind of discipline going is a huge part of success for me! I am losing weight very slowly, but am getting stronger, leaner, and fitter. I will admit, the slow weight loss is super frustrating, not to mention I still have bloated days where I am retaining water or I am constipated. Example of my eating habits:

 

Breakfast- toast with pb and jam (1 slice) with coffee or tea

Snack- apple

Lunch- chicken rice soup, 4 crackers, 2 slices of swiss knight cheese (mm!)

Snack- dixie cup serving of something from the snack cupboard at work-- usually thin pretzels or rice crackers w/almonds

Dinner- pasta with lots of veggies

Snack- carrot sticks

 

I definitely need to get more vegetables. Maybe that will help digestion and speeding up weight loss?

[sharky988]

Hi and welcome!

 

Take no prisoners -- I love it!!

 

Yeah, looking over your sample day, I'd say having more fruits and veggies would probably really help with digestion. Also, are you eating homemade soup or canned?

Anything canned is going to have lots of sodium, which could cause water retention.

[redrose85]

Thank you Glad to be part of this group! This time the soup was canned but usually it will be something homemade.

 

I had a bit of a stress eat at work this morning...had a Dixie cup of rice cracker mix when I wasn't truly hungry.