Motivational Thread Feb. 23 - Mar. 1.....progress, not perfection!
 

Good Monday morning Fitday friends! Can you believe by the time we're closing out this new thread at the end of the week, it will be March!! Feeling so happy to see February out and welcome March. Hopefully it brings warmer temps to those of us who have had a long winter.

You hear it all the time "....not a diet, it's a lifestyle..." but what exactly does that mean? I think of diet as temporary deprivation and lifestyle as a life long commitment. To me, that means making changes we can stick with forever. Whatever changes you make, they need to be things you can stick to for life. No point in eating 800 calories a day....that's not sustainable. Not point in exercising for hours a day...not sustainable. However, we do need to make changes that are sometimes not exactly comfortable at the beginning....but when practised over time, they become part of our lifestyle. Once those new changes become comfortable, build on them to continue to progress. If you're not currently exercising, try committing to daily walks. Even 20 minutes a day! Once that becomes comfortable, build on it! Cut out or cut back on something in your diet that has no nutritional value, then build on that by continuing to look at your diet and make slow, sustainable changes. Slowly, over time, these new changes become lifestyle. Making change is good, but keep in mine we don't need to be perfect at new changes, but we do need to make an effort. Strive for progress, not perfection! Moderation, not deprivation!

Wishing each and everyone of us a successful week at implementing change and striving for progress.

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I'm quite certain I won't hit my Easter goal as well, but I think it's good to set our goals high and then strive to reach them. I'm planning another challenge after the Easter challenge, so we will get a chance to set new goals to strive for.

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I am a perfect example that the exercise can't be kept up long term, although I would like to argue that it can. As soon as I am able to deal with this tooth, I will get back to daily walks. I can still walk, just not in the early hours when it is still cold. When I want to be out.

Starting on March 4th or 5th, I will be walking in the middle of the day for work.

Catching up on last week. I did get to the Medieval event for part of the evening. I met new people, watched some sword play, and asked some questions.

Goals for this week:
Stay on track with meds and pain pills
Fish twice this week (start tonight)
Make sure I get my veggies
Water intake at 2L minimum daily

Good Monday Morning! I'm off to a good start and feeling optimistic this morning. I weighed in this morning at my lowest since Jan 1. I'm determined to maintain this or see it down further this week. No bouncing scale this week!

My lifestyle change I'm implementing today is stair walking breaks. I sit at work all day. I'm going to take two 10 minute breaks a day and walk the stairs for the full 10 minutes. I'm hoping that on top of burning calories, this will build muscle and keep my metabolism pumped up throughout the day. I should be able to keep about 10 pounds per year from coming back, just by walking stairs. Provided I keep my eating in check, that is - and I definitely plan to make tracking what I eat part of my lifestyle from here on out. That's where I get into the most trouble - when I'm not aware of how many calories I'm taking in.

Hi everyone - thanks for the motivation to start the week, Debbie!

Well, my big news is that I had my first ultrasound this morning!!! And lots of bloodwork and questionnaires...

Everything looked GREAT on the ultrasound!!!! :D:D:D:D

There's a little baby in there with a strong heartbeat (131 beats per minute), looking normal as can be, and I measured in at 7 weeks and 1 day, which is about where I thought I was.

There was nothing suspicious or bad-looking on the ultrasound (I do have a cyst in one of my ovaries, but the tech said it was nothing concerning and may just be making hormone for the baby. This sometimes happens, and it should close up)

DH and I took a big sigh of happy relief!!!!!!!!! No tears, just a "Yay!" reaction. Good job baby!!

Doctor gave me the go-ahead to start exercising again. I may start with just doing some low-impact cardio on the elliptical or some 20-minute workout DVDs that I enjoy. Doctor did warn me not to get my heartbeat above 140 beats per minute, and I tend towards HIGH heartbeat (160 or 170/minute) when I do cardio, so I will have to remind myself not to go all-out and keep it low. I will be glad to start exercising this week.

