Counting Calories Works

[SuzeQuze]

I was reading in O magazine that the people who are most successful at losing weight and keeping it off are those that document every morsel they consume. That's right, I hate it too, but that seems to be a fact. So how many of you are counting and how are you doing? I haven't been doing much since I've gotten back from Africa but I really want to step it up and lose about 10 more lbs. That would be pretty cool.

[JazmenFlowers]

I was reading in O magazine that the people who are most successful at losing weight and keeping it off are those that document every morsel they consume. That's right, I hate it too, but that seems to be a fact. So how many of you are counting and how are you doing? I haven't been doing much since I've gotten back from Africa but I really want to step it up and lose about 10 more lbs. That would be pretty cool.
dude...I've been doing that since beginning of June...I'm trying to stay around 1200 calories per day and as little fat and sugar as possible. I have a little pad that I keep with me to make sure I write it all down and I've seriously done a good job staying at or under 1200/day. I am walking at least 30 mins 4 times a week...I've lost about 10 pounds, but haven't lost any in 2 weeks...so I don't know if I need to step up my exercise or what? I'm really at a loss right now to know what to do:(

[amber]

Oh, I thought you might have read that in this month's "Der". :laugh:

No, I've definitely forgotten that until the past 5 mo. or something, and it has been helping me.
It seems like a simple concept, but it's one of those things that is good to be reminded of. I've been counting pretty regularly. I didn't on my mini vacay, and a week after or so. It is still a struggle to keep under the amount I'd like to, but it helps that I am reminded of my total every time I eat something, and also helps me plan meals.

[JazmenFlowers]

Oh, I thought you might have read that in this month's "Der". :laugh:

No, I've definitely forgotten that until the past 5 mo. or something, and it has been helping me.
It seems like a simple concept, but it's one of those things that is good to be reminded of. I've been counting pretty regularly. I didn't on my mini vacay, and a week after or so. It is still a struggle to keep under what I'd like to, but it helps that I am reminded of my total every time I eat something, and also helps me plan meals.
I really need to sit down with your brain and get all your good tips (can you pencil me in?). in fact, I need to find that awesome thread where you were going over all this stuff. do you know of a site that tells you how many calories/fat/etc. you should have each day? I'm wondering if 1200 is too low...the last thing I need is my body thinking I'm starving and start STORING fat...

[strandinthewind]

All a calorie means is how much heat it takes to burn up whatever it is you are eating. So, yes, it is important to count calories from that point of view. But, food combiunations and what time of day you eat the food type also is important.

[amber]

I really need to sit down with your brain and get all your good tips (can you pencil me in?). in fact, I need to find that awesome thread where you were going over all this stuff. do you know of a site that tells you how many calories/fat/etc. you should have each day? I'm wondering if 1200 is too low...the last thing I need is my body thinking I'm starving and start STORING fat...
Strand has a good tip, above. Ie, you should eat often and certain foods. He's lost, like, 80 or something, right Strand? But, of course, it's like Neiztche says (:laugh: ) you have to work through the hardship to get the great results.
There are sites like that, I don't have them with me. One did it by you telling how many minutes/hours you did certain activities per day, they calculated, and told you - and made calorie consumption suggestions. Cause you have to burn more than you eat! :D BUt I just typed "calorie calculation" or something, into google, and found it right quick.
I wouldn't think 1200 is too low - but I don't know your muscle mass. I would think 1200 is fine. Or, around 1200. If you have more muscle mass, you might want to up it a little. Depending on how active you are, of course.

[strandinthewind]

From Nov. of last year to like around April - May of this year - I lost about 80 pounds. I went from a 38-40 waist to about a 32 now. I did it by adhereing to a very strict regime that changed the way I ate. Foods I ate/eat in the morning include:

Kashi "Go Lean" cereal at about 5:30 a.m.

a Protein Shake (ISS Advantage Matrix works for me) at around 10:00 a.m.

two chicken breasts (grilled or baked) with a box of frozen brocolli, asparagus, green beans, or brussels sprouts for lunch

another protein shake at around 4:30

THE GYM!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! at 6:00 to 8:00

Eggbeaters (42 g's of protein) for dinner

_____________________________________________________________

Of course I splurge. Like I had fried chicken with fries and fat backed collards Sunday night. You gotta live or your body will hate you. The point is to tune your body up so that when you do splurge, your metabolism is high enough to burn the spluge.

/jp

[strandinthewind]

Other foods I will eat include the frozen lasagne's and frozen mexican entrees in the health food section of the store. I cannot remember the brand names now, but they are not with the reg. frozen dinners.

Also, pulled pork with no sauce or, on occasion, steak, can be substituted for the chicken or eggs above.

Remember, variety is the spice of life!!!

[skcin]

I think 1200 is too low for a guy. No scientific proof readily available right now, but it seems low to me.

Try the coconut oil. Can't hurt, right?

[strandinthewind]

Coconut oil is fine and dandy, but it is still a fat and must be done in moderation.

I know people who cut all fat out of their diets and their skin and hair look awful. Why? Well, because skin and hair need fat to be healthy looking.

Same thing with energy - you need carbs (the good kind) to sustain energy.

Protein, the easiest for your body to digest but somewhat the hardest to ingest and metabolize, builds muscle.

Its all about moderation.

[hayley]

Counting calories works. It's just not long term. No one will spend the rest of their life writing or counting every single thing they put in their mouth. Counting calories also leads to a really unhealthy attitude- you are focusing so much on what you're putting into your mouth or how much exercise you're doing. It becomes an obsession that doesn't let up. At least it has, in my experience. I did Weight Watchers and lost about 40 pounds, and would recommend it to anyone, but I was focusing so much on what I was allowed to eat and not allowed. I would exercise an extra fifteen minutes so I could get the points to eat chocolate, or I'd save up all my flex points and blow them on booze. Denying myself that stuff made me explode.

My boyfriend and I have just discovered the revolutionary concept of cooking healthily, eating smaller portions, and exercising every day. We go out and play tennis together every night for at least an hour- it's kicking our ass. I've lost about eight to ten pounds in a month- at least I think I have. One other good benefit of all of this is that I rarely step on a scale.

[JazmenFlowers]

From Nov. of last year to like around April - May of this year - I lost about 80 pounds. I went from a 38-40 waist to about a 32 now. I did it by adhereing to a very strict regime that changed the way I ate. Foods I ate/eat in the morning include:

Kashi "Go Lean" cereal at about 5:30 a.m.

a Protein Shake (ISS Advantage Matrix works for me) at around 10:00 a.m.

two chicken breasts (grilled or baked) with a box of frozen brocolli, asparagus, green beans, or brussels sprouts for lunch

another protein shake at around 4:30

THE GYM!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! at 6:00 to 8:00

Eggbeaters (42 g's of protein) for dinner

_____________________________________________________________

Of course I splurge. Like I had fried chicken with fries and fat backed collards Sunday night. You gotta live or your body will hate you. The point is to tune your body up so that when you do splurge, your metabolism is high enough to burn the spluge.

/jp
awesome. this is the kind of stuff I've been trying to find...something to "go by" and taper for myself.

now, was this a typical plan 7 days a week? you hit the gym and stuck to this every day? or did you have an "off" day?

[strandinthewind]

I do not like milk - so eat eat cereal with water - I know its weird, but it works for me :laugh: If you want to use whole milk, that is fine, just be sparing with it. Also, fat free and sugar free yougart is good with cereal.

If you get tired of the cereal, eat a wheat bagel with the reduced calorie cream cheese.

Also, if you can walk for about ten minutes before and after eating, you metabolism will be better off.

I usually go to the gym 6 days a week and while there do the Stairmaster for 45 minutes and then the bike or treadmill for 20 minutes. Sometimes, I do aerobics after the Stairmaster.

I lift weights five days a week, though I recently hurt my arm so i have had to limit that somewhat.

For awhile, I got a little to extreme with the diet and that was not a good thing. I lost sight of everything in moderation. But, I am okay now.

[JazmenFlowers]

I rarely step on a scale.
those things are evil baby and they must be destroyed!!!

I hate scales...really. I try to judge by how I feel and how my clothes fit, but I still hear the scales calling my name...

[JazmenFlowers]

I do not like milk - so eat eat cereal with water - I know its weird, but it works for me :laugh: If you want to use whole milk, that is fine, just be sparing with it. Also, fat free and sugar free yougart is good with cereal.

If you get tired of the cereal, eat a wheat bagel with the reduced calorie cream cheese.

