I need to do cardio today but I feel so tired. I haven't done cardio in 2 days and I really am behind!

I need to lose weight!!!! I saw my pictures from Arab fest and almost puked!!! the problem with losing weight for me is this: my doctor has me on some meds that make me gain weight or at least it seems like it. I was on some stuff that i did lose, but then it stopped working. I have to take the meds, its for depression and bi-polar. Sucks, but i need them. I wish i could just stop using them all together and lose this weight. So if anyone has any ideas for me, HELP!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Hi Terrie! My best friend was one medications for the same thing and it also had the same affects. She got up to 230lbs and she's 5'2". It was the most I'd ever seen her. We really went on a journey together in the past several years with her medications and hospital visits. I've learned a lot about bipolar from her as she was one of the more sever cases. Eventually she went to the state hospital which is where you go as a last resort. After that she came back and has completely changed to someone that I knew before all this happened. Unfortunatly the only way I know how for you to lose that weight is to stop taking that medication or reduce it to a lower dosage or replace it. She was on something like 18 medications at one point and now she is down to just a handful of medications and she dropped her weight all the way down to 160lbs. It's like having my old best friend back. She's woken up and is more alert and she talks constantly.

If you like I could see if she is comfortable with me giving you her contact information so that you could discuss medications and experiences.

Olivia

that would be good olivia i will pm my info to you. and if she wants she can contact me.

Check out my siggie, ladies!

Two days in a row a weighed myself and it's true - I have reached my goal!

I have to admit, it's somewhat anticlimactic though. I know I already revised my goal once, but I think I could stand to lose another 5 lbs. Wadi thinks I'm a little crazy though. I have to agree!

Congrats to you Jenn!!!! How did u do it? I need to lose i'm so sick of this!

Congrats! So what's your BMI now?

Thanks, Terrie! How did I do it? I ran my a$$ off for six months!

Seriously though - it was definitely mostly the exercise - at least 45 minutes 4 or 5 times a week. In terms of eating - I usually have oatmeal for breakfast with my coffee, a Lean Cuisine for lunch, a mid-afternoon snack of nuts and/or fruit, and a normal-sized dinner (without too many carbs) along with a little dessert, of course! And I pretty much ate whatever I wanted on the weekends.

Good luck to you! You can do it.

I'll still be hanging around here for sure though - no plans to change my workout routine...

Thank you! My BMI is a 23.0 now, which I do think is very good for me. But I really want to be a comfortable size 8.

Oh yeah, so you have plenty of wiggle room in your BMI.

Well congrats Jenn! This is a major success!

So right before my period my weight soared back up by 5lbs and now after I'm back down. Men wonder why we're emotional?

i'm tired, moody, and binging....diet has left the building....*sigh*

they miss you.......

OMG that looks good charles!

Oh yeah they did. We had such a great reunion as well. I have thrown all caution to the wind and just don't give 2 cents anymore...(at least right now anyway) lol
We'll see how I do on vacation.

Thanks, Olivia!







Yes, I guess so. I'd like to get my body fat % measured, since BMI is only a proxy anyway. How can I do that?

I used to have a scale that measured weight and body fat percentage. I think it cost around $40, but that was several years ago. Homedics may have been the brand. It looked like a regular bathroom scale but had little, metal bumps on it, and you'd stand on it with slightly damp feet so it would send a very mild current through your body (battery operated -- you don't get fried ). I don't know how accurate it was, though. I know there are ways to measure that involve water displacement (you get immersed in a tank -- I've heard that's the most accurate way) or calipers, but I'm guessing doctors or nutritionists could do it easily.

I got sick on Monday, and hubby (the one who pushes me so hard) started an evening job, so I fell off the wagon on my exercising. Haven't logged my calories or exercised since Sunday. That's enough, though. I'm logging calories today, and I'll do an exercise tape this evening since I still have a bad cough. I'll wait a couple of weeks before weighing in again in case I've gained a little -- don't want to psych myself out. I have to get a routine going now that our schedule has changed. Jenn, your success is inspirational. It's wonderful to hear someone say they've reached their goal, and a weight they haven't seen since adolescence, no less. Great job. Please stay around. We need the encouragement.

Oh, that always hurts me LOL... when they take the calipers and grip your fat? Ouch! As far as wehre you could do it though... I'm not sure. Certain gyms and doctors do it, and I know I had mine done at the university... but I have never really thought about ti before. Your best bet may be to try a doctor.

Olivia-- that sucks! That happens to me too.

It's not fair. Mens weight should be so up and down like that within two weeks as well.

