Wow, Jen, this is going to present a challenge for you. No Internet is a major bummer! But, as to recording food, why not bring your measuring cups/food scale with you? Surely they can't take up that much room to pack?

As far as calories, I guess you could go old school--pick up a paperback calorie book and write stuff down in a notebook.

Just brainstorming here--perhaps you could phone your data to a friend and have them enter it in your account?

There must be somewhere that has an Internet connection--library?

If you can't control the cooking methods of your meals you'll just have to do your best. If it's high calorie food, try to limit the portions and/or avoid the worst things.

It is a plus that there is an exercise facility--perhaps you at least partially offset any poor food choices with exercise.

In any event, do your best and don't despair. Even though it sounds like the situation is going to last a while it's not forever.

Regards,
Michael

I can't offer much differet advice Jen.

My mom had surgery last Oct. and I had to be with her, but my biggest challenge was lack of sleep because I was her only caregiver while she recovered. I had control of the meals and portions.
I had to go to the local library for internet use, but that was limited to 5 days a week, if my mom was napping when the library was open.

My mother's second surgery is probably in May, so I will be off again then.

Annette

Jen...I wish your mom the best for a good outcome and speedy recovery. Try as best you can to take care of you while you're there. Maybe you'll meet someone in the complex to make friends with.

Michael had some great advice. I'm sure the situation is going to be stressful at times. Try not to let that motivate you into unhealthy habits. Keep your goals in mind and know that you can do the best you can while there, and that we'll be here for you when you can reach out or get back.

Be safe and healthy,
Matt

Hey Jen ~ You're probably gone by now, but I just wanted to say that I sympathize with your mom's condition. 12 weeks, right to work ~ su@ks!!! Hope that works out. And hope you can keep on track while you're there with her.

Boo ~ sorry about your ear infection. That is a really terrible pain. Hope you're on the mend by now.

Monday! I've been away for the holidays. Cooked healthy food for Christmas dinner, which was a nice change. Holiday dinners and family gatherings are usually my cue to bring on the butter. And the sugar. And the 3 desserts per person ~ ha!

I got over my work-related hissy fit being able to spend time with my folks. Daddy's 93 and has dementia, but this was a wonderful time with him. He was more present than he's been in a long time. Blessings.

A few months ago I bought a little book to keep in my purse. My intention at the time was to write down 5 good things that happened each day. I didn't do it, but it's something I want to do, so I'm going to start today. That keeps me focused on what's going well so I don't get bogged down in the actual horror of my present effort to clear out my house (20 years, major collector), shut down my business, and move to Yucatan. Sigh.

Five positive, happy, good things that happen each day to distract me from this overwhelming process. I can do it.

Food's good. I think I have an allergy to peanuts. Eat a peanut = major aches and pains in the joints. Weird.

Have a great day everyone ! Annette, Brad, and everyone else who's just dropped in, WELCOME!

Jen, glad you made it safely. Enjoy the warm weather--we got hammered pretty hard up here in Maine.

Sounds like you're going to be doing some walking--that's great, even if the weight room was a bust.

Do your best estimating portions until you can get a measuring cup. After a while I find I can estimate pretty well.

Sounds like it's time to take stock of the 'fridge--trash anything that's spoiled and make room for some good stuff.

In any case, keep to your plan as best you can and take care of yourself and Mom.

Regards,
Michael

Must get back on track
 

I've been on vacation, at home, and trying to cook every meal instead of eating out so much. Son is home from college, husband is moody, going back to work today to check on some projects. I'll be glad to be at work, because I can get something done without having people in my way. I have actually gained weight and feel so bad about it. I cannot exercise bec I have a herniated disc in lower back, just had epidural, feel fine, but doc says no exercise. Routines are good for me. I'm off my routine. I need to buy some scales. I threw my old ones away because they lied so much :) Seriously, they were way off. They would read as if I weighed less than I actually did. I usually weigh at work once a week. I need to weigh everyday at the same time. I may even put the scales in the kitchen.

Good morning people ~ Jen, glad you made it. I think you might be pleasantly surprised at what all the walking does for you. Scoop ~ you're here, and that's a start. I do better with routines also. Michael ~ morning cupcake!

I have a storage container coming to my house today, so I'll be able to move out everything I'm keeping in preparation to sell the rest. Maybe this will get me out of this terrible feeling of being stuck in my life, wanting to move to Yucatan, but trapped by a lifetime accumulation of cr@p.

So happy day. A little inspiration...

YouTube - Weightloss timeline 100 lbs in 5 months

Jen...so glad you made it safely. It certainly doesn't sound like an ideal situation, but the way you describe the walk to various things you'll want to do is fantastic. A couple of miles a few times a week will be tremendous exercise. Also, If you find yourself doing any housework, like cleaning out the fridge, making space, that too will work in your favor. I find I get a better workout from vigorous housework than I do at the gym sometimes. Probably from bending and stretching in ways I normally miss.