Also, if you can walk for about ten minutes before and after eating, you metabolism will be better off.
really? me either. I thought I was the only one. I can do skim milk, but I mainly drink soy milk.

and thanks for these tips too.

[strandinthewind]

those things are evil baby and they must be destroyed!!!

I hate scales...really. I try to judge by how I feel and how my clothes fit, but I still hear the scales calling my name...

Scales really tell you nothing relevant to your changing body because muscle, which you are trying to build, weighs more than fat :shrug:

Also, Haley's advice about eating and exercise was great.

[amber]

Counting calories works. It's just not long term. No one will spend the rest of their life writing or counting every single thing they put in their mouth. Counting calories also leads to a really unhealthy attitude- you are focusing so much on what you're putting into your mouth or how much exercise you're doing. It becomes an obsession that doesn't let up. At least it has, in my experience. I did Weight Watchers and lost about 40 pounds, and would recommend it to anyone, but I was focusing so much on what I was allowed to eat and not allowed. I would exercise an extra fifteen minutes so I could get the points to eat chocolate, or I'd save up all my flex points and blow them on booze. Denying myself that stuff made me explode.

My boyfriend and I have just discovered the revolutionary concept of cooking healthily, eating smaller portions, and exercising every day. We go out and play tennis together every night for at least an hour- it's kicking our ass. I've lost about eight to ten pounds in a month- at least I think I have. One other good benefit of all of this is that I rarely step on a scale.

Ideally, the former leads to the latter. It gives people an idea of what good meal/portion sizes are, and what types of food are best to eat. Some people are not already in the habit of eating healthfully and exercising regularly. Or, some are, but they still consume too many (possibly healthful) calories and aren't seeing results. Last night I had about 1700 calories, which is about 500 more than I wanted to eat, and all I ate that day was a couple servings of mixed veggies (lunch and dinner) with a teeny bit of chicken, popcorn with coconut oil, and apples. :shrug:

I agree that the former (being obsessive all the time) shouldn't be the end goal, but it can help - very much in fact. And some people, also, are more comfortable working within a structure. It comforts and helps them.

I mean, what you said to do seems totally natural for me, but that isn't so for everyone. Also, even I like to get a little help from counting calories at times, like now when I'm really struggling to continue my weight loss progress, but only have about 15 lbs to lose. When I was at my normal weight, it was very constant, and so I settled into something more like what you are talking about.

[skcin]

Coconut oil is fine and dandy, but it is still a fat and must be done in moderation.

I know people who cut all fat out of their diets and their skin and hair look awful. Why? Well, because skin and hair need fat to be healthy looking.

Same thing with energy - you need carbs (the good kind) to sustain energy.

Protein, the easiest for your body to digest but somewhat the hardest to ingest and metabolize, builds muscle.

Its all about moderation.

Well, I assumed everyone knew that. I'd hope Jaz wouldn't ingest a liter of oil a day or anything. :rolleyes:

[strandinthewind]

Well, I assumed everyone knew that. I'd hope Jaz wouldn't ingest a liter of oil a day or anything. :rolleyes:

Well, we do live in the South :laugh:

[strandinthewind]

Also, a handful of raw almonds for a snack is a wonderful idea as raw almonds are fantastic for you.

[amber]

Well, I assumed everyone knew that. I'd hope Jaz wouldn't ingest a liter of oil a day or anything. :rolleyes:

Sooo...I should stop making everything I eat "tempura"? :shrug:



















:laugh:

P.S. - almonds are good for you, but walnuts are even more magical, so try to mix up the nuts you eat. ;)

[strandinthewind]

. . . P.S. - almonds are good for you, but walnuts are even more magical, so try to mix up the nuts you eat. ;)

I'm my sack of em right here darlin' :wavey:

[amber]

I'm my sack of em right here darlin' :wavey:
must...resist...

[JazmenFlowers]

must...resist...
he he he...we're on the same wavelength

[strandinthewind]

he he he...we're on the same wavelength


Actually, my comp. crashed as I posted that and it should have read:

I have my sack of em in my hand right now darlin' :wavey:

[SuzeQuze]

I really need to sit down with your brain and get all your good tips (can you pencil me in?). in fact, I need to find that awesome thread where you were going over all this stuff. do you know of a site that tells you how many calories/fat/etc. you should have each day? I'm wondering if 1200 is too low...the last thing I need is my body thinking I'm starving and start STORING fat...

calorieking.com. 1200 seems low for a man.

[JazmenFlowers]

calorieking.com. 1200 seems low for a man.
ok.

so, again, is 1200 too low for me? :laugh:

just kidding. thanks for the info. I actually signed up for calorieking and forgot until just now.

[goldie]

I was reading in O magazine that the people who are most successful at losing weight and keeping it off are those that document every morsel they consume. That's right, I hate it too, but that seems to be a fact. So how many of you are counting and how are you doing? I haven't been doing much since I've gotten back from Africa but I really want to step it up and lose about 10 more lbs. That would be pretty cool.

My hubby did this a few years back and it totally worked. Now he doesn't ... and well .... :(

I don't do it ... it seems like to much work! I try to watch what I eat, though, and I am excercising more lately as well. :thumbsup:

[amber]

My hubby did this a few years back and it totally worked. Now he doesn't ... and well .... :(

I don't do it ... it seems like to much work! I try to watch what I eat, though, and I am excercising more lately as well. :thumbsup:

It takes me like, 2 minutes to write down all my calories. :shrug: The only "work" part comes in remembering to do it. :) Which reminds me....

Congrats on your exercise.

[DrummerDeanna]

I just dedicated a whole notebook to Calorie/food journaling. I know my eating is out of hand and that's the biggest factor in my ever-expanding ass.

That said, since moving to Colorado I think I've gotten more exercise than my time in NY :p Just on Sunday I got up, went for a 45 minute swim, washed my car (by hand...not a namby pamby drive-through..but it was a designated car wash, so I didn't waste mad water), then went for an evening bike ride! This week I've been hitting my apartment complexe's gym...

I just need to get the eating in check..that's what's getting me. Since I'm too cheap to join Weight Watchers right now - I'm going to try calorie counting/portioning on my own :D

[amber]

I just remembered another good thing to do is to make sure you take time throughout the day to breathe deeply. Sometimes I forget to breathe, if you know what I mean. Deeply. The whole diaphragm thing and all.
And/ do a calming stretching exercise.

Something about Cortisol levels in your body and the relationship between DHEA - as you get older you have less DHEA, and more cortisol (cortisol is released when you are stressed, it's part of the "fight or flight" chemical process.)

"DHEA can improve glucose tolerance, convert excess body fat to lean muscle mass, alleviate depression, increase energy and decrease pain in chronic fatigue and fibromyalgia patients, decrease joint pain and fatigue in inflammatory and autoimmune diseases, improve mental clarity and enhance overall immune function."


There is info online, but basically you want to really keep your cortisol (stress) levels down because it causes a chemical reaction in your body that is not ideal - harmful.
Here is one short snippet of something I found. I'm not saying this is the be all, end all, but it is a contributing factor, and every little bit helps. :) :woohoo:

"The destructive effect of high cortisol levels

What is cortisol? In its normal function, cortisol helps us meet these challenges by converting proteins into energy, releasing glycogen and counteracting inflammation. For a short time, that’s okay. But at sustained high levels, cortisol gradually tears your body down.

Sustained high cortisol levels destroy healthy muscle and bone, slow down healing and normal cell regeneration, co-opt biochemicals needed to make other vital hormones, impair digestion, metabolism and mental function, interfere with healthy endocrine function; and weaken your immune system.

Adrenal fatigue may be a factor in many related conditions, including fibromyalgia, hypothyroidism, chronic fatigue syndrome, arthritis, premature menopause and others. It may also produce a host of other unpleasant symptoms, from acne to hair loss. (Please click here to see a list of adrenal fatigue symptoms and related conditions.)

The loss of DHEA production
When the adrenals are chronically overworked and straining to maintain high cortisol levels, they lose the capacity to produce DHEA in sufficient amounts. DHEA (the full name is dehydroepiandrosterone) is a precursor hormone to estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone, and is necessary to moderate the balance of hormones in your body. Insufficient DHEA contributes to fatigue, bone loss, loss of muscle mass, depression, aching joints, decreased sex drive, and impaired immune function. (For more information, read our article on DHEA.)"
http://www.womentowomen.com/adrenalfatigue/index.asp?id=1&campaignno=adrenalfatigue&adgroup=adgroup2&keywords=cortisol#cortisoldhea

[macfanken]

I just take TrimSpa. :shrug:

[sparky]

I just take TrimSpa. :shrug:

Admit it, you are really Anna Nicole.