So, here are my goals, modified for the fact that I've got a baby on board, haha!

1) Continue to eat healthy, but do not count calories. Eat when I'm hungry, stop when I'm full
2) Make sure I get in my water - 64 oz at least, more is better
3) Work out 20 minute DVD OR elliptical 30 minutes on low-impact at least twice this week
4) Remember my vitamin

Those should be very manageable goals for me, and if I feel like doing more, I certainly will.

Talk with you all later!

~Terri

Maybe I should have worded my opening dialogue...exercising at a high intensity for hours a day is not sustainable...but daily exercise is most definitely sustainable. I meant choose wisely....choose something that you enjoy and can sustain over time. If you enjoy high intensity exercise (I do!!) sprinkle in some lower intensity stuff so you don't burn out.

Annette, good job on planning to get back at the walking when your tooth pain is dealt with. You're a tough lady to keep pushing forward while dealing with pain!!

Love this idea!! I often think about doing this, but have never actually implemented! However, I'm about to change up my usual style of interval workouts to heavy weight lifting, so my legs may be too tired to walk stairs in addition. Maybe I should strive for 2-10 minute walking breaks...maybe when it's not 40 below I can start this! ;)

Fantastic news Terri! Isn't it amazing to see a little baby in there! I was so surprised at my first ultrasound! So happy for you and your husband!

hey! How's everyone doing?

Terri, so glad to hear that! Was that 131 beats per SECOND?? :eek:

That would be a world-record baby, Mike ;) I meant beats per minute, lol! I edited it!

Debbie, it was pretty cool to see the little bean, though in my usual way I researched pictures of what it was SUPPOSED to look like to death, so seeing the real thing seemed not quite so different. I think my overwhelming emotion was relief.

Very cool to hear the heartbeat, though! We could see it right away as soon as she got the ultrasound stick where it needed to be, and that was cool too. I thought she might have to hunt around more, lol.

I've already downed 48 oz. of water at work, plus what I had with breakfast, so I should easily hit my water goal today!

Hi everyone- Happy Monday from the bitter cold northeast.

I'm not walking outside yet - but did do one mile video inside so it's a start.
I plan on another one today. Thanks Debbie for the motivation this week - it's progress and something that I can learn to do everyday.

Terri - great news!! You have great goals to be healthy for you and the little one. It must have been terrific to hear the heartbeat.

Roxy - I have a hard time when I am tired, it seems I make very bad choices when I let myself get rundown. So nice you could recharge this weekend!

Love the great ideas this week for goals. I think I may steal them- lol
I will try to up my mileage this week and we have stairs at work also. Maybe not 10 minutes but if I did an extra set this week each day. Our office is up 2 and a half flights of stairs so I climb them once a day - maybe I could do another set at lunch.

Annette- the medevial event sounds so much fun. I love that time in history. It is fun to get out and enjoy life.

Here's to another great week.

Hey, folks!

Hard to believe I've been away from the forums for nearly 18 months (sorry 'bout that!). Life got really (REALLY) hectic, time got away from me and I just fell out of the habit (tsk, tsk).

I've been lurking for the last week or so, and, since it's Monday, today was as good a time as any to jump back in. So, here I am. Lots of new faces around here -- glad to see the Motivation/Weekly Goals Thread is still going strong.

At the time I stopped posting (July 2013), I had been doing reasonably well on this ongoing weight journey. I had gone from 220-something to 198 (ONE-derland, wooo!). Sadly, between July 2013 and Sept 2014), some of those pesky pounds managed to find me again (grrr) and I ended up back at 210. This past September, however, I got a tiny (in other words, non-life-threatening) health wake-up call. Just so you know, gallbladder attacks are NO FUN.

Anyway, I took it as an opportunity to make a few changes and a fresh start. I'm happy to report, things are going well (well, at least the weight bits are going well -- life is still hectic :p).

So, enough of the re-introduction -- let's get to gettin' with the goal settin'!