I thought I'd share this here: http://www.cockeyed.com/photos/bodies/heightweight.shtml

It's a photo chart that shows you what people look like at various heights and weights. Of course, every individual is different, but I think it's helpful in setting goals...

Thanks so much Jenn for that fresh perspective. Now I'm going to change my goal because of it. I think I would look just as good in the 130-140 range at 5'6".

See, and I think that's bordering on *too* skinny!

I've always been athletic playing basket ball, volleyball, running cross country. I remember at 22 my happy weight was 125 and I was running a mile to a mile and a half 5-6 times a week in addition to weight training at the gym 4-5 times a week. I like the toned athletic look on me. My 56 year old Mom always says I was a beautiful twig with T & A. I'd just be happy to get in shape again and be around 135lbs so Waleed has something to grab onto.

Yeah, no kidding!


Thanks!

I wish Icould post a pic of myself at 100lbs. I look waaaay heavier than the girls in those pics on teh site Jenn posted who are 110 even... but.... i wasn't working out at all. I did notice this time 2 years ago when i got thin and was running that I think I *looked* like I did when I was 100lbs but I was 122 or so. I figured, logically, that if I was working out to be thin I would probably way more than if I was just thin in general.

ETA: oh yeah! Progress! this last Wednesday I found out last week I lost 2 inches on my thighs and 1/2" everywhere else... but only 1lb total.

Good job on losing inches, Julianna!

I was checking out some online sites to estimate body fat % and I don't think it's a very reliable way to do it.

http://www.healthcentral.com/cholesterol/h...t-2774-143.html
http://www.scientificpsychic.com/fitness/diet.html

I got a 20.3% on the first test and a 28.1% on the second test. I'm pretty sure it's because my hips are so narrow compared to my waist.

I really think the most reliable way is the painful caliper way... because they pinch you in a ton of spots and then measure that. Of course that does not account for internal fat behind the muscle tissue, but it does give you a decent enough idea, you know?

Thanks! i tried on a certain set of outfits today, though, and man was it depressing. Grrrr. 30lbs is really 30lbs no matter how much i wish it would just be made better by inches lol.

I started a colon cleanse today. I am gearing up for next week when I go back to school. I am getting my plans ready. And yes, Julianna, I really will be giving up alcohol after my 30th Birthday! You can hold me to it! I am going to get healthy!





By my graduation I want to be at or as close to my goal weight of 135lbs. as possible!

Not to be a bad influence or anything, but you don't have to give up alcohol entirely to be healthy. I say everything in moderation...

Ok I give it up entirely except on very rare special occasions. Where I would only have a glass but never more than two.

Actually, remember the French drink wine with their meals and they aren't traditionally fat. Also, my in-laws in Argentina drink wine with every meal and they are slim, as are most Argentines. It all depends on how much you exercise, calories in - out so to speak...also, there are less calories in a glass of champagne or wine than in a can of coke.

I have European blood but the fat, white, pasty, pudgy, bloated kind. I'm also giving up soda except for the very rare occasional treat! You know like if I reach a goal weight. But mostly because of the sugar and sodium content in them.

I did intervals on the treadmill yesterday for something different. Usually I run at a fairly steady pace for the whole run, but this time I did 2 minutes at 6.0 mph and 1 minute at 8.5 mph, then repeated. I could only manage 5 reps because that minute sprint really wipes me out! I need more work on this since I should be able to do 9 reps (3 miles).

I just wanted to add.... I've been using Leslie Sansone's Walk Away the Pounds DVDS for a while and I really love them!!

Living in the North East (coast) You just never know what kind of whether is coming.. One day gorgeous, one day pouring rain, one day so hot you can't even breathe! (and that's all in the same week) so this really is a good program for people that want to walk inside - I know it sounds nutty, but you don't need anything but the DVD - no treadmill or anything if cost or space is an issue with them ..

For me it's the space, I don't have a place to store it and honestly in the past I bought one and it just became another place to hang up my clothes!! LOL Anyway there are 2 DVDS the first one is a one mile walk and a 2 mile walk and then another DVD that has the 3 mile walk - The one mile is in 15 minutes, stretching before and after - the two mile in 30 minutes and 3 miles in 40 minutes... The best part is she has her group of "walker buddies" and there are all kinds.. skinny gals, bigger gals, older, younger, even a man that's like 70 and everyone can do it and get something from it.. I thought it might be a joke at first, walking in front of my tv? But you will start to sweat if you keep up with them!

I have traveled with it too... I took it to Tunisia (DH wasn't crazy about me power walking or running around Tunis LOL ) Great to pop in a lap top and do in a hotel room, wherever... Good for time crunches Where you want to get some activity in but don't know when you'll find the time or place... I've used it at my office at work as well, anywhere you have a pc and can clsoe the door

And there was a time before I lost a lot of weight that I felt self conscious about going outside to walk It was a huge help for me!!!

