The progress looks good, but I wanted to comment on this. It's amazing that how much really isn't worth it. Good job on avoiding that cake. I went to a birthday party in Feb (my mother's 80th) and didn't bother with the cake either. It was a white cake with lots of icing and strawberries and I decided it wasn't worth it. I heard after from my mother that it really wasn't a good cake. I used that memory a couple of weeks ago at a barbecue that also ended with birthday cake, cookies, squares, etc. (a table full of desserts). I've decided that I'll spend my calories on things that I enjoy (and that will be worth it). I'll work on a healthier version of the chocolate zucchini cake that I know I'll end up making when we've got too many of the damn things.
Thanks Anne... There was a gingerbread on the menu that sounded SO good, and I can't say I'd have abstained if anyone had ordered it... but now that I am seeing bits of progress (and when I remind myself that it's been less than 2 weeks of really counting every bite) it's easier to stay on track. Or maybe I'm FINALLY getting the sugar addiction/cravings out of my system? I just know I feel stronger when I'm building on success... it's too easy to rationalize when I'm not in a strong place, too easy to say "eh, I've been good all day so I deserve..." - WRONG!!!!
Bytsi....just curious....have you ever compared your caliper readings to the Omron? I'm curious to see how close they are. I only use the Omron and my readings are higher than yours. I wonder what the calipers would put me at? (I need to get that Bod Pod rescheduled!)
Thanks Anne... There was a gingerbread on the menu that sounded SO good, and I can't say I'd have abstained if anyone had ordered it... but now that I am seeing bits of progress (and when I remind myself that it's been less than 2 weeks of really counting every bite) it's easier to stay on track. Or maybe I'm FINALLY getting the sugar addiction/cravings out of my system? I just know I feel stronger when I'm building on success... it's too easy to rationalize when I'm not in a strong place, too easy to say "eh, I've been good all day so I deserve..." - WRONG!!!!
You all are SO right about the whole "it isn't worth it" thing--I REALLY struggled after going out for dinner for our anniversary. I shared a polenta fries appetizer with dh and had wine AND dessert (healthy main meal though). Then for breakfast the next day he changed our plans from going out to breakfast to DUNKIN DONUTS! I had a wheat bagel w/egg and cheese, which made me totally sick. And it kept on going from there...I think I gained about 3# over that week, because it's like once my will power is broken, it stays that way! Great job on staying on track and HOORAY for the weight and bf losses!!!
Thanks Anne... There was a gingerbread on the menu that sounded SO good, and I can't say I'd have abstained if anyone had ordered it... but now that I am seeing bits of progress (and when I remind myself that it's been less than 2 weeks of really counting every bite) it's easier to stay on track. Or maybe I'm FINALLY getting the sugar addiction/cravings out of my system? I just know I feel stronger when I'm building on success... it's too easy to rationalize when I'm not in a strong place, too easy to say "eh, I've been good all day so I deserve..." - WRONG!!!!
I agree with this and with what Anne said. I remember when I was doing Weight Watchers the first time and losing major weight and I felt really good. My pants were lose, I had more energy and I just felt healthy. I remember turning down some bite size 3 musketeers bars (which I LOVE) and thinking to myself how proud I was that I did that. I thought, it's so much better to feel good all the time than to have a fleeting taste of chocolate in my mouth that will only make me want more. When I don't have a craving, there's no point in ruining a perfectly good day and then feeling endlessly guilty about it.
Also, I always think about this tag line that someone on this board had. It was something like "bad food is not a reward", and it's totally true. Now that all my favorite fruits are in season, I'm totally happy to reward myself with a cup full of cherries or blueberries and not a bowl of ice cream. As long as I don't go there, it gets easier and easier to not want it.
I've had my meltdown with Bob over food choices. He sat there one night and told me that food is not important to him, but then when we went to the store later that night he was going on and on about the food. I just looked at him and said, "ya know, for someone who thinks food isn't important, you sure are talking about it a lot." then I walked away. I was livid that night. He does try to be good about it, but is not always great. I'm doing better in making sure I have alternatives to keep myself from getting off track.