Seriously, does that **** do anything ?

[macfanken]

Admit it, you are really Anna Nicole.

Seriously, does that **** do anything ?


No, I'm still fat. :lol:

[David]

No, I'm still fat. :lol:
But your sig banner pic rocks, fatso!!:thumbsup:

[Janet]

My mom lost a lot of weight counting calories. I know she went from 170 down to 135. She's like 5'6 and looked great. I was really proud of her.

I used to do it back in school. But I did 800 calories a day.I know I went from like 140 to 128 very quickly. Of course now if I was 128 I'd do a dance. I haven't seen even 140 in a long time.
SIGH.

But that's the best way. You see just how many calories you consume. Every drink, every bite!

I want to do that again and I will. Very soon.

It WORKS.

[strandinthewind]

Admit it, you are really Anna Nicole.

Seriously, does that **** do anything ?

Ummmmmmmmmm -- I usually get that :wavey:

Now where are my half of those ashes :eek:

[SuzeQuze]

Also get enough sleep and watch less TV. People who do those things weigh less.

[skcin]

Also get enough sleep and watch less TV. People who do those things weigh less.


Screw you Suze, I ain't giving up my rich & full life of TV watching! :mad:




:laugh:

[SuzeQuze]

Screw you Suze, I ain't giving up my rich & full life of TV watching! :mad:




:laugh:

Tell me about it! :xoxo:

PS, screw you too!

[DavidMn]

I should probably start doing this too. :nod:

[sara1998]

Also get enough sleep and watch less TV. People who do those things weigh less.
You have a valid point. I don't watch TV hardly ever, and I get between 6-8 hours sleep every night. I watch what I eat, and the only meal I'm weak with is dinner. I do a moderate amount of exercise, and damn if I still don't lose weight. :shrug:

[DavidMn]

You have a valid point. I don't watch TV hardly ever, and I get between 6-8 hours sleep every night. I watch what I eat, and the only meal I'm weak with is dinner. I do a moderate amount of exercise, and damn if I still don't lose weight. :shrug:Sometimes its that whole metabolism thing.

[SuzeQuze]

Sometimes its that whole metabolism thing.

Yep, some have a high one, some don't. I almost killed my roommate last night due to the size of the bowl of ice cream she was eating. Sesly! :lol:

I lost another pound so I am now 154. I decided to "come out" with my weight to reduce the shame of it and it has honestly made me feel better. Isn't that weird? :lol:

[strandinthewind]

Yep, some have a high one, some don't. I almost killed my roommate last night due to the size of the bowl of ice cream she was eating. Sesly! :lol:

I lost another pound so I am now 154. I decided to "come out" with my weight to reduce the shame of it and it has honestly made me feel better. Isn't that weird? :lol:

You can fool your metabolism into being high by eating six small meals a day and lots of protein overall. Then, when you want to eat the whole box of ice cream, you furnace will already be burning!

[David]

I haven't traditionally had much luck with counting calories, so I don't bother. But I know when I'm eating too many empty calories & I just don't do it. I also know when I'm not getting to the gym on schedule.

If I want to eat more ice cream, I stay at the gym an extra 30 or 60 minutes & just refuse to get off the equipment or machines. Work it till you injure it, baby! :thumbsup:

[skcin]

On one hand, this study seems to be common sense. On the other, I'm guilty of doing this - if there's more there, I'll eat it. :o

http://www.cnn.com/2006/HEALTH/07/30/diet.cues.ap/index.html

For portion control, look to the container
Study says what's eaten depends on what size it comes in

Sunday, July 30, 2006; Posted: 8:01 p.m. EDT (00:01 GMT)


NEW YORK (AP) -- How many M&MS are enough?

It depends on how big the candy scoop is.

At least that's a key factor, says a study that offers new evidence that people take cues from their surroundings in deciding how much to eat.

It explains why, for example, people who used to be satisfied by a 12-ounce can of soda may now feel that a 20-ounce bottle is just right.

It's "unit bias," the tendency to think that a single unit of food -- a bottle, a can, a plateful, or some more subtle measure -- is the right amount to eat or drink, researchers propose.

"Whatever size a banana is, that's what you eat, a small banana or a big banana," says Andrew Geier of the University of Pennsylvania. And "whatever's served on your plate, it just seems locked in our heads: that's a meal."

The overall idea is hardly new to diet experts. They point to the supersizing of fast food and restaurant portions as one reason for the surge of obesity in recent decades. They sometimes suggest that dieters use smaller plates to reduce the amount of food that looks like a meal.

But in the June issue of the journal Psychological Science, Geier and colleagues dig into why people are so swayed by this unit idea when they decide how much to eat.

Geier, a Ph.D. candidate who works with people who are overweight or who have eating disorders, figures people learn how big an appropriate food unit is from their cultures. For example, yogurt containers in French supermarkets are a bit more than half the size of their American counterparts. Yet French shoppers don't make up the difference by eating more containers of the stuff, he noted.

Have a scoop or a spoon
He and the other researchers tried a series of experiments using environmental cues to manipulate people's ideas of how big a food unit is.

In one, they put a large bowl with a pound of M&Ms in the lobby of an upscale apartment building with a sign: "Eat Your Fill ... please use the spoon to serve yourself." The candy was left out through the day for 10 days, sometimes with a spoon that held a quarter-cup, and other times with a tablespoon.

Sure enough, people consistently took more M&Ms on days when the bigger scoop was provided, about two-thirds more on average than when the spoon was present.

In another experiment, a snacking area in an apartment building contained a bowl with either 80 small Tootsie Rolls or 20 big ones, four times as large. Over 10 working days, the bowl was filled with the same overall weight of candy each day. But people consistently removed more, by weight, when it was offered in the larger packages.

In those experiments, as well as a similar one with pretzels, "unit bias" wasn't the only thing that produced the differences in consumption levels, but it had an influence, Geier and colleagues concluded.

Brian Wansink, director of Cornell University's Food and Brand Lab and author of the forthcoming book "Mindless Eating: Why We Eat More Than We Think," called the new paper an impressive demonstration of the effect in a real-world setting. He has done similar work but didn't participate in Geier's research.

So can all this help dieters?

Some food companies are introducing products in 100-calorie packages, and Geier thinks that could help hold down a person's consumption. He also suspects companies could help by displaying the number of servings per container more prominently on their packaging.

As for what dieters can do on their own, Geier said one of his overweight patients offered a suggestion for restaurant visits: Request that the meal be split in two in the kitchen, with half on the plate and the other half packaged to take home.

In any case, an earlier experiment of Geier's shows that the unit bias effect has its limits.

He had one dining hall at his university provide 10-ounce glasses for soda, and a second provide 16-ounce glasses. He predicted that students at the first hall would drink less soda. In fact, they drank more.

Only later did he find out what went wrong.

"They were taking two glasses at a time," he said. "I guess I went below what is culturally construed as a unit of soda."

Copyright 2006 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.

[sparky]

On one hand, this study seems to be common sense. On the other, I'm guilty of doing this - if there's more there, I'll eat it. :o


It's true. It's that whole "clean your plate" mentality. I am actually trying the smaller portion, more tiny meals thing. Not changing my exercise much, but adjusting meal sizes and eating more of them. Can't hurt. I am curious to see what happens.

[AliceLover]

I lost some weight fast by the diet Brian showed me. I was told to eat 5-6 small meals a day (300-350 calories each meal). I guess it speeds up the metabolism and makes you burn more calories. He also said to drink a lot of water because it helps flush out all the burned calories. Sleep is also important because thats when you actually burn off the calories. I like this, but I just don't know what to eat. I really like my smart ones and they are only 160 calories. I always eat a pack of peanut butter crackers which are only 200 calories. I also had a pudding snack that was only 100 calories. The exercise I do is minimal, just 20-40 push ups and 50 crunches everyday. But my job requires a lot of walking. I probably walk for 1/2 hour everytime at work and that involves carrying heavy files upstairs.

QUESTION: Do you think a can of tuna and miracle whip is an ok meal? I think its under 350 calories, but not sure.

[skcin]

QUESTION: Do you think a can of tuna and miracle whip is an ok meal? I think its under 350 calories, but not sure.


As long as you're not eating an entire can of tuna with a whole jar of Miracle Whip on a whole loaf of bread every day, you're probably fine. :D It would help to go very light on the Whip & put it on whole wheat bread.