My Goals for the Week:

• Calorie Cycling* -- 4 low days, 3 high days:
• Minimum 1500g water/tea per day:
• 7-day Rolling Average calories = 1200-1300:

Probably enough for one week, eh?

*Note on Calorie Cycling: The weight loss was doing well from September through January (even during those oh-so-treacherous holiday stretches). Unfortunately, I hit a plateau around Feb 1. I think my body got accustomed to a certain number of calories per day and adjusted my metabolism to reflect that (darnit! -- NOT what I wanted!).

Result: I've been gaining and losing the same blinkin' pound every day for nearly 3 weeks (I'm a daily weigher), even though I hadn't changed the eating. No cheating, no "little allowances", nothing wrong. I had a choice: give up or change up. I chose to change. So, since the middle of last week, I've been Calorie Cycling.

Will it work? I don't know. This is all new territory for me. I assume I'll have to tweak it as I go. Maybe 5 Low, 2 High -- who knows? The hardest part so far is trying to eat High (I've got the Low days down pat) while still keeping proper balances (low sodium, low fat, high protein, high fiber).

It would be so much easier if I could simply make the High days full of pancakes, doughnuts and cookies!

Man, this is a long post (oops!)! I'll stop here. Happy Monday, everyone, and here's to a grand week!

Terri - Congratulations!! So happy for you :) what an exciting time!

Episode2011 - I'm very interested in the calorie cycling. Keep us posted on how this works out.

Hi all :) I thought I've been sore from my workouts, but looks like I may have actually done something. I ended up going to the chiropractor this morning due to neck and shoulder pain. She said she thought it was mostly muscular which with stretching and massage it should calm down. She did adjust me since I was a bit out, but suggested foam rolling. I wish I could have gone home so I could use the heating pad and stretch, but I'm at work sitting in front of a computer for the next 6 hours. Ugh! Why can't I be independently wealthy so I don't have to work ;) I can wish right!!! LOL!

Have an awesome day all!

@Terry: I echo the congratulations! Wonderful, exciting news! (Side note: I must admit, I got a chuckle out of the thought of a "131 beats/second" baby :)).

@Pranava: I definitely will be making/posting notes on how the Calorie Cycling is working (or not, should that be the case). As I mentioned, it's new territory for me. It looks good on paper. Let's see how the chips actually fall. (Mmmmm, chips!)

@Debbie: Ouch! I hope you're feeling better soon. Can you at least put some warm paper towels on your neck for a few minutes? And, by the way, I wish I'd been born rich, too!

My Goals for the Week:

• Calorie Cycling* -- 4 low days, 3 high days: L
• Minimum 1500g water/tea per day: 2450
• 7-day Rolling Average calories = 1200-1300: 1016

I'm not sure if the Calorie Cycling kicked in or if it was going to happen anyway, but today, I finally (FINALLY) broke through the plateau. At 185.5, I am now the lowest weight I've been since 1995ish. I'm psyched!

Today is designated as another Low day. I get the Low days -- been doing them for the last 5 months. That's why my 7-day Average for yesterday was only 1016 (until last week, my typical day was 1000-1100). I'm assuming it'll take a week or so for the 7-day Average to creep up to where I want it. The real challenge for me will be the High days (ooo tomorrow is a High day...).

Hi all - seems like everyone is staying busy. I did do an extra set of stairs today so really glad I stuck to it!

episode2011- welcome - I am fairly new to the group just got started in Jan so I am learning also although I have been "dieting" for many years. I lose and gain it back. I have not tried the cycling but sometimes to break thru a plateua, I do mix up and have a few higher calorie days it seems to kick my system out of starvation mode. I may gain a pound or two but then as soon as I go back to down to my low cal menu I lose it and more.

This time my true goal is learning how to just eat healthy normal foods and excercise that I can continue not just for the duration of the weight loss.

Today was the first day in 2015 that I broke. I was tired, exhausted, and so was my boyfriend, D. We both were too tired to cook and have to get up early in the morning for work, so we went out for food.