__________________ It all starts with the mind, but the thoughts, the intention aren't enough. Action needs to come next. Dream it, believe it, plan it, execute it, celebrate it. - Wendy
Bytsi....just curious....have you ever compared your caliper readings to the Omron? I'm curious to see how close they are. I only use the Omron and my readings are higher than yours. I wonder what the calipers would put me at? (I need to get that Bod Pod rescheduled!)
Hi Jane - I hate the omron. It varies by up to 15% depending on when I use it (at work, we have one for people who are too big for calipers). You should get the bodpod and/or calipers done just to set a baseline at least...
Quote:
Originally Posted by Celestialmom
You all are SO right about the whole "it isn't worth it" thing--I REALLY struggled after going out for dinner for our anniversary. I shared a polenta fries appetizer with dh and had wine AND dessert (healthy main meal though). Then for breakfast the next day he changed our plans from going out to breakfast to DUNKIN DONUTS! I had a wheat bagel w/egg and cheese, which made me totally sick. And it kept on going from there...I think I gained about 3# over that week, because it's like once my will power is broken, it stays that way! Great job on staying on track and HOORAY for the weight and bf losses!!!
Dunkin Donuts?!? I'd have KILLED him! . Sounds like you made the best possible choice - sorry you felt sick from it... but yeah - willpower is easy to break down and once it's gone... ugh. That's why I'm 15# above my goal (and I WAS at goal, at one point)... Kinda like Aoife's tagline (paraphrasing) "I gained weight trying to lose my last 5#"
Quote:
Originally Posted by jesca
I remember turning down some bite size 3 musketeers bars (which I LOVE) and thinking to myself how proud I was that I did that. I thought, it's so much better to feel good all the time than to have a fleeting taste of chocolate in my mouth that will only make me want more. When I don't have a craving, there's no point in ruining a perfectly good day and then feeling endlessly guilty about it.
Also, I always think about this tag line that someone on this board had. It was something like "bad food is not a reward", and it's totally true. Now that all my favorite fruits are in season, I'm totally happy to reward myself with a cup full of cherries or blueberries and not a bowl of ice cream. As long as I don't go there, it gets easier and easier to not want it.
I've always liked "nothing tastes as good as thin feels" - but when I'm tired and hungry, sometimes it's too easy to get to "one little bit of chocolate won't hurt, you deserve it" - NOOOOOO!!!!
As long as we don't give in, it gets easier... it really is momentum building up and for whatever reason, it works!
Quote:
Originally Posted by SpacecityPaula
... he was going on and on about the food. I just looked at him and said, "ya know, for someone who thinks food isn't important, you sure are talking about it a lot." then I walked away. I was livid that night. He does try to be good about it, but is not always great. I'm doing better in making sure I have alternatives to keep myself from getting off track.
I hear ya'... my DH is like that - he tries to be good but isn't always... I guess maybe men aren't so different than women? (or not ).
I've always liked "nothing tastes as good as thin feels"
I hear ya'... my DH is like that - he tries to be good but isn't always... I guess maybe men aren't so different than women? (or not ).
On the first I totally agree.
And on the second, I agree that they aren't as different as they'd like to believe we are, except that my husband's maintenance level is literally twice what I'm eating now! That's different enough to make me crazy!
Amazing movement on the measurements!!! Woo hoo! Very cool!
Quote:
Originally Posted by stephanie932
WTG on those measurements, Bytsi! You are really working hard at not having those "extra" bites and it's showing! Keep it up!
Quote:
Originally Posted by jesca
Way to go! Good luck in Karate. Make sure you get enough cals and rest. Don't kill yourself!
Thanks guys!
Karate wasn't that hard, but he didn't have the a/c on so I was sweaty just from being in there. And I'm SO HUNGRY!!!!!
I guess if I'm gonna lift in the afternoon, I need to save a few more calories for later... but I was pretty hungry all day today - really noticed it at work. Maybe TTOTM getting ready to come (I get a full week of cravings & hunger usually)... ugh! I know the scale won't move much this week (at least not in the right direction ) cuz of TTOTM, but the hunger SUCKS!!!!!!!
We have this big freakin' box of multi-grain wheat thins, and that just sounds like salty-crunchy heaven to me right now. Crap. I really should NOT eat them.
I already ate 1778 kcals (my goal was 1700, but I planned to go to 1750 anyway, so only went slightly over). Macros were good...