[amber]

I lost some weight fast by the diet Brian showed me. I was told to eat 5-6 small meals a day (300-350 calories each meal). I guess it speeds up the metabolism and makes you burn more calories. He also said to drink a lot of water because it helps flush out all the burned calories. Sleep is also important because thats when you actually burn off the calories. I like this, but I just don't know what to eat. I really like my smart ones and they are only 160 calories. I always eat a pack of peanut butter crackers which are only 200 calories. I also had a pudding snack that was only 100 calories. The exercise I do is minimal, just 20-40 push ups and 50 crunches everyday. But my job requires a lot of walking. I probably walk for 1/2 hour everytime at work and that involves carrying heavy files upstairs.

QUESTION: Do you think a can of tuna and miracle whip is an ok meal? I think its under 350 calories, but not sure.

Tuna has Omega 3 fatty acids, which is good in itself. You can tell how many calories the meal has by, say, using the portion size on the back of the mayonnaise jar (probably one or two tablespoons, it usually is) where it tells you the number of calories per serving, and then calculating. You know, if you put 4 tablespoons, add up the number of calories in the servings you had, however many 4 tbspns. is. And then, you know, the bread probably has 110 calories each piece, something like that. It's not rocket science, it's just math.
I do recommend eating Tuna, though, like I said. If you went over your calorie amount, just have a lighter dinner.
Math. All your food should have the serving size and the amount of calories on the package. Math.
Also, if you "don't know what to eat" veggies and fruits are always a sure thing. Also? You can find millions of infos online about nutrition.

[cliffdweller]

Tuna has Omega 3 fatty acids, which is good in itself. You can tell how many calories the meal has by, say, using the portion size on the back of the mayonnaise jar (probably one or two tablespoons, it usually is) where it tells you the number of calories per serving, and then calculating. You know, if you put 4 tablespoons, add up the number of calories in the servings you had, however many 4 tbspns. is. And then, you know, the bread probably has 110 calories each piece, something like that. It's not rocket science, it's just math.
I do recommend eating Tuna, though, like I said. If you went over your calorie amount, just have a lighter dinner.
Math. All your food should have the serving size and the amount of calories on the package. Math.
Also, if you "don't know what to eat" veggies and fruits are always a sure thing. Also? You can find millions of infos online about nutrition.

Amber, have you ever thought about being a Nutritionist? You'd be great.

[amber]

Amber, have you ever thought about being a Nutritionist? You'd be great.

Yeah, just the other day, and before that, too. I'm not very good at science, though. I mean, I understand science in words, just not very well in pictures or mathematical formulas, or picture formulas. I'm still mulling it ovah.

[cliffdweller]

Yeah, just the other day, and before that, too. I'm not very good at science, though. I mean, I understand science in words, just not very well in pictures or mathematical formulas, or picture formulas. I'm still mulling it ovah.

Even still, if you have an interest/passion you'll find a way around the science. The science will become more applicable and make more sense if it involves something you love. Just a thought...

[amber]

Even still, if you have an interest/passion you'll find a way around the science. The science will become more applicable and make more sense if it involves something you love. Just a thought...

Indeed. That is one of about 5-10 things I want to do. See? See the problem? I can't get all those degrees, none being related to each other. :laugh:
But I was thinking about getting a minor in Recreation (like ecotourism) and a nutrition degree would go well with that, ie, I could be a nutritionist in some yoga retreat in Beliz....:p But seriously, healthy vacations are becoming more and more popular.

[AliceLover]

Tuna has Omega 3 fatty acids, which is good in itself. You can tell how many calories the meal has by, say, using the portion size on the back of the mayonnaise jar (probably one or two tablespoons, it usually is) where it tells you the number of calories per serving, and then calculating. You know, if you put 4 tablespoons, add up the number of calories in the servings you had, however many 4 tbspns. is. And then, you know, the bread probably has 110 calories each piece, something like that. It's not rocket science, it's just math.
I do recommend eating Tuna, though, like I said. If you went over your calorie amount, just have a lighter dinner.
Math. All your food should have the serving size and the amount of calories on the package. Math.
Also, if you "don't know what to eat" veggies and fruits are always a sure thing. Also? You can find millions of infos online about nutrition.

I'm not eating the tuna with any bread. I just put it in a tupperware thing and brought it to work to eat. I also brought a 100 Calorie snack pack thing, but im still a little hungry...well actually not really. But you guys....I WANT A COKE SO BADDDDDDDDDDDDDDDD!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[amber]

I'm not eating the tuna with any bread. I just put it in a tupperware thing and brought it to work to eat. I also brought a 100 Calorie snack pack thing, but im still a little hungry...well actually not really. But you guys....I WANT A COKE SO BADDDDDDDDDDDDDDDD!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Great. My point was kind of that you can figure out the calories yourself?
Soda is hard to resist, and terrible for you. I'm ashamed to say that I drink diet sodas way more than I should. Soda rots your teeth and guts, too - dissolves them, basically. And studies show that diet soda makes people hungrier, and leaves formaldahyde in their fat.
I feel your pain. Go have some tea or something. Or flavored carbonated water usually fulfills my craving for carbonated soda.

[AliceLover]

Great. My point was kind of that you can figure out the calories yourself?
Soda is hard to resist, and terrible for you. I'm ashamed to say that I drink diet sodas way more than I should. Soda rots your teeth and guts, too - dissolves them, basically. And studies show that diet soda makes people hungrier, and leaves formaldahyde in their fat.
I feel your pain. Go have some tea or something. Or flavored carbonated water usually fulfills my craving for carbonated soda.

LOL diet sodas, I need the real deal. Classic Coca-Cola...its definitely my #1 Craving....and im dying for it right now.

[xxxmx]

it's like our own little support group ;)

i stopped buying junk and anything that comes in bulk. it's more expensive to buy individually packaged snacks, but i don't have to think about how much i'm eating. and i always keep fruit around. it's easy to grab a slice of cantaloupe or a bunch of grapes out of the fridge.

we were talking health/diet at work today (middle school teachers, everyone bitches about everything) and someone commented on how the freezer was full of healthy choice and lean cuisine. i don't eat them (sodium is a no-no for me) but people swear that just by bringing them for lunch drops a few pounds. speaking of food, hell's kitchen is on.........

[strandinthewind]

it's like our own little support group ;)

i stopped buying junk and anything that comes in bulk. it's more expensive to buy individually packaged snacks, but i don't have to think about how much i'm eating. and i always keep fruit around. it's easy to grab a slice of cantaloupe or a bunch of grapes out of the fridge.

we were talking health/diet at work today (middle school teachers, everyone bitches about everything) and someone commented on how the freezer was full of healthy choice and lean cuisine. i don't eat them (sodium is a no-no for me) but people swear that just by bringing them for lunch drops a few pounds. speaking of food, hell's kitchen is on.........

But, put a pound of guac in front of ya and the skies ( :D ) the limit :]

[amber]

LOL diet sodas, I need the real deal. Classic Coca-Cola...its definitely my #1 Craving....and im dying for it right now.

Yeah. I got it. have some bottled fizz water. Also, I did not recommend diet sodas at all.

[amber]

it's like our own little support group ;)

i stopped buying junk and anything that comes in bulk. it's more expensive to buy individually packaged snacks, but i don't have to think about how much i'm eating. and i always keep fruit around. it's easy to grab a slice of cantaloupe or a bunch of grapes out of the fridge.

we were talking health/diet at work today (middle school teachers, everyone bitches about everything) and someone commented on how the freezer was full of healthy choice and lean cuisine. i don't eat them (sodium is a no-no for me) but people swear that just by bringing them for lunch drops a few pounds. speaking of food, hell's kitchen is on.........

Why can't you eat sodium? How do you eat chips and salsa? Do you have to buy no salt chips? My god, it's like the gulag! I just salted my grilled cheese sandwich...

[xxxmx]

But, put a pound of guac in front of ya and the skies ( :D ) the limit :]
CILANTROOOOOOOOO!

all this healty eating started as soon as i got away from you. i take that back... that was a damned good omelette! :xoxo:

[xxxmx]

Why can't you eat sodium? How do you eat chips and salsa? Do you have to buy no salt chips? My god, it's like the gulag! I just salted my grilled cheese sandwich...
i can't not eat it, i just try to stay away from it when possible. high blood pressure runs in the family and sodium definitely aggravates that. i do eat unsalted pretzels...