I'm sure that once you get settled in you'll begin to feel better about the food situation. Do your best to estimate things, and use the food browse to find like-foods to get you in the ballpark. I find estimating in cups and fractions of cups easiest when I'm away from my routine, ingredients, and other tools.

Take good care of you and your mom and check in when you can. I'm thinking positive thoughts for both of you.

Matt

Good to see you. Take it really easy--you don't want to overdue and reinjure yourself. I'm still on vacation, too and find it makes it much more difficult to keep my routine.

IDK about weighing every day--I have too much fluctuation to do that, but if it works for you, do it!

Take care and let us know how you're doing.

Regards,
Michael

Cupcakes--yum! :eek:

To paraphrase some wise guy "we don't own our possessions, they own us". I have so much junk I can't even begin to clean house. I guess if you're forced to, then you must.

Keep your spirits up--it sounds like you're goal of moving is happening. I'm sure this is going to be stressful--make sure not to numb it with food--it's a short-lived reprise (as you and I know all too well).

Another great link--thanks.

Have a great day!

Regards,
Michael

Hello,
I think I'm over the worst of my flu and the worst of my ear infection, but as I'm still on antibiotics I'm just going back to the gym until Tuesday. Hopefully I'll be back to full strength by then and be able to hit it hard! I'm dreading my first meet with the scale. I've eaten whatever I've wanted to this past week and a half, and will probably pay handsomely. It will be a good way to see how my body has coped with poor food choices and no exercise though. I've actually missed the gym!!!
My Mum is still in hospital but is hoping to be out in a few days. I went to visit her for the first time today, after finally being given the OK about my flu. She was cracking jokes and being a cow, definitely being herself! She won't be able to go back to work for a while and will be coming up short of breath a lot as her lungs are still weak from the pneumonia, but hopefully it will calm my little brother down. He's almost 5, and is being a complete nightmare without her being around!
I hope everyone had a lovely Christmas, and gearing up for a great New Year!
I wasn't going to make a resolution as usually I give up after a few weeks, but this year I decided that I will make one as I know I will be able to keep it. I'm going to compete in my local half marathon. It's going to be a lot of work, but I can run 4 miles at the moment and that has been with no training so if I want it, I will succeed!

Felicity, glad to hear you're pretty much over the worst and that your Mom is out of the woods.

Certainly understandable that your eating hasn't been optimal under the circumstances! If there have been any setbacks I'm sure you'll undo them quickly.

I can't imagine running even half a marathon--you've got more gumption than I do.

I am looking forward to some biking and hiking this spring, but running 12 miles! :eek:

Regards,
Michael

Just logging my food and scanning the boards quickly when I spotted your wieght Michael! A HUGE congrats to you, going into the New year in the 200's must feel AWESOME! Well done to you and all on this thread who are trying so hard to build an new life for themselves! Wonderful news, keep it up and a happy and healthy New Year to all of you!!! xxx

Thank you. Yup, 299.5 on Christmas day. I hope to be a little more firmly into the "200s" soon.

I've got to say that I could not have done this w/o FitDay and the support of everyone here is a big help.

I've got a feeling the next 100 pounds may come off a bit tougher but I'm determined to do it (and more importantly, keep it off this time).

If I can help others along this journey, so much the better.

Regards,
Michael

Michael! I didn't see that you'd skipped into Twoterville. Congratulations. And during the holidays.

No need for an inspiration link or video today... you're it :)

Mecompco Mike-Congrats on breaking through the 300 mark. It must be great!

Thanks guys--it means a lot to me!

I was excited back in June when I hit the 300s and now the 200s are even better. Probably the only folks out there who would be excited about weight 299 pounds are those who have weighed 399 pounds (or more).

I realize 299 pounds is still morbidly obese, but I can't tell you how much better I feel. Even though I'm still big, at least a 2x size person doesn't attract the sideshow freak stares that a 6x-8x person does. And being able to easily walk a mile, climb stairs, even stand up w/o pain is just amazing.

I'm really looking forward to the new year and continuing on this journey. I hope all of you stick around to keep me company.

Regards,
Michael

I am not ready to get excited because the first week is always water weight and for me it was also hormonal cycle weight.

This week the scale (digital) needle came down by 6.6 lbs.

Other good news in my life. I found my brother last night. He was put up for adoption 38 years ago. We made contact for the first time last night on Facebook, and then by phone. Enough memories add up that we know it is real.

Annette, how exciting to find your brother after all those years! And congrats on the loss--even if it is fluid, the fat that was holding it will follow soon enough.