I don't know if this will help, but maybe you could consider averaging your calories over the week and eating more on these busy days and less on your rest days so that you can work out your hunger. Although I totally understand being hungry when AF comes around. Just make sure you're not catabolizing any of that muscle you're working so hard to make!
__________________ It all starts with the mind, but the thoughts, the intention aren't enough. Action needs to come next. Dream it, believe it, plan it, execute it, celebrate it. - Wendy
I don't know if this will help, but maybe you could consider averaging your calories over the week and eating more on these busy days and less on your rest days so that you can work out your hunger.
Bytsi doesn't have rest days.
How about you break down those calories for the day. We can pick apart help see if there might be better options.
I have no idea if this is what Sally was trying to post, but this is still funny
__________________ It all starts with the mind, but the thoughts, the intention aren't enough. Action needs to come next. Dream it, believe it, plan it, execute it, celebrate it. - Wendy
SS cardio this morning - 30 min on Stairmaster, HR around 75% (140's)... Foam rolled (but rushed)... stopped at grocery store on the way to work and YAY!!! Salad bar was open (usually not ready that early) so made a lovely salad... AND they had fresh cherries and organic ready-to-eat edamame - YUM!!!! I spent a bit more $ than I had planned, but YUM!!!!
Oh - and I did NOT over-eat last night, except 2 little wheat thins (15 = 140kcal) so not too much damage!
Quote:
Originally Posted by jesca
I don't know if this will help, but maybe you could consider averaging your calories over the week and eating more on these busy days and less on your rest days so that you can work out your hunger. Although I totally understand being hungry when AF comes around. Just make sure you're not catabolizing any of that muscle you're working so hard to make!
I do eat more on lifting days... and I don't want to lose muscle BUT this is the first time in a long time that the scale has been budging, and it's not going fast, so I think I'm ok???? We'll see...
Quote:
Originally Posted by SpacecityPaula
I hear you on the hungry
Sigh...
Quote:
Originally Posted by realcdn
Bytsi doesn't have rest days.
How about you break down those calories for the day. We can pick apart help see if there might be better options.
Hey!! I do have SOME rest days. I have promised at least one a week now, and am taking mine on Thursday this week .
I will post some calories, but no time right now - hopefully later today I can post some food stuff for ya' to tear apart
Quote:
Originally Posted by Silly Sally
Awesome progress Byts! Wonderful measurements. I'm so proud I could jump through here and hug you!
I found this and thought about the "it's just not worth it" conversation going on here...
I have no idea if this is what Sally was trying to post, but this is still funny
Quote:
Originally Posted by jesca
Oh no! The video says it's not longer available I wanted to see the hamster power.
Sally - was the one from Paula the same one? I was ROTFL!!!!!!! : D
That reminded me of myself with a nice piece of popcorn - ain't NOTHIN' gonna distract me!!!
(Jes - could you see the imbedded clip?)
Must do some work, but I'll try to post more later and catch up on logs too!
Yesterday:
Eggo w/ PB before workout (same as today's)
1 light string cheese
multigrain crakers w/ 2 laughing cow light slices
Lean cuisine "spa" whole grain mediterranean chicken (I got lazy!) 240 kcal, 19g protein, not too awful on sodium
cauliflower w/ half of a 100kcal lite ranch dip (I wanted peppers but they were nasty-looking at the store!)
Apple
Greek yogurt
nut/trail mix (150kcal, pre-weighed)
PWO shake w/ skim milk, raspberries, vanilla protein powder
multigrain wheat thins & low-sodium tuna
kashi puffed wheat cereal & skim milk (after karate)
strawberries
= 1779 kcal, 48c/30p/22f (fat and carbs a little off on this day)
Sunday (June 1)
hit it right on 1501 kcal, 40/30/30
1/2 c fiber one raisin bran w/ 2/3 c skim milk before workout
strawberry PWO shake (berries, skim milk, prot. powder)
turkey tenderloins, 1/2 sweet potato
12 almonds
multigrain crakers w/ string cheese & 2 laughing cow lite
mixed greens salad w/ 1/2 T blue cheese (dipped fork)
3 oz salmon
asparagus (steamed)
baked butternut squash (added 1 pat butter)
1 slice Ezekiel raisin bread w/ butter spray (dessert)
Last Thursday (before I got sick!)