[amber]

i can't not eat it, i just try to stay away from it when possible. high blood pressure runs in the family and sodium definitely aggravates that. i do eat unsalted pretzels...

oooohhh. Hey, I just found this, as part of a larger article, which estimated about 30% of people are "salt sensitive"
"It now appears that the blood pressure--salt connection is true only for certain "salt sensitive" people or groups."
Apparently the doc can test for salt sensitivity, and here are common groups:
* Female gender
* Age
* Obesity (abdominal obesity)
* Alcoholism
* African-American origin
* Level of blood pressure
* Isolated systolic hypertension (ISH)
* Low renin hypertension (hypertensive patients with a low plasma renin activity)
* Impaired glucose tolerance
* Diabetes
* Renal insufficiency
* Positive family history of hypertension
* (Higher) microalbuminuria

The most important of these is age. With increasing age, salt sensitivity increases. African-Americans also have a much higher prevalence of salt sensitivity than Caucasians. Another important factor is weight. Excess weight and obesity are clearly associated with increased salt sensitivity."

I found this snippet, too:

"So what's the problem? For starters, salt is a primary determinant of taste in food--fat, of course, is the other--and 80% of the salt we consume comes from processed foods, making it difficult to avoid. Then there's the kicker: While the government has been denouncing salt as a health hazard for decades, no amount of scientific effort has been able to dispense with the suspicions that it is not. Indeed, the controversy over the benefits, if any, of salt reduction now constitutes one of the longest running, most vitriolic, and surreal disputes in all of medicine."
http://www.junkscience.com/jan01/saltwars.htm

I looked for these because I've been hearing the past 20 years or so that salt has not been proven - studies have not been conclusive enough - to be a direct cause of high blood pressure. Suprised you haven't heard anything.

Our processed foods do contain ridiculous amounts, though - So I think it's good to steer clear. :nod:

Maybe I've never been overweight, maybe all these years I've simply been bloated from too much salt! :laugh: I'm pretty out of control with it.
P.S. Pretzels are pretty high on the ol' glycemic index. Just saying.

[sparky]

So, Amber, in terms of portion control...is the following going to help anything?
I had 5 small meals today. The last one was one of my usual dinners. It was some stir fry thing from Trader Joe's. I usually it all at once. It is about 750 calories. I had a 40 minutes swim, then I ate half of it. Went out for a 40 minute bike ride, lifted some weights, took a shower. Then had the other half of it two hours later. Is this an improvement, to eat it split up like that over a few hours ?:shrug:

[amber]

So, Amber, in terms of portion control...is the following going to help anything?
I had 5 small meals today. The last one was one of my usual dinners. It was some stir fry thing from Trader Joe's. I usually it all at once. It is about 750 calories. I had a 40 minutes swim, then I ate half of it. Went out for a 40 minute bike ride, lifted some weights, took a shower. Then had the other half of it two hours later. Is this an improvement, to eat it split up like that over a few hours ?:shrug:

Yes. Not only does it force your metabolism to keep working, but it provides your body with nutrients to work out more effectively, and with less strain to your body. Also, since your blood sugar is stabilized, you may be able to work out longer, and also/therefore to burn more calories overall. You don't want a blood sugar dip while you are exercising. Especially because it appears you exercise alot, your body needs the nutrients.
:woohoo: Party on, Spark.

I had stir fry, too! But I added an extra bag o' broccoli. I find that the more veggies I eat, the less hungry I am, and the less crap I crave. Oh, and cut as much sugar as possible. But that doesn't really apply to you.

[sparky]

Yes. Not only does it force your metabolism to keep working, but it provides your body with nutrients to work out more effectively, and with less strain to your body. Also, since your blood sugar is stabilized, you may be able to work out longer, and also/therefore to burn more calories overall. You don't want a blood sugar dip while you are exercising. Especially because it appears you exercise alot, your body needs the nutrients.
:woohoo: Party on, Spark.

I had stir fry, too! But I added an extra bag o' broccoli. I find that the more veggies I eat, the less hungry I am, and the less crap I crave. Oh, and cut as much sugar as possible. But that doesn't really apply to you.

Excellent. The cool thing is, even after doing this just a bit over the last week, I find that I feel better and have more energy. There is none of that after meal bloat and laziness. Sure, gorging myself feels good. For about five minutes. Then I feel like a pig. When I went out riding after eating half my normal dinner, I felt so light and great. I am used to feeling a little lethargic after a meal.

I was also thinking what had changed in my diet. I realized I am not drinking as much water. I used to buy these boxes of big assed bottles of water. But I got sick of carrying the boxes, so I switched to 16 oz bottles of Crystal Geyser fizzy water. I am drinking half the water I used to. That must be increasing the size of my gut. Buying big box tomorrow.

No, the sugar thing doesn't apply to me. I just want to sit down and eat an entire 16 oz bag of Spicy Nacho Doritos in one sitting. And some pizza. And drink a six pack. I want salt and grease and booze. :blob2:

Bad bad Sparky.

[amber]

Excellent. The cool thing is, even after doing this just a bit over the last week, I find that I feel better and have more energy. There is none of that after meal bloat and laziness. Sure, gorging myself feels good. For about five minutes. Then I feel like a pig. When I went out riding after eating half my normal dinner, I felt so light and great. I am used to feeling a little lethargic after a meal.

I was also thinking what had changed in my diet. I realized I am not drinking as much water. I used to buy these boxes of big assed bottles of water. But I got sick of carrying the boxes, so I switched to 16 oz bottles of Crystal Geyser fizzy water. I am drinking half the water I used to. That must be increasing the size of my gut. Buying big box tomorrow.

No, the sugar thing doesn't apply to me. I just want to sit down and eat an entire 16 oz bag of Spicy Nacho Doritos in one sitting. And some pizza. And drink a six pack. I want salt and grease and booze. :blob2:

Bad bad Sparky.


Yes, I want that too. Right now in fact. Good thing I have no money. But Doritos might as well be sugar, as they are all carbs. mmmm.....I did the thing where I spent all my grocery money at once on healthful things (I think I bought a treat or two) and so, I have to eat the stuff because I spent all my money! Brilliant.
I just ran out of popcorn, too. But I have blueberries for my sweet tooth.

Wow, exactly how you said you felt with the change is just what I said. I've been slacking on my water, too. I've done that "gorge myself after working out" because I didn't eat soon enough, and I just end up eating too much, and if there is junk in the house, too much junk. You know, be starving, pound some chips while your cooking something, eat anything in your sight because you're starving....bad.

I find it hard to believe you develop any kind of gut with that workout schedule. But I'm sure you eat a lot, I always did.

Anyway, it's cool that that is working out so well for you. :blob2: I have only been doing yoga cause of my legs, they are slowly getting better, but today I jumped rope for 50 minutes (listened to Wildheart LP, then part of RAL LP while doing so in my frontroom :D ) I'm going to try to do it every other day, alternate with yoga. I don't think it hurts my leg problem.

BTW - if you want to switch your workout up to boost calorie burnage, jump rope kicks your ass from here to Timespace and back. And my god, your calf muscles will be the stuff of legend. Like, if you vary your workout once a week, your body responds accordingly and burns more calories, did you know that? It's because it gets used to the amount of energy required for your regular workouts, and it simply doesn't have to work as hard/burn as many calories to do the same tasks. It's known scientifically as a "rut". :laugh:

[JazmenFlowers]

Bad bad Sparky.
is there really any such thing?

[cliffdweller]

I could be a nutritionist in some yoga retreat in Beliz....:p


:laugh: sounds good to me!

[cliffdweller]

BTW - if you want to switch your workout up to boost calorie burnage, jump rope kicks your ass from here to Timespace and back. And my god, your calf muscles will be the stuff of legend. Like, if you vary your workout once a week, your body responds accordingly and burns more calories, did you know that? It's because it gets used to the amount of energy required for your regular workouts, and it simply doesn't have to work as hard/burn as many calories to do the same tasks. It's known scientifically as a "rut". :laugh:

I was afraid of this so I started alternating my days with step aerobics and tennis. I just upped the ante on my bench height too so that should be something of a change up. It now takes much more energy to do the step. I'm going to have to keep upping it though because now I think I'm getting used to it and it's becoming easier. Curses!

[JazmenFlowers]

I was afraid of this so I started alternating my days with step aerobics and tennis. I just upped the ante on my bench height too so that should be something of a change up. It now takes much more energy to do the step. I'm going to have to keep upping it though because now I think I'm getting used to it and it's becoming easier. Curses!
I know. ain't it a bitch. not only do you have to exercise, but you have to vary your exercises. I've been in a rut since Friday. haven't walked or anything. I haven't blown my diet, but I'm not drinking as much water as I should. I'm just DEpressed and these are the times when I want to eat anything in sight.