We went to the local pub, and I knew on the way over that I would just order what ever I wanted and eat it all, and not care. I went in with the mindset that it was a choice; nothing to be guilty about, and to just enjoy it... and I did.

I ate a huge veggie burger with cheese and mushrooms, fries and gravy, and TWO pints of beer. I am SO full right now! It was delicious and I don't regret it. I don't do that kind of thing often, and it will be a while before it happens again. I've done a really great job of sticking to my plan for the past two months; one night won't undo everything.

I tracked it in my tracker. I'm over my cal budget for the day by about 600 calories. I knew that would be the case and I'm okay with it.

I just wanted to own up to it here :) I am going to eat fresh tomorrow and get an extra sweaty workout in at the gym. If this blows my weigh in this week, I accept it. It won't undo the 21 lbs I've lost since NYE, and I will persevere!

Good attitude Roxy!

Sorry for forgetting to check in on Tuesday! Blergh. I'm just tired, lol. As soon as I get home from work I tend to deflate into the couch. Thanks everyone for the congratulations!!! I am a very happy girl so far!

Lynda: Great job on getting that walking in! It's cold here too, but the wind FINALLY was gone this morning. It's not really the cold air, it's the wind that'll getcha. Brrr! Great job on the stairs!

Epixi: Welcome!!!! I'm not sure if we've met before, but if not, I'm Terri! Calorie cycling always helped me before when I hit plateaus, so that seems like a very reasonable goal to me!

Roxy: 600 calories is really not bad, and sometimes I find that we all just need a day like that. Owning up to it is good, "log it and move on" as we say, and it'll even out in the long run. Nobody's perfect, and if it really helped perk you up, then the mental benefit can be worth it!! Great attitude :)

Debbie: Boooooo on the sore muscles! That comptuer gig at work really does suck, I'm right there with you. I hope foam roller/stretching does the trick, or perhaps a nice hot shower or bath. I know you won't let it keep you down too long ;)

1) Continue to eat healthy, but do not count calories. Eat when I'm hungry, stop when I'm full M: yes T: Lunch was provided by work, which meant pizza. I probably ate too much, but I was hungry. I also ate a salad with it! And did not eat a cookie!
2) Make sure I get in my water - 64 oz at least, more is better M: definitely over 72 T: 64
3) Work out 20 minute DVD OR elliptical 30 minutes on low-impact at least twice this week M: not yet T: not yet
4) Remember my vitamin M: yes T: yes

My bloodwork all came back from the doctor normally, so that's good. Doc also scheduled another ultrasound at 9.5 weeks. It made DH nervous, but only because it wasn't originally scheduled. Doc said my 7 week ultrasound looked good, she just wants to make sure things are progressing normally given my history. Poor DH. He's worrying himself to death, he'll be all grey hair by the end of this ;)

Need to teach in about 15 minutes, so I'll see all you lovelies later!

~Terri

I didn't want to get out of bed this morning. I stayed up with a good novel last night.

Hi all! :) I think I'm dealing with an injury again....my shoulder and neck still hurt. I did chiro, massage, heat and Epsom bath yesterday. I'm working from home today so I have heat on it again. Hopefully this subsides quickly so I can get back on track with exercise. In the meantime, I'm staying on point with food so I should still be able to make some progress.....but maybe just not quite as much. Thanks for the sympathy ;) I'm running behind schedule today...had to take my daughter to an eye appointment this morning, so I have to run...I'll try to get back later to catch up with everyone!

It'll probably take me a few days to associate screen-names with signature names, so if I goof, please forgive -- it's not intentional :). By the way, you can call me "Epixi" or "Pixi" or "Epi"; whatever's easiest for you, I'm not fussy. I know "Episode 2011" is a lot to type out, so I shortened it to EPI (for Episode) and XI (Roman numerals for 11).

LHall: Good job on the extra set of stairs!