Ezekiel raisin bread (2) w/ lite string cheese
greek yogurt
apple
kashi sw style chicken (LOVE these entrees when I'm rushing)
red pepper & cauliflower w/ 1/2 of a 100 kcal ranch dip
chicken breast (6 oz)
multigrain crackers w/ 2 laughing cow lite
kashi puffed wheat cereal w/ skim milk
low sodium tuna
pine nuts (I was low on fat and had a few kcal left)
ended up: 1544 kcal, 43c/35p/22f
Ok... this is probably "typical" for me, although there is some variation, of course... depends on my work hours and how well I planned ahead!
It looks like you are eating very well. My main comment is that if you are struggling with hunger I would increase veggies and protein in favor of some of the carb stuff. In the past when I tried to hit 1400 or 1500 cals, I couldn't really include stuff like crackers for that day because they just did not hold me over long enough. I would be dying for the next meal. Sometimes I would eat a can of tuna w/a little mayo for a snack or a half a grilled chicken breast and veggies. Those snacks would tide me over for a lot longer than my favorites, oatmeal w/fruit and yogurt w/fruit.
That being said, I think we will all be more successful if we do not try to give up the foods we like - obviously you like waffles and crackers and that's why you eat them. Maybe just try to keep notes on what keeps you full the longest and try to stear towards that stuff.
I suppose I should put my money where my mouth is.
I'm thinking the same things as Leah is. 120 cals for what is probably an ounce of crackers (if that) is a pretty high percentage of your daily calories for very little bulk. And even 1/2 of a 100-cal dip - I might switch that out for a low-cal hummus or bean dip. From the stuff my friend brought the other day you're going to get a little more protein out of them. Also, 1oz dried cranberries (94) or a medium apple (81) at just about 5oz. I love dried fruit, but again, it lacks bulk. Same kind of thing goes for the trail mix.
You're going way lower in calories than I am, so my thoughts might not be helpful. However I have a suggestion that may (or may not) help. Pick a number (say 100 cals) and take a plate out of the cupboard. Take some of your favourite foods and put 100 cals worth on the plate. Snap a picture with the digital camera. If it means cutting the item into a smaller piece, just try it. Then do the same with things like berries, yogurt, veggies, etc. I could be wrong but I think if you compare serving sizes of each you'll see some obvious things to cut out. If you really feel you need to do 1500 calories (still not sure about that) it's as simple as picking the 15 items that will give you the most bulk (ie. bang for your buck).
Not saying you can't have waffles and crackers and dried fruit... however, maybe it's as simple as not having them all on the same day.
If my mother didn't think I was nuts already I'd try doing this myself. I might at some point for fun.
It looks like you are eating very well. My main comment is that if you are struggling with hunger I would increase veggies and protein in favor of some of the carb stuff. In the past when I tried to hit 1400 or 1500 cals, I couldn't really include stuff like crackers for that day because they just did not hold me over long enough. I would be dying for the next meal. Sometimes I would eat a can of tuna w/a little mayo for a snack or a half a grilled chicken breast and veggies. Those snacks would tide me over for a lot longer than my favorites, oatmeal w/fruit and yogurt w/fruit.
That being said, I think we will all be more successful if we do not try to give up the foods we like - obviously you like waffles and crackers and that's why you eat them. Maybe just try to keep notes on what keeps you full the longest and try to stear towards that stuff.
Thanks Leah, for the feedback!
I eat the nutrigrain waffles (and it's at least sorta healthy "whole grain") with PB because it's quick, easy and works well pre-workout (or racing to work!)... I can almost always eat it in the car without getting too much PB and crumbs on my clothes. I LOVE my crackers (I have to order them from Amazon, but they are wonderful - called "Dr Kracker Snacker Krackers original", and they have seeds and nuts all through them and stuck to them... those eaten with a laughing cow wedge actually fill me up really well and satisfy my urge to crunch (although saltier might be nice ).
I do agree that tuna works well for hunger too - I usually eat it right out of the can! I worry that I get too much (mercury), but it's just so darn good...
Mostly though, I agree with your last thought here - we can't cut out everything we like! I find that grains fill me up when eaten with other things in combination (like PB or tuna or cheese)...