[amber]

I was afraid of this so I started alternating my days with step aerobics and tennis. I just upped the ante on my bench height too so that should be something of a change up. It now takes much more energy to do the step. I'm going to have to keep upping it though because now I think I'm getting used to it and it's becoming easier. Curses!

Great job. Periodic sprints during your workout can accomplish the same thing. I guess you can't sprint during Step, but people who do machines can, or who walk or run outside, or who do a bike. I mean, I guess you could do sprints outside one day a week or something. Or on the treadmill. Also, if you did any weights, since it appears you do none, that would be the best.

[strandinthewind]

I know. ain't it a bitch. not only do you have to exercise, but you have to vary your exercises. I've been in a rut since Friday. haven't walked or anything. I haven't blown my diet, but I'm not drinking as much water as I should. I'm just DEpressed and these are the times when I want to eat anything in sight.

When your are depressed, that is the best time to exercise, particularly IMO cardio, because it is a pick me up for you as endorphines are released, etc. Also, if you miss a few days, don't beat yourself up about it. Just try and do better in the future. Remember, the long term is your focus.

[skcin]

I eat Raisin Bran in the morning before work, and I usually bring a sandwich (on light high fiber bread) and snack (fruit, usually, sometimes yogurt or cheese) to work for lunch. It fills me OK, but I'm usually starving by 10am & lunch isn't until 1. Then I'm hungry again by the time I get home around 5:30.

I'm going to try something new. Today I brought mostly fruits & veggies for lunch, and I'm spacing them out every 2 hours or so. Mid-morning snack was a Yoplait light peach smoothie (had a coupon - not bad - 90 calories & 3 grams of fiber, plus calcium & vitamins) then a plum, then blueberries with a dollup of light cool whip. Lunch will be tomatoes & cukes with feta cheese topped with a splash of vinegar & coconut oil.

This way I should theoretically stay full longer, get fiber & vitamins & antioxidants & such, and I've gotten my fruit/veggie portions in. I'm not going to gorge at dinner, but I'm not going to restrict myself from any foods. I'll watch my portions & try to cut the evening snacking. We'll see how it goes. I need to start exercising more, I've really been slacking - too busy, too hot, blah blah blah, enough with the excuses!



BTW - Sparky or Amber - how long do you wait after you eat to exercise? I never feel like I should exercise after I eat, but now I'm thinking "why the hell not?"

[bikerchic]

BTW - Sparky or Amber - how long do you wait after you eat to exercise? I never feel like I should exercise after I eat, but now I'm thinking "why the hell not?"
My 2 cents: You should always exercise first thing in the morning on an empty stomach. Yes, that means get your lazy ass out of bed 30 - 45 minutes earlier :wavey: :D

[sparky]

is there really any such thing?

Other than the Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Slut that happens with tequila ? :blob2:

BTW - Sparky or Amber - how long do you wait after you eat to exercise? I never feel like I should exercise after I eat, but now I'm thinking "why the hell not?"

I have never been a workout in the morning kind of guy. I am too grouchy. So my exercise is usually at least an hour after I eat. Though, I do swim frequently after lunch or dinner. My long bike rides are done after a regular b-fast on Sunday, which is my own crazy meusli, yogurt and fruit mess.

[strandinthewind]

If you are building muscle, you should drink a protien shake (just protien) immediately after working out.

[cliffdweller]

Also, if you did any weights, since it appears you do none, that would be the best.


Oh I do weights (interspersed with step) everytime I work out. I also do a 20 minute ab workout that just about kills me. It's worth it though. I actually look forward to working out...it calms me and makes me feel more positive. Tennis is also a blast. I read that tennis (behind step aerobics) is the best cardiovascular exercise you can do (even better than than swimming!) and burns the most fat and calories while working just about every muscle group in your body :thumbsup:.

[amber]

Oh I do weights (interspersed with step) everytime I work out. I also do a 20 minute ab workout that just about kills me. It's worth it though. I actually look forward to working out...it calms me and makes me feel more positive. Tennis is also a blast. I read that tennis (behind step aerobics) is the best cardiovascular exercise you can do (even better than than swimming!) and burns the most fat and calories while working just about every muscle group in your body :thumbsup:.

Oh, hellyeah. Weights with aerobics, and that much abs, is brutal.

Tennis is hella challenging, tiring. I wish my swing were better. Softball kinda ruined it. But...does tennis work your left arm??? :p I actually used to switch arms when I practiced against the wall, so I wouldn't be uneven. Lame. Well, not really, but still.
I love exercise, too.

[amber]

If you are building muscle, you should drink a protien shake (just protien) immediately after working out.

Are you distinguishing that from say, eating a meal that is totally protein, like a chicken breast or a steak? If so, why?
It's a fact that the body doesn't absorb nutrients nearly as well from liquids, they pass through too quickly. Or is it to not eat as much meat? Or is it desireable for the body to only absorb a little of the protein, as it would from the shake, but to use a shake because a shake is more filling than a tiny piece of chicken breast?

[amber]

This just in, from Living Under a Rock News, an affiliate of Der Magazine:



"Fruits, veggies key to eating more, weighing less
Study suggests dieters cut calorie density rather than portions

Updated: 1 hour, 55 minutes ago
NEW YORK - People who favor lower-calorie foods may eat a lot over the course of a day, but they end up consuming relatively few calories and a healthy dose of nutrients, according to a study published Tuesday.

Using dietary information from 7,500 U.S. adults, researchers found that those who reported eating plenty of fruits, vegetables, fiber-rich grains and other lower-calorie foods typically ate a larger amount of food than their peers who favored richer fare.

Yet they ate several hundred fewer calories a day, while consuming more calcium, iron, potassium and vitamins A, C, B6 and folate.

In fact, these diners ate fewer calories without cutting out any major food group, the study authors report in the Journal of the American Dietetic Association. By volume, they ate more from most of the main food groups, compared with study participants who had a taste for sugary, fattier foods.

The difference is that the former group often chose foods with low calorie "density," which refers to the number of calories a food has ounce for ounce. A pound of carrots, for instance, carries far fewer calories than a pound of chocolate.

In general, foods that have a high amount of water and/or fiber, such as fruits and vegetables, also have a low calorie density. Water and fiber add to a food's bulk, but contribute few or no calories.

Sugar, fat and flour, on the other hand, pack on the calories, and calorie-dense foods include chips and other snack foods, nuts, sweets and processed or fatty meats.

So while study participants who filled their diets with low-cal fare ate more food by weight, they ingested fewer calories — an average of 425 fewer among men, and 250 fewer among women.

What's more, they also filled up on nutrients, according to the study authors, led by Dr. Jenny H. Ledikwe of Pennsylvania State University in State College.

"These analyses further demonstrate the beneficial effects of a low-energy-density diet," they write.

People can lessen their diet's calorie density, the researchers note, by slipping more fruits and vegetables into the mix — starting a meal with a large salad, for instance, or filling their dinner plates with a larger portion of vegetables and a little less meat. Or, they can have that large slice of pizza, but go light on the cheese and heavy on the vegetables.

Low-fat dairy foods, fiber-rich whole grains and lean meat or meat substitutes are also good choices, according to Ledikwe and her colleagues.

Some past research has suggested that cutting calorie density is a better diet strategy than portion control, since it allows people to eat the same or a greater amount of food by volume. Experiments have shown that when diners see a full plate, they may not even notice the missing calories."
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/14139618/wid/11915773?GT1=8404

Seriously. SERIOUSLY! Someone in the world doesn't know this!

[xxxmx]

This just in, from Living Under a Rock News, an affiliate of Der Magazine:

"Fruits, veggies key to eating more, weighing less
Study suggests dieters cut calorie density rather than portions

i enjoyed this article because i already do the things mentioned. for dinner, i fill half of the plate with veg - filling and healthy. and i seem to be in a frui-tastic phase right now. i even ate a banana the other day and i hate bananas. all in the name of health!

[JazmenFlowers]

Other than the Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Slut that happens with tequila ? :blob2:
I'd consider that good Sparky...very good Sparky.

BTW - Sparky or Amber - how long do you wait after you eat to exercise? I never feel like I should exercise after I eat, but now I'm thinking "why the hell not?"
I've wondered the same thing. I feel like such a blob after eating dinner, but like Theresa said, I need to get up in the morning and exercise and get it over with.