Roxy: You're 100% correct -- one night WON'T undo everything you've done so far. As AZLisaLou said, great attitude!

Terry: Those first couple of weeks/months are exhausting! Not surprised you're tired, but it's a good tired, I'm sure. Glad to hear things are progressing well. Great job on the goals this week!

Rainbow: An excellent reason to sleep in! Soooo what's the book?

Debbie: Bleeeh -- injuries stink. Hopefully it won't take too long to get you back to 100%.

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

My Goals for the Week:

• Calorie Cycling* -- 4 low days, 3 high days: L, L
• Minimum 1500g water/tea per day: 2450, 2450
• 7-day Rolling Average calories = 1200-1300: 1016,1183

Something is working. Not sure what, but not gonna question it. I hit a new low today -- 184.5. Bam, hopped off the scale before it could change its mind :D

Still struggling with the nutritional balances. Average Protein is still too low for my satisfaction, average Sat Fat is too high and average Fiber is WAY too low. On the plus side, Average Sodium is perfect!

Today is supposed to be a High day. It's going to be a challenge, because I want it to be a New Normal High (not an old-normal High, filled with Sat Fat and Sodium).

Hi all :) I managed to get in a workout. I did 60 minutes on the bike...only thing I can do that doesn't bother my shoulder right now. I hope it heals quickly because I really don't enjoy the bike! Proud to push forward and keep my goals in sight.

Epixi - I've often thought about trying calorie cycling but never really gave it a good go to know if it would work for me. I'm currently contemplating carb cycling.

Annette - What are you reading that kept you up late?

Terri - I think the worry of being a parent starts the moment of conception. From what I hear...it never stops. On the plus side, men with gray hair often look handsome ;)

Lisa - Hi! How are you doing?

Roxy - Theme of the week 'progress, not perfection'...and you're so right, one night of indulgence isn't going to undo 21 lbs. of progress! I second Lisa's notion, great attitude :)

Lynda - Great job on getting in an extra set of stairs!

Pranava - How are you doing with cutting back on wine? I'm proud to say that in 3 weeks, I've only had wine once! Think of the calories I've saved! :eek:

Have an awesome evening all!

I got up and went to work anyway. I have read two novels in the past few days. One was a romance based in WW1 time and the second was based in WW2.

WW1 - A Passion Most Pure followed sisters, one a journalist and the other a snotty teen bent on making her older sister suffer because of supposed favoritism during early childhood.

WW2 - With Every Letter follows an air force engineer determined to not follow in his murderous father's footsteps and his anonymous pen pal flight nurse "friend" who just doesn't belong.

I like history.

At work, I made a deal with a couple of hunters. Next time they come out they are going to let me fire a shot. It may not come to any more that just holding a rifle because I just never have before.

Hello to all of you! Greetings from the soggy South!

Terri: Congrats to you and hoping you have a wonderful pregnancy! I remember being so excited to see my developing baby on every new sonogram! Hugs!

Annette: I love reading and recently read a great book 'Ruth's Journey'--it is the story Mammy from' Gone With the Wind' and was approved by the Margaret Mitchell foundation.

Debbie: Hope you feel better soon.

Today's my birthday--I've had diet Coke, chicken and chocolate--all's right in my world!

At a funeral I attended recently, a story was related about the deceased saying that when asked how he was doing, he replied that he was 'moving forward'. Here's to all of us meeting our goals, keeping a great attitude and 'moving forward' remembering it's 'progress, not perfection'! Vicki

Debbie, I'm checking in a couple times a day, but I'd rather just lurk for now.

I love everyone's positive attitudes. Keep up the good vibes, moving forward & making progress.

Good morning fitday friends :) The day before weigh in and my scale is up. I'm thinking it's cycle fluctuations because even though I haven't worked out as much this week due to back/neck pain, I've stayed on top of my nutrition. I'm trying to keep a positive attitude and have faith in the process....I know if I stick to what I've been doing, the scale will continue to move....even if that means at a snails pace ;)

Have a great day all!