I'm stuffed right now from my cauliflower and some cherries (counted out to get the kcals right) - great volume food, and have to eat the cherries slowly cuz of the pits!
Oh and there is a 2# (yes, TWO POUND) bag of tootsie-roll minis sitting near my desk (I have no control over it - it's in a common area). Given to our staff as a "treat". In the past, it was so easy to eat one or 2 at a time and I don't wanna think about how many I ate by the end of each day... haven't touched them at all!!!!! Yay me
I suppose I should put my money where my mouth is.
I'm thinking the same things as Leah is. 120 cals for what is probably an ounce of crackers (if that) is a pretty high percentage of your daily calories for very little bulk. And even 1/2 of a 100-cal dip - I might switch that out for a low-cal hummus or bean dip. From the stuff my friend brought the other day you're going to get a little more protein out of them. Also, 1oz dried cranberries (94) or a medium apple (81) at just about 5oz. I love dried fruit, but again, it lacks bulk. Same kind of thing goes for the trail mix.
You're going way lower in calories than I am, so my thoughts might not be helpful. However I have a suggestion that may (or may not) help. Pick a number (say 100 cals) and take a plate out of the cupboard. Take some of your favourite foods and put 100 cals worth on the plate. Snap a picture with the digital camera. If it means cutting the item into a smaller piece, just try it. Then do the same with things like berries, yogurt, veggies, etc. I could be wrong but I think if you compare serving sizes of each you'll see some obvious things to cut out. If you really feel you need to do 1500 calories (still not sure about that) it's as simple as picking the 15 items that will give you the most bulk (ie. bang for your buck).
Not saying you can't have waffles and crackers and dried fruit... however, maybe it's as simple as not having them all on the same day.
If my mother didn't think I was nuts already I'd try doing this myself. I might at some point for fun.
Thanks Anne - you were replying while I was typing to Leah!
The cranberries - I put them in my salad, but not every time... I do know they're not a lot of bang for the buck, but they're a healthier "sweet" than m&m's (or tootsie rolls)!! The trail mix is mostly nuts (and I don't eat it very often - maybe 1/week or less).
I also tend to like the over-priced pre-measured items just because it keeps me from mindlessly finishing the whole big package or adding "just a bit more" to a serving. The dip lasts me all day with my veggies and even then I usually only finish half of it (50 kcal) - but it helps me to KNOW I can't end up having eaten 300 kcal by "accident" if the whole container is only 100 kcal!
I like your comparison idea - even if I don't actually take pictures . I'm getting better at volume food, and the feedback helps a lot! THANK YOU!!!!!!!
Re: crackers. I love Triscuits. Always have. I know they aren't the best for me but I still have them now and again. I am in the camp that thinks you have to have the things you like every once in a while to stay sane. I have them about twice a week. When I started paying attention to my diet (journaling, macros, etc) I counted out a serving. 6 of them is a serving! I can't believe how badly I was overeating them before. These crackers you speak of sound good....amazon you say?
We have tootsies at work too! Luckily they are in an area that I rarely am in. Hard to resist though and I too would eat one or two at a time throughout the day. It adds up!
It looks like you are eating very well. My main comment is that if you are struggling with hunger I would increase veggies and protein in favor of some of the carb stuff. In the past when I tried to hit 1400 or 1500 cals, I couldn't really include stuff like crackers for that day because they just did not hold me over long enough. I would be dying for the next meal. Sometimes I would eat a can of tuna w/a little mayo for a snack or a half a grilled chicken breast and veggies. Those snacks would tide me over for a lot longer than my favorites, oatmeal w/fruit and yogurt w/fruit.
That being said, I think we will all be more successful if we do not try to give up the foods we like - obviously you like waffles and crackers and that's why you eat them. Maybe just try to keep notes on what keeps you full the longest and try to stear towards that stuff.
I wholeheartedly agree here. What I was thinking is that I try to pick the thing that I ought to eat and have that first. If my craving for whatever it is doesn't go away from being full from that thing, then I'll allow it. Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn't. The good thing is that I can make myself a reasonably good tasting protein shake that has nesquick in it for a good amount of calories and it usually kills the choco cravings I get at night. I have that first, and then if I'm still going crazy, I'll get the dove promises out, or something. Usually even if I go for the thing I really wanted, I end up eating less of it because I can savor it now that I'm not starved. The same goes for meals. I try to eat the protein and the veg first, and if I still want the roll at the end, then I work it into the plan. It's sort of like mom making you eat your veg in order to get your desert, but without making you part of the clean your plate club. Same idea she was going for, but different mentality in working with it.