Have a nice New Years and keep us posted as to your progress.

Regards,
Michael

Happy New Year everyone!

Felicity...I'm glad to hear you're on the mend, and that your mom is also doing better. I'm sure you'll easily take care of any "damage" that was done while you were sick. I know what you mean about missing the gym. I've been away from it for a week and can't wait to work hard after breakfast today.

Jen...hang in there. First, I wish the best for your mom's surgery. While she is away you might consider moving her papers (in the order and number of piles they are currently in) to a surface where she can "work" like a table. This will allow you to get started in the kitchen. I'm sure it's a delicate situation. Good luck with it.

Lynette...congrats on a brilliant week and on reconnecting with your brother. What an amazing way to go into the new year.

Michael...I'm telling you, watching your progress is such a motivator for me. Keep up the great work. I feel like I'm walking behind you as you jog ahead and I'm just keeping you in my sights. You're setting an amazing pace. I hope to see you in the 200s by the end of the Fools challenge.

I couldn't be happier that with a week away from the gym, being surrounded by incredible food, and the holidays in the rear view, the scale says 329 this morning for a 2lb loss for the most dangerous week of the year. I managed to survive my New Year's party with just a sip of champagne, a small bit of a chocolate brownie, and a very small serving of pasta (while grazing all night on carrots and cucumbers).

Happiness and health everyone!

Matt

Matt, thanks. I'm glad to see you've surpassed your 01/01 goal already--good for you! And I bet you're feeling better with those first 20 odd pounds off. I know I felt better almost immediatly when I started back in May.

I don't see any reason you shouldn't make the "200s" by April with your determination.

Regards,
Michael

please help
 

Ii am a 40 year old female who is in dire need of support and strength...i work on my feet all day...if i didnt...i wonder how heavy i really would be...i would love to weigh in with all of you and follow what all of you have to say...my congrats to all of you who have already met some of your goals...your willpower is amazing...

1/1/2011 over 350 lbs...my heaviest ever...i dont know exact because my scale stops at that...

im setting just a couple goals of working out three times a week and following calories...

Welcome! Come right in and make yourself comfortable. :D

Great job on planning your exercise and watching calories--have you figured out what calorie deficiet you're going to shoot for?

You'll be amazed at how fast the weight drops off if you stick with your plan. Please keep us posted and don't hesitate to ask if there is anything we can do.

Regards,
Michael

Hola people ~

I just wanted to wish everyone a happy, happy new year, and a healthy one. I have been analyzing my past successes and failures, and I'm moving toward a lower carb way of eating. That being said, I'll be moving to Low Carb Friends for support so I don't bore y'all with my food-related posts and such.

I really hope that everyone here finds what they're looking for in 2011, and I especially hope that the great success here continues. Take care, all of you.

lynette

In search of the healthy and happy me...
 

Good day my fitday friends,

I am returning to fitday, 5 years later and all the weight has returned. Upon reflection, life has been a whirl wind and I have been a typical type A personality / supermom, who has invested in taking care of everyone but myself. I also recognize what a great support I had in fitday the last time, I took on this challenge. Today, I am a mid-forties woman who is now approximately 135 lbs overwieght.

My long term goals are to:
- increase my cardio capacity
- improve my flexibility
- find the smaller version of me
- wear clothes off the rack
- maintain good blood levels (triglycerides, sugar etc)
- but most importantly to be happy and enjoy life to its maximum

My short term strategies (Jan and Feb) are:
- to seek the help and support of others
- to have a daily deficit of 1000 cal per day
- start a basic balance ball routine (I have a library of DVD's that I enjoy)
- 10 minutes on my eliptical 3 times a week.
- Reassess in two months.

So as a first step, I am open to any suggestions or tips as I renew this journey. In the past I would weigh myself daily...what do others do and why?

Thanks for reading/listening...wishing you all...to live well, laugh often and love eternally.

Lynette, I wish you the best. You're always welcome so don't be a stranger. Good luck and good wishes!

Regards,
Michael

Newbie
 

I used to weight 143...lol 10 years ago and slowly I have let myself go. Now I'm weighing in @ 277.... My motivation is for my partner and my son. I don't want him to gain the awful eating habits I have. I know it's going to be a long process, but I'm ready able and willing.... Anyone with tips or suggestions are more than welcome to fill me in....... Good luck to us all on our journey!!!! My goal is to lose at least 100 pounds......

Jacqueline, your story pretty much mirrors mine. Lost the weight, gained it back and then some, lost it again, gained some back, lost some, gained back even more and here I am.

In a couple of weeks I'll be back to where I was at my last FitDay weight record in 2006 (292 lbs.) sigh!

Anyway, I've proven that I can't be trusted to "eat normally" so my strategy this time is to keep logging my food even after reaching "goal".