Happy birthday Vicki!!!!
 

Happy Birthday, Vicki. Have a seriously wonderful day.

Annette: I love a good romance novel, though I tend towards ones written in earlier centuries. I try not to think of them as bodice-rippers, but most people probably would ;) The ones you read sound great, though!

Debbie: So sorry to hear about the shoulder - you're keeping up with it, and remember inflammation can make the scale go up, too. You have just the right attitude though. I also hate the stationary bike, the seats are AWFUL. Also, haha about DH, he actually started getting grey hairs when he was 24 or so, and he's only progressed from there, so I'm sure it'll just get exponential! I barely notice it and don't mind, but he hates it. It's funny, he's experienced far more outward worry than I have. Of course I worry, but I've also had this calm feeling basically the entire time, even considering my recent history. I'm very zen. I suppose that's better than being crazy stressed!

Pixi: Thanks! I hope your "high" day went well. It's hard not to go overboard. I always used to make sure I was spreading my high days out so I didn't overindulge on a big meal. Congrats on the new low!!!

Rosabella: Hugs back! I hope you're managing down there with all that crazy weather. Thanks for the congrats :) Looking forward to the next sonogram for sure.

Vicki: Happy birthday!!

As for me:

1) Continue to eat healthy, but do not count calories. Eat when I'm hungry, stop when I'm full M: yes T: Lunch was provided by work, which meant pizza. I probably ate too much, but I was hungry. I also ate a salad with it! And did not eat a cookie! W: Yes. I am trying to do more snacking between meals so I'm not ravenous all day.
2) Make sure I get in my water - 64 oz at least, more is better M: definitely over 72 T: 64 W: Not sure
3) Work out 20 minute DVD OR elliptical 30 minutes on low-impact at least twice this week M: not yet T: not yet W: not yet
4) Remember my vitamin M: yes T: yes W: yes

Yesterday was a pretty good day. DH made some mini chicken-pot-pies from scratch (including the dough/crust) and they were DELICIOUS for dinner, and very very filling. I'm trying to spread out my eating over the day; I'm usually not much of a snacker, but I bought some fiber bars, string cheese, and peanut butter cracker things to eat at work every few hours.

This baby is fairly polite overall in terms of symptoms, but I am HUNGRY. Nevermind nausea/morning sickness, I could eat a horse. That is definitely my major symptom so far. This is worse than when I first decided to lose weight and I had to adjust to eating fewer calories, this is non-stop never-quit-seriously-I-just-ate-why-am-I-starving hunger, lol. DH says this is how teenage boys feel all the time ;)

I'm hoping to get to the gym this afternoon and do some walking on the treadmill or the elliptical. Not a huge fan of the dreadmill, but it's too cold to go for a walk outside and I want to make sure I start doing something mindful/intentionally.

Check in with you all later!

~Terri

Have a most amazing birthday Vicki!

Hi all! Just got in a 45 minute cardio workout. 15 minutes on the elliptical until my shoulder/neck started hurting too much...so I switched to the bike for an additional 30 minutes of HIIT. Great calorie burner!

This week, I've averaged eating 1200 calories per day, but only burned a total of 1257 calories for the entire week....much lower than my usual average of 2000....still pretty good considering I've been off this week with my shoulder/neck. I've done all I can do for this weeks weigh in so let the chips fall where they may! :p

Just a quick hello to all - I have a meeting tonight at the club but wanted to check in.

Happy Birthday Vicki - hope you enjoyed.

Debbie- hope you feel better - it's tough to stay on track when you hurt.

everyone sounds like they are staying motivated and on track so that is really terrific. Terri - we had pizza at work today and I had to have a piece - lol
Sometimes you just have to work it into the total. I will have a really light dinner tonight so still in my calories for the day.

Ready for the Friday weigh-in! I worked hard this week so hope to lose some.