Also, I sometimes find that it's just about having something to chew on. I keep gum at my desk and when I get a craving I have that. It's mint flavored, so it's like brushing your teeth and not wanting food afterwards. I also try to kill sweet cravings with plain green tea. For some reason the bitter flavor seems to make the sweet desire go away. I don't get it, but it works for me. I'm sure there are similar things you can do to keep the salty carb monster down. Even if it's just to keep you sane while you're doing as Leigh says and "sucking it up".
Oh and last thing is tootsie pops. They're 60 cals each and they take awhile to eat, so if you have a sweet craving, these are great. Usually if it gets that bad, I have one, and by the time I'm done I usually don't want or can't remember what I was craving in the first place!
I left you a visual... stay away from the tootsie rolls!
LOL Anne!
Ok... confession... last night was my first slip since I got strict (I blame a combination of rapidly approaching TOTM and Anne's picture of CHIPS!!!) I ate some (1 serving) sour cream & onion potato chips. I also blame DD - if she didn't have her license, she couldn't have gone out and bought the damn things into my home! . It was just a torture kinda night - DD had some gf's over and they ordered chinese food and it smelled SO good and they were eating forever... and then I went to get my wheat thins (I'd saved calories up for a serving) and the chips were next to them, touching the box . So I mindlessly grabbed the chips and... you know the story. At least I didn't do a lot of damage, just guilt/ego mostly.
But I am back on track today, and I reserve the right to blame everyone except myself .
Scale is... bleh. But it's to be expected this week.
I'm planning a "starvation" day tomorrow and the closer it gets, the more I'm dreading it... but it's going to be a rest day and Leigh says it's a good idea, so... we'll see. I will aim for 1000 or 1100 , but accept 1200 kcal. And if I blow through it, then I'll try again next week, right? Maybe this isn't the best week to start trying it, but if not now - when?
Quote:
Originally Posted by beesknees
Re: crackers. I love Triscuits. Always have. I know they aren't the best for me but I still have them now and again. I am in the camp that thinks you have to have the things you like every once in a while to stay sane. I have them about twice a week. When I started paying attention to my diet (journaling, macros, etc) I counted out a serving. 6 of them is a serving! I can't believe how badly I was overeating them before. These crackers you speak of sound good....amazon you say?
I love triscuits too - especially the cheddar ones. They're really not that bad for you, but 6 isn't much for the calories!
The crackers I love are on Amazon - there's many flavors, but I love the original Klassic... but if you buy on Amazon I think you have to buy them by the case, so not sure if that'd be a great idea if you're not sure you'll love 'em!
Quote:
Originally Posted by jesca
I wholeheartedly agree here. What I was thinking is that I try to pick the thing that I ought to eat and have that first. If my craving for whatever it is doesn't go away from being full from that thing, then I'll allow it. Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn't. The good thing is that I can make myself a reasonably good tasting protein shake that has nesquick in it for a good amount of calories and it usually kills the choco cravings I get at night. I have that first, and then if I'm still going crazy, I'll get the dove promises out, or something. Usually even if I go for the thing I really wanted, I end up eating less of it because I can savor it now that I'm not starved.
Also, I sometimes find that it's just about having something to chew on. I keep gum at my desk and when I get a craving I have that. It's mint flavored, so it's like brushing your teeth and not wanting food afterwards.
Oh and last thing is tootsie pops. They're 60 cals each and they take awhile to eat, so if you have a sweet craving, these are great. Usually if it gets that bad, I have one, and by the time I'm done I usually don't want or can't remember what I was craving in the first place!
What's your nesquick shake recipe? What do you mix it with? (I could never keep Dove Promises in the house!!!)
I do chew gum sometimes, but too much upsets my stomach... and I thought Tootsie pops are 80-ish cals?
Mostly, I can't do sugar... I was doing the 60 kcal packs of m&m's, but once I get that pure sugar in, I get on a roll in a bad direction... best to skip the sugary stuff for me