It sounds like you know how to lose the weight--just do the math, figure out your daily calorie burn and how much you can eat to keep the 1000 cal deficeit.

I lost 200 pounds really fast last time--this time I'm going more slowly--still, well over 100 lbs are gone since May. Another 100 or so to go. Persoanlly, I shoot for a 40/30/30 carb/fat/protein mix but don't panic if it's off a bit. I usually eat four times a day--breakfast, 9 am snack, 11 am lunch and 5-6 pm dinner.

Now that I'm able, I walk 1.25 miles in 20 minutes at lunch time. My resolution is to clear off my weight bench and start building some muscle.

Don't hesitate to post up if there is anything we can do to help.

Regards,
Michael

Welcome! If you've got the time, a read through this thread has lots of tips, though really the only thing one REALLY needs to remember is to burn more calories than one consumes. Everything else is just details and fine tuning.

If you have specific questions/concerns, don't hesitate to speak up!

Regards,
Michael

Thanks for starting this. I don't think that unless you have over 100 pounds to loose that people can really understand the postition some of us are in. I have to loose 135 to loose. I am not thinking I can be done in just a short time either. I know that this is going to be something that I have to commit to for the rest of my life. I think that is the difference between people that have to loose 100+ and ones that only have 20 to loose. They can do it between now and the summer and be sitting on the beach feeling good about themselves. I am looking at this summer still not being where I want to be, or where I should be. Looking at a year from now still not being where I want to be. Finally the next summer getting to the point where I am happy with my weight. This is a long term commitment that we have to make. The support of others that also have to loose this type of weight is something that I think will help me to stay committed.

Welcome to 100+. Come on in and set a spell--none of those flimsy folding chairs here! ;)

Yup, we all understand where you're at. Personally, I'm happy to have 125 or so to lose--eight months ago it was 225 to lose :eek:

I really think you're going to do it--you've got the right attitude, have adimitted there is a problem and have taken control.

Now get your plan in place and work it, work it, WORK IT!

If there's anything we can do to help, just shout out.

Regards,
Michael

Message to Michael
 

I have been reading through the posts and have noted that your take the time to respond to all newcomers and especially those in the 100+ club.

Your commitment to yourself and to supporting others is amazing. In the event no one has stopped, to say thank you. I wanted to let you know how motivating, appreciated and special your contributions are....take care.

Jacqueline, thank you very much. I've struggled with weight issues all my life, as have most of my family members.

For whatever reason, my head is finally back on straight and I want to keep it that way.

I truly believe that the best way to help oneself is to help others. If I can help anyone overcome this terrible curse, it will be well worth the time and effort.

And if I can do this, then anyone can. Losing weight is just so easy, in priniciple--burn more calories than you eat. What could be easier? We just let the details get to us and fall for all sorts of diet schemes and quick fixes that don't last.

So, thanks again and have a wonderful, healthy day!

Regards,
Michael

First day on FitDay, Im 103.8kg, I needa get down to 100kg within 2 weeks

+1,000,000

I agree! We are very fortunate that the way Michael works his program is a huge benefit to all of us. Thank you, Michael.

Thank you. I'm probably a pretty poor role model, and I'll admit you could fill an encylopedia with what I don't know about biology/nutrition but I try my best to help. And if I can provide some small amount of inspiration, so much the better!

Regards,
Michael

PS Great job, BTW--I KNOW you'll reach that next goal!

Hey guys,
I think I'm about ready to slowly get myself back in the game now. Went to the gym today, and over the past two weeks of eating whatever I wanted, not drinking enough fluid and basically being house bound I only gained 1.5lbs. I'm definitely not crying about that! Still not feeling too great, but I managed a gentle half hour of cardio and hopefully over the next couple of weeks I can get back to my usual grueling routine.

Well done to everyone who survived Christmas! :D

Felicity, glad to see you back and on the mend. Sounds like you survived the ordeal pretty well, overall. Hope your Mom is doing OK as well.

I bet you'll be back in the groove in no time!

Regards,
Michael

Rretread doing great...
 

I am 4 days in to my renewed commitment to take care of me. As previoulsy posted my first steps are a 1000 cal deficiet diet and a daily 30 minute balance ball routine (piates/yoga style). My results to date....

- I feel happy, calm, content, stress free

- I feel stronger each day

- I feel I have better coordination

- I can reach my toes and put on my socks for the first time in a long time. :D (only something an obese person can understand)

- The scales are starting to move.

And drum roll......the best is my dear hubby has rejoined fitday today after watching me....in fact he is reading labels and chopping veggies for snacks....life is good. Wishing you all strength and perseverance....march on, one and all.

Thanks Michael. It was tough, but sometimes it's just do or die.
Hope you're doing OK! :D