I found it on Amazon and there are lots of versions (new used, etc ) and most are 9.00 - 15.00 and it's really worth it if you are in the same boat that I was!!!

http://www.amazon.com/Leslie-Sansone-Pound...6776&sr=8-6

You can buy it direct from her site, but I wouldn't, it costs a lot more! I dunno you might even be able to find it on some of the sites where people borrow movies and burn it to a DVD or use it from your laptop?

Anywoo just wanted to help

Diet soda can do you in too. I had a doctor tell me that the diet soda was preventing me from losing weight. No way, I thought.....but.....I did stop drinking the 88 ounces of diet coke a day and I lost 10 pounds in a month!

You are right! I had a doc tell me the exact same thing and like you I did not believe him at all.

I had been trying to lose weight and lost a lot but hit a stand still and nothing was coming off.. So I did what he said and cut out the diet coke (I'm a diet coke ADDICT ) First thing I needed to know how to say in Tunisia was COCA LIGHT!! But anyway I cut it out and lost 6 pounds or so that month without changing anything and more in the months that followed.

I am not crazy about drinking water all the time but I found those "Wyler's Light Singles to Go" That you just dump in the bottled water. They have 5 calories per packet- No sugar, no caffeine, and 20% daily Vitamin C - So I got some and they were great - I put them in my desk at work and drop them in - You are supposed to add one pack to a 16 oz bottle of water, but I add one pack to a 33 oz bottle (2 quart ) container of water and get the same affect... I was joking with a coworker that the effort to shake it up probably burns the 5 calories that I'm taking in by drinking it - and this way I'm drinking 6 quarts (yup ) of water every day !!! So no more diet coke (the killer being the sodium and carbonation) and on a side note a great article I read about water and how much it affects weight loss :


****************************
Source : http://www.inch-aweigh.com/water.html

Why Drinking Water Really is the Key to Weight Loss
by Maia Appleby

Don't roll your eyes! The potion for losing that excess body fat is all around you. It covers two thirds of the planet. If you eat right and exercise at the intensity, frequency and duration proper for you, but still can't get rid of a little paunch here and there, you're probably just not drinking enough water.

No need to get defensive. You're actually quite normal. Most people don't drink enough water. Most people are also carrying around a few more pounds than they would be if they did drink enough water. If you can't seem to get that weight off, try drowning your sorrows in nature's magical weight-loss mineral. It works, and here's why:

"What on Earth is 'metabolism', anyway?" People use the term all the time, but ask them what it means and you'll get all kinds of answers. Merriam Webster defines it as, "The process by which a substance is handled in the body." A little vague, but that's really all it means.


There are many forms of metabolism going on in your body right now, but the one everyone is talking about it the metabolism of fat. This is actually something that the liver does when it converts stored fat to energy. The liver has other functions, but this is one of its main jobs.

Unfortunately, another of the liver's duties is to pick up the slack for the kidneys, which need plenty of water to work properly. If the kidneys are water-deprived, the liver has to do their work along with its own, lowering its total productivity. It then can't metabolize fat as quickly or efficiently as it could when the kidneys were pulling their own weight. If you allow this to happen, not only are you being unfair to your liver, but you're also setting yourself up to store fat.

"I've tried it and I couldn't stand it!" The problem is that, though many decide to increase their water intake, very few stick with it. It's understandable. During the first few days of drinking more water than your body is accustomed to, you're running to the bathroom constantly. This can be very discouraging, and it can certainly interfere with an otherwise normal day at work. It seems that the water is coming out just as fast as it's going in, and many people decide that their new hydration habit is fruitless.

Do take heed , though. What is really happening is that your body is flushing itself of the water it has been storing throughout all those years of "survival mode". It takes a while, but this is a beautiful thing happening to you. As you continue to give your body all the water it could ask for, it gets rid of what it doesn't need. It gets rid of the water it was holding onto in your ankles and your hips and thighs, maybe even around your belly. You are excreting much more than you realize. Your body figures it doesn't need to save these stores anymore; it's trusting that the water will keep coming, and if it does, eventually, the flushing (of both the body and the potty) will cease, allowing the human to return to a normal life. It's true. This is called the "breakthrough point."

One recent finding, as irresponsible as it may be, that caffeine increases the body's fat-burning potential has many people loading up on coffee before going to the gym. This finding may hold some degree of truth in it, but caffeine is, in essence, a diuretic, and diuretics dehydrate. Caffeine may increase the heart rate, causing a few more calories to be burned, but this is at the expense of the muscles, which need water to function properly. This isn't doing your heart any favors, either. It's already working hard enough during your workout. Never mix caffeine and exercise. In fact, your best bet is to stay away from caffeine all together. It's a big bully that pushes your friend water out of your system.