I've made a big decision for myself. On Saturday I'm going to an informational group meeting put on by Weight Loss Institute of Arizona. I'm going to get Lap Band surgery when my husband starts work again and we get his work insurance coverage. My Medicare Part B starts next week, and with 2 insurances I think it won't cost anything, or very little. I'm still going to get therapy for my emotional eating problem and I'm going to recommit to getting in some exercise and getting over my phobia of putting my back out again. I've been fighting with gaining and losing the same 40 lbs for 2 years. The lowest I've been in 7 years is 225. That's certainly not good enough. I'm getting close to my highest again. I know I will still have to change my eating habits. I realize that. What the Lap Band will do is help with my constant hunger. I'll get full with small portions, which will obviously lead to lower calories. I'm just tired of battling with myself, staying in a loss range with calories, and never feeling satisfied with how much I get. I guess another solution would be to eat more vegetables for very few calories and added bulk, but honestly I can't see myself doing that. My husband is not completely on board because he thinks it will cost a lot of money. I don't think it will with 2 insurances adding up to more than 100% coverage. anyways, sorry for the long post. Just thought I'd share.

Good morning all :) I weighed in today and lost .1 pounds....trying not to be discouraged. I will keep doing what I've been doing and trust I am making progress...even if the scale is being a lil' b!&%*! :p

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Wow Lisa! It's a big decision to have volunteer surgery of any kind. I hope your husband gets on board so you get the support you need at home. I honestly know nothing about lap band surgery and had never heard of it until you mentioned it...so I have no opinion or advice. I so hope it brings you the results you're expecting. Please keep us posted!

Thanks Lynda :) I injured myself last Spring as well and I let it get the better of me and it tossed me completely off track. I ended up gaining back all 24 lbs. I had lost plus 5! I refuse to let this happen again! I will continue to do what I can to keep working toward my goal! I can still use the bike (even if I don't like it! ;)) and stay on top of my nutrition. The progress may be slow...but I can still make progress. Thanks for your support!

Hope you have a great weigh in today!

Debbie: Hey, .1 loss is still a loss! You know that you acted differently in terms of exercise this week, and you've probably got inflammation etc. going on. Good attitude you've got about keeping it in perspective - keep moving forward! I hope your shoulder is feeling better soon.

Lynda: Pizza is a definite weakness for me ;) I've never had a big sweet tooth, but fatty/salty? Watch out.

Lisa: If your decision makes you feel secure, informed, and in-control, then it's probably the right decision for you. Everyone's body and needs are different, so I hope your hubs comes around to give you the support you need. It's so hard to go it alone. We're here for you if you want to talk about anything, and I hope the insurance covers what you think it does!! It's such a hassle to figure out. I wish far fewer companies tried to do the 'gotcha' thing, where if you don't read the very very very fine print, you're missing something.

As for me:

1) Continue to eat healthy, but do not count calories. Eat when I'm hungry, stop when I'm full M: yes T: Lunch was provided by work, which meant pizza. I probably ate too much, but I was hungry. I also ate a salad with it! And did not eat a cookie! W: Yes. I am trying to do more snacking between meals so I'm not ravenous all day. Th: yes. My hunger was better controlled today and I was able to eat a light dinner without dying. The snacking helps.
2) Make sure I get in my water - 64 oz at least, more is better M: definitely over 72 T: 64 W: Not sure Th: yes
3) Work out 20 minute DVD OR elliptical 30 minutes on low-impact at least twice this week M: not yet T: not yet W: not yet Th: not yet. I'm still really tired in the evenings. I'm wondering if I should try for Sat/Sun morning workouts to combat this, since I am experiencing no morning sickness.
4) Remember my vitamin M: yes T: yes W: yes Th: Not until dinner, but yes

Yesterday was a good day overall for me. My hunger seemed better, and the snacking seems to be leveling out so I'm not hungry to the point of distraction. I'm also still eating all the leftover pot pies hubs made (he made a bunch) and those are rib-sticking, so that helps too. Sometimes I worry that I'm really not experiencing more 'classic' pregnancy symptoms, but I try to tell myself that every woman is different and it's okay. I wish I could have an ultrasound every day, lol.