[strandinthewind]

Are you distinguishing that from say, eating a meal that is totally protein, like a chicken breast or a steak? If so, why?
It's a fact that the body doesn't absorb nutrients nearly as well from liquids, they pass through too quickly. Or is it to not eat as much meat? Or is it desireable for the body to only absorb a little of the protein, as it would from the shake, but to use a shake because a shake is more filling than a tiny piece of chicken breast?

They Whey is the fastest absorbed I think?

[amber]

i enjoyed this article because i already do the things mentioned. for dinner, i fill half of the plate with veg - filling and healthy. and i seem to be in a frui-tastic phase right now. i even ate a banana the other day and i hate bananas. all in the name of health!

:laugh: :laugh:

Did you get that full, satisfied, self righteous feeling?

I've been doing the same. One thing I don't like about here is that it rarely gets so hot that all you want to eat is cool, refreshing fruit - you know those days? I miss them.

[amber]

They Whey is the fastest absorbed I think?

Ohhh. I didn't know much about whey, and I found this. It's from the whey institute, or something, so...but still. What you said makes sense. I still try to not have as many cow products as possible. And you know I love burgers. Anyway, seems like a good tip. :nod:

" What is whey protein? Whey protein is a pure, natural, high quality protein from cow's milk. It is a rich source of the essential amino acids needed on a daily basis by the body. In its purest form, as whey protein isolate, it contains little to no fat, lactose or cholesterol.

Whey protein is an excellent protein choice for individuals of all ages. It provides a number of benefits in areas including sports nutrition, weight management, immune support, bone health, and general wellness. New information on the health benefits of whey protein continues to become available as researchers discover new applications for both whey protein and its unique individual protein components."


Paula and Jazzy - I recommend 1 or two hours, depending on the meal. The problem with eating too soon is that the majority of oxygen and blood is being used for the digestive process, which leaves little for your muscles. It's not a big deal if you have, say, a couple peices of fruit and a handful of nuts, or a powerbar, (in fact I'd recommend it, depending on the length of your workout) but I'd wait longer after a more regular sized meal, for sure.
Sparky intimated that he went to exercise right after half his meal...maybe that works okay for sparky, who exercises a lot, or maybe his 1/2 of meal was pretty light. He did say he felt light and energetic...
You won't die or anything if you exercise right after a meal, It's just not really as good. I, personally, can't really do it, I tend to feel lethargic unless the meal is really light.

And many experts do recommend exercising in the morning for best results - I myself can't do it, maybe a few times a year...but bless you if you can.

For instance, a few weeks ago I attacked someone with a pillow ferociously because he wouldn't turn the radio down in the morning - I hadn't gotten enough sleep, you see, only a few hours, and it was early, and he thought he was helping me get up for work, but really I didn't have to go to work...but he wouldn't turn it down...I'd had rum and cokes the night before...yes, a horrible instance of morning rage occurred...to be fair, I did ask him to turn it off, and turn it off myself, before this occurred. :laugh:

You may recall my last instance of morning rage was when the guy was hitting the house next door with a giant...axe hammer thing...at 7:30 on a Saturday morning...I ran out in my jammas and screamed at him... Amber doesn't like loud noises in the morning. Amber gets Sparky's point. Amber likes to exercise in the early evening. Amber hates the voices of children in the morning, as well. Amber needs to ease into her morning, waking up with music, laying in bed for awhile...

I digress.

[strandinthewind]

You have to be VERY careful with whey, which is the fundamental ing. in almost all protien shakes - it can, I believe, tuen to fat if you do not exercise.

[amber]

I eat Raisin Bran in the morning before work, and I usually bring a sandwich (on light high fiber bread) and snack (fruit, usually, sometimes yogurt or cheese) to work for lunch. It fills me OK, but I'm usually starving by 10am & lunch isn't until 1. Then I'm hungry again by the time I get home around 5:30.

I'm going to try something new. Today I brought mostly fruits & veggies for lunch, and I'm spacing them out every 2 hours or so. Mid-morning snack was a Yoplait light peach smoothie (had a coupon - not bad - 90 calories & 3 grams of fiber, plus calcium & vitamins) then a plum, then blueberries with a dollup of light cool whip. Lunch will be tomatoes & cukes with feta cheese topped with a splash of vinegar & coconut oil.

This way I should theoretically stay full longer, get fiber & vitamins & antioxidants & such, and I've gotten my fruit/veggie portions in. I'm not going to gorge at dinner, but I'm not going to restrict myself from any foods. I'll watch my portions & try to cut the evening snacking. We'll see how it goes. I need to start exercising more, I've really been slacking - too busy, too hot, blah blah blah, enough with the excuses!



BTW - Sparky or Amber - how long do you wait after you eat to exercise? I never feel like I should exercise after I eat, but now I'm thinking "why the hell not?"


The very obvious problem I see with your routine is that you don't have any protein to eat with your carbs in the morning, or really the whole day. Yoplait and peach smoothie - you might as well just eat some sugar. Not that those things aren't okay, but you need to have a long lasting protein with them. Nuts, cheese, a bit of meat - something. Same with breakfast. Eat an egg beater, or nuts or cheese or something. Veggies are good, too, if you can eat them early. Again, simple carbs raise your insulin levels and cause your body to store fat. You've got to have a bit of protein at most meals, and some high fiber vegetables are great as well. Like spinach, or broccoli, or mixed greens, or...some others. Like, put a few broccoli florets with those cukes and 'matos, and a bit of chicken breast.

You know what I love as a snack, if you don't want to eat too much meat? They are really good - the Morningstar Farms or Boca brand fake chicken patties. Seriously. Yums. And they have protein, without the meat. About 160 calories, but a fairly substantial snack. I haven't bought them lately, because per patty they are a dollar each - but I still do get them fairly regularly.
Also, some brands of soymilk (Vitasoy, the kind I like) have more protein than carbs in a serving. I got used to the taste really fast, I like it for a snack.

This is totally ridiculous. How could I spend this long talking about this? It's...unnatural...:shocked: Although this carb talk is a repeat.

[markolas]

Ooh, ooh, a nutrition thread.

Amber, have you ever heard of "super foods"? I read this book by...Pratt, I think his name is. I thought it was interesting, but I can't imagine how someone can eat as much food as he suggests. I'm like...I'm at work from 9am - 5:30 or 6pm...I can't get up and fix a tomato bruschetta at 3:30. :shrug: Other than that, I thought it was interesting.

[amber]

You have to be VERY careful with whey, which is the fundamental ing. in almost all protien shakes - it can, I believe, tuen to fat if you do not exercise.
Oh, right. Because it still has a good number of calories, same as anything else, right? So, if you don't exercise, you'll store the calories. A calorie is a calorie.
It seems the real benefit of them is a good, quick source of protein for someone who does exercise.

[amber]

Ooh, ooh, a nutrition thread.

Amber, have you ever heard of "super foods"? I read this book by...Pratt, I think his name is. I thought it was interesting, but I can't imagine how someone can eat as much food as he suggests. I'm like...I'm at work from 9am - 5:30 or 6pm...I can't get up and fix a tomato bruschetta at 3:30. :shrug: Other than that, I thought it was interesting.

I've heard of it but not read it. Does it recommend meals with certain varieties of fruits and veggies and some other stuff in special combinations? Or just tell you meals you can fix with the foods that have the highest antioxidant content? Wait, I'll go look it up online.
You know what is pretty much true...if a person really gets 5-9 servings of fruits and veggies a day - that is filling, it is a lot of food - if someone really did that i submit that they would eat very, very small amounts of the other food groups. Which is fine, but difficult.
Okay, I go look now.
Wait, I thought you ate fast food all the time? I remember being jealous...:p

[strandinthewind]

Oh, right. Because it still has a good number of calories, same as anything else, right? So, if you don't exercise, you'll store the calories. A calorie is a calorie.
It seems the real benefit of them is a good, quick source of protein for someone who does exercise.

I have to ask Ry Ithe body builder) to be sure, but I think whey can do that. More later.

PS - I am HAMMERED and I and the bugs ADORE you!!!!

[amber]

Oh, studied nutrient dense food! Sounds like a good read. I found this, I want to read the rest of the interview.

"Pratt: Each food was selected based on gold standard research of healthy dietary patterns around the world. These foods are an integral part of all the recognized healthy dietary patterns that prevent disease and extend our health span, and perhaps our life span, as well. "

The list looks just about right to me, with some notable omissions - coconut oil and flaxseeds or flax oil. And of course there are more very nutritious foods, but as far as I've read, the ones he listed have been widely recognized as being some of the very most beneficial.
You know, I don't really like beans that much. Except lentils. I should try to eat more. Blurg. Maybe I can disguise them within my boca burritos...put tons of salsa...