Water is the best beauty treatment. You've heard this since high school, and it's true. Water will do wonders for your looks! It flushes out impurities in your skin, leaving you with a clear, glowing complexion. It also makes your skin look younger. Skin that is becoming saggy, either due to aging or weight loss, plumps up very nicely when the skin cells are hydrated.

In addition, it improves muscle tone. You can lift weights until you're blue in the face, but if your muscles are suffering from a drought, you won't notice a pleasant difference in your appearance. Muscles that have all the water they need contract more easily, making your workout more effective, and you'll look much nicer than if you had flabby muscles under sagging skin.

"Eight glasses a day? Are you kidding?!" It's really not that much. Eight 8-ounce glasses amount to about two quarts of water. This is okay for the average person, but if you're overweight, you should drink another eight ounces for every 25 pounds of excess weight you carry. You should also up this if you live in a hot climate or exercise very intensely.

This water consumption should be spread out throughout the day. It's not healthy at all to drink too much water at one time. Try to pick three or four times a day when you can have a big glass of water, and then sip in between. Don't let yourself get thirsty. If you feel thirsty, you're already becoming dehydrated. Drink when you're not thirsty yet.

Do you think water is yucky? Drinking other fluids will certainly help hydrate your body, but the extra calories, sugar, additives and whatever else aren't what you need. Try a slice of lemon or lime in the glass, or if you really think you hate water, try a flavored water. Just make sure you read the labels. Remember that you're going to be consuming a lot of this fluid.

It's probably a good idea to stop drinking water a good three hours before you go to bed. You know why.
"How cold should it be?" This is debatable. Most experts lean toward cold water, because the stomach absorbs it more quickly. There is also some evidence that cold water might enhance fat burning.

On the other hand, warmer water is easier to drink in large quantities, and you might drink more of it without even realizing it. Do whatever suits you, here. Just drink it!

When you drink all the water you need, you will very quickly notice a decrease in your appetite, possibly even on the first day! If you're serious about becoming leaner and healthier, drinking water is an absolute must. If you're doing everything else right and still not seeing results, this might just what's missing.

Muscle weight is heavier than fat weight. Look how much chicken fat is in LB compared to 1lb lean beef

Yep! that's why I said that



I have to use flavor packets at certain times as well. IO hate water, I hate everything about it's taste.. but at certain times of the month it gets to where I can barely force it down.. so... I use flavor packets.

Well, I bought a new pair of work pants! Size 8s. My other work pants were 10s and that was not good. Now, I already own black pants in 6 and 4... so.... I just need to keep dropping!

Thanks! buying new pants can be a scary experience though!

Tell me about it. I've been shopping for 2 days for a special 30th birthday party outfit and it's been rough.

Yay! Keep it up!


About water...I don't understand you guys! How horrible it must be to think that water tastes bad! My grandma says the same thing...

No matter where it comes from, water tastes like a zipper to me-- really metalic. The more "purified" it is, the worse that gets. There are certain times of the month where it is overpowering, so I figure it must somehow be related to my chemicals/hormones.

I just weighed in for the week and i gained 2lbs and went back to my old measurements.. except on my hips where I lost some. I'm going to measure tomorrow... because I didn't sleep much just now (4 hours) and I think that may be my problem (denial in action.)

Wow, this thread is really dead now!

I'm gonna do a long run today (5 mi.). I hope I can get through it! I'm feeling a little tired...

Sorry Jenn I'll keep it alive! Although I don't think people want to hear about my toxin cleanse stuff in preparation for the big "Olivia gets Healthy" movement!

I got to talk to Waleed today and his family is excited for me to come next summer and they want to plan a big celebration. I asked Waleed is this a wedding and he said he wants it to be. So now I have another motivation to get in shape and lose the weight! Oh man someone help me! I've really got to do this now and have some discipline. Eeeks!

Also I got an email from my Yoga instructor and he said, "If you're getting this you're in my Yoga class. Be there the first day or you'll be dropped!"

LOL that sounds like a threat. hehe

How's the cleanse going?

I really don't think people want to know about my bowel movements and what's coming out these days. Curiosity killed the cat remember!

But if you're a curious cat see: http://www.drnatura.com For what I am using.

I don't need to know what's coming out, but are you feeling better?

Well it takes about a month to feel the effects but I already feel like it's working on detoxing me. I'll let ya know in 1-3 months were I am with all this.