As I mention above, I'm knocked out by the end of the day most days. Fridays tend to be lighter for me, so I may go home early and do some treadmill-walking before I'm dead, or I may shoot for working out this weekend. I want to make a schedule out of it, because I do much better on a schedule, but I also don't want to push it because I'm still in the zone where I'm worried something will go wrong. I've been overall zen, but it hits me at odd moments where I'll have a mini panic attack that I'll go to the bathroom and get bad news. Erp.

Also, and sorry if too much TMI, but before I call my doctor and start playing phone tag, does anyone know if anti-gas medications are okay to use when pregnant? I know I can use stool softeners, but my major issue has been gas buildup the past few days, to the point where I'm doubled over in pain. It doesn't say anything about it on the list my doctors gave me for 'OK' medications, so I'm curious.

Talk to you all soon!

~Terri

Lisa, good job on making such an important decision for your health - and for seeing that there is so much more too it than just the surgery. The emotional piece, they exercise piece - they are critical to long term success. That must feel good to have come to such an important forward-moving decision for yourself :)

Debbie - I hear you on the small loss frustration. I only lost .2 this week, for a total of 3 lbs in February. I feel like I worked really hard all month, eating well and exercising - other than that one day a few nights ago at the pub. I am trying to tell myself that some months will be better than others and that every day I ate well and exercised is a victory, whether the scale reflects it or not. My clothes are fitting better and so I am trying to focus on that.

I do want to shake things up a bit in March. I am going to try switching up a few of my regular snacks, and amp up my exercise, too. I think perhaps eating the same things and getting the same movements could be stalling me out.

Happy (belated) Birthday, Vicki! Hope you had a blast!

Debbie: Even with the injury set-back, you're still heading in the right direction!

Lisa: Goodness, big decision! I don't know much about any of the different types of surgeries, but have you had an opportunity yet to research some online forums for lap banders? I did a quick peek and found a couple that looked really good (informative and supportive). I'm not sure if it's ok to mention specific names or links here in Fitday, but a Google search should send you in the right direction. In any event, as Terri said, we're all here in your corner.

Terri: I don't know about anti-gas meds and pregnancy but how about sparkling water? Maybe it could ease the pressure by making you burp? Just a thought.

Roxy: I've stalled out, too, in February (what is it about February?). That's why I started looking into the Calorie Cycling -- I hoped that shaking things up a bit would loosen up a few pounds :D.


++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

My Goals for the Week:

• Calorie Cycling* -- 4 low days, 3 high days: L, L, L, L
• Minimum 1500g water/tea per day: 2450, 2450, 2445, 2445
• 7-day Rolling Average calories = 1200-1300: 1016,1183,1170,1213

Hmmmm I'm going to have to re-think this thing. So far this week, I haven't been able to get s serious High day going, and today's not shaping up any better. And I don't think it's a wise idea to have 3 High days in a row. That just sounds wrong/dangerous.

On paper, Calorie Cycling makes sense but IRL (in real life), it's far more complicated than I first thought. Perhaps if I weren't trying to juggle so many components, it would be easier. But I'm finding that as I up the calories, I end up upping something else as well. More calories, more Sat Fat (boo, hiss). More calories, more Sodium (boo, hiss). Or more calories, more sugar (*cry*). *sigh* why oh why isn't this simple? And no matter what, I still can't seem to get adequate fiber :rolleyes:.

Dog-gone it, I simply refuse to eat 1000 calories worth of broccoli JUST to get the extra calories while keeping the other metrics where they should be. I will say I've managed to finally start hitting the protein daily minimum, so it's not all doom and gloom. But I'm telling ya, so far, this Calorie Cycling thing is stressing me out!!! :p

On the positive side, I'm still down, pound-wise. Looks like the plateau has definitely been broken. We'll see what what the scale says on Monday (Mondays are my "official" weigh days).