[markolas]

I've heard of it but not read it. Does it recommend meals with certain varieties of fruits and veggies and some other stuff in special combinations? Or just tell you meals you can fix with the foods that have the highest antioxidant content? Wait, I'll go look it up online.

I don't think so...I just think it's the idea was that there are certain foods that have an obscene amount of good things for you, like lycopene and omega 3 fatty acids, etc. Salmon, tomato, broccoli, etc.

Wait, I thought you ate fast food all the time? I remember being jealous...:p

I'm trying to stop that. And you really shouldn't be jealous. I'm thoroughly useless for the rest of the day after I've had a Quarter Pounder for lunch. :nod:

[amber]

I have to ask Ry Ithe body builder) to be sure, but I think whey can do that. More later.

PS - I am HAMMERED and I and the bugs ADORE you!!!!

:laugh: :laugh: :laugh: :laugh:

God, I feel bad for you, I hate bugs so much. Sooooo much. Not in the abstract, important-part-of-the-cycle-way, but completely in the I NEVER want to see a bug way.
Watcha drinkin? I'm kinda hungry, so a bloody mary sounds divine. I haven't had one in ever so long. With the spicy green beans.

[markolas]

The list looks just about right to me, with some notable omissions - coconut oil and flaxseeds or flax oil. And of course there are more very nutritious foods, but as far as I've read, the ones he listed have been widely recognized as being extremely beneficial.

I do remember him mentioning flaxseed in the book, but I'm not sure what that is.

[strandinthewind]

Child - I had like SEVEN double Grey Goose and Sodas with some fukcing big wig earlier - HOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO

[amber]

I do remember him mentioning flaxseed in the book, but I'm not sure what that is.
It's flaxseeds. :p They make oil, too. From flax plants? I guess? A small stab at google will surely tell you everything you need...I used to substitute it for things like butter, and other dairy products when I was a vegan. Mostly butter. Or I would spread a thin layer on sandwiches to get some benefits.

[amber]

Child - I had like SEVEN double Grey Goose and Sodas with some fukcing big wig earlier - HOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO

Holy Cr*p! But surely that is like a drink of water to a big man like...oooh...DOUBLE grey goose and sodas...my god, that's 14 drinks! :laugh:
Vodka is killer, and sneaky.

What kind of big wig? A political kind? A lawyer kind? A company owning kind?

Whatever the case, I'm sure he's the worse for the wear out of you two.

Okay, I'm starving.

[strandinthewind]

A former Ambassador - who was an a$$$ and letcherous (sp?)

[amber]

A former Ambassador - who was an a$$$ and letcherous (sp?)

Ah, political. I often wonder how many people in politics are totally gay gayerson.

I'm sure you charmingly rebuffed him, and he was no worse for the wear. Assuming it's a guy. :laugh:

[skcin]

Are all nuts good in small amounts? I know walnuts & almonds are some of the best nuts, but are any nuts bad? Like, should you really not eat any peanuts? How about cashews?

*waits to see who will make the first nut joke*

I just had some walnuts for a snack (happy Amber?)

[amber]

Are all nuts good in small amounts? I know walnuts & almonds are some of the best nuts, but are any nuts bad? Like, should you really not eat any peanuts? How about cashews?

*waits to see who will make the first nut joke*

I just had some walnuts for a snack (happy Amber?)

I don't care what you eat, I just thought you would want to know. Because you might care.

Some nuts are better for you than others, I couldn't find the proper nut ranking, but this may be close. It's weird how I can find all this stuff online, but no one else can. :D Obviously, walnuts would be number one. It's because of the saturated fat ratio thing that this is skewed.

"Here's our list of favorite nuts, ranked by their nutrient density. These varieties contain the most protein, fiber, B-vitamins, calcium, minerals, and vitamin E for the least amount of saturated fat:
# Almonds
# Filberts (hazelnuts)
# Peanuts
# Chestnuts
# Pistachios
# Walnuts
# Cashews
# Pecans
# Macadamias"

It also said that soybean "nuts" are the most nutritious, but aren't on the list because they are legumes. But so are peanuts, and they're on this list. Whatever. :laugh:

[sparky]

care.

Some nuts are better for you than others, I couldn't find the proper nut ranking

Hysterically funny. Nutranking.com. I know there is some other site like that called ratemydick.com or something similar.:D

[bikerchic]

I only like nuts on my chin :D

[skcin]

I It's weird how I can find all this stuff online, but no one else can. :D



Yeah, yeah. You'd probably just tell me that the information on nuts I found online wasn't accurate. So I'd rather you do the work for me. :D


I only like nuts on my chin :D

You're such a pig. I love you. :xoxo:

[strandinthewind]

I only like nuts on my chin :D

You wicked, wicked mynx :p

[cliffdweller]

Tennis is hella challenging, tiring. I wish my swing were better. Softball kinda ruined it. But...does tennis work your left arm??? :p I actually used to switch arms when I practiced against the wall, so I wouldn't be uneven. Lame. Well, not really, but still.
I love exercise, too.

:laugh::laugh: I shudder to think about swinging with my left arm! I sometimes use a double-handed backhand and even that is awkward for me. So yeah, I was thinking about how my right arm is getting more of a work out than my left, but I do hand weights and push-ups (ugh) in my other work out, so my left arm is getting some conditioning where that's concerned. My right arm is gonna look like Popeye's pretty soon :laugh:.

[amber]

Yeah, yeah. You'd probably just tell me that the information on nuts I found online wasn't accurate. So I'd rather you do the work for me. :D


Well,
A) That is so true
B) Why would you post it online? Only you wanted to know, and if you looked it up, you would! See? All this nutrition has made my logic powers very accute. :laugh:

[hayley]

:laugh::laugh: I shudder to think about swinging with my left arm! I sometimes use a double-handed backhand and even that is awkward for me. So yeah, I was thinking about how my right arm is getting more of a work out than my left, but I do hand weights and push-ups (ugh) in my other work out, so my left arm is getting some conditioning where that's concerned. My right arm is gonna look like Popeye's pretty soon :laugh:.
The more we play tennis the more irritated I get with my right arm being superpower'd and my left getting no work! I've started to try and hit forehands with my left hand instead of using a double-handed backhand, and I'm getting better.

My boyfriend doesn't get that the main reason I have to try and do a left handed forehand is because getting my right arm over my BOOBS to do a backhand is more work than to just hit a crappy left-handed forehand.

Amber- tennis the other day when it was 197 degrees out wasn't too bad. We played round-robin with another friend and stayed out there playing for about two and a half hours, then swam for an hour. It wasn't as bad as I thought it'd be.

[amber]

Hysterically funny. Nutranking.com. I know there is some other site like that called ratemydick.com or something similar.:D
Why am I only hearing about this now?

[cliffdweller]

Amber- tennis the other day when it was 197 degrees out wasn't too bad. We played round-robin with another friend and stayed out there playing for about two and a half hours, then swam for an hour. It wasn't as bad as I thought it'd be.


That sounds divine. Nothing's better than playing in the blazing heat and then jumping into cold water. There's a natural spring here in Austin that stays at like 65 degrees year round. We always go jump in it after a "hot" match of tennis. It's really refreshing.

[amber]

The more we play tennis the more irritated I get with my right arm being superpower'd and my left getting no work! I've started to try and hit forehands with my left hand instead of using a double-handed backhand, and I'm getting better.

My boyfriend doesn't get that the main reason I have to try and do a left handed forehand is because getting my right arm over my BOOBS to do a backhand is more work than to just hit a crappy left-handed forehand.

:laugh: :laugh:
I started doing it partially because my left hand is better for a proper tennis swing, it's more relaxed and it doesn't try to swing the wrong way. Same reason I started shooting baskets with my left hand.
My right hand was already so used to softball and various other kinds of throwing, and I never had any tennis instruction - so my form with that hand is all effed up, I just did it however I wanted when I was little - in a stiff, throw-ey way.
I've been trying to learn proper, but it's very hard. The two handed backhand is practically impossible, I suddenly turn into some kind of autistic polio victim when I try that. I know, it's the right way...luckily, if I ever do learn, I have the perfect boobs. "athletic" boobs. :laugh:

Amber- tennis the other day when it was 197 degrees out wasn't too bad. We played round-robin with another friend and stayed out there playing for about two and a half hours, then swam for an hour. It wasn't as bad as I thought it'd be.

Oh, good! Tennis is fun, anyway, that probably takes a lot of the possible edge off. For instance, if you were out just running for two hours, that would suck.
mmmm, swimming...