Anyone else on a diet?

[jannieC]

I'm really learning so much from Weight Watchers. I'm just finding that I think about food way too much right now. But, I imagine it's just something I'll have to get adjusted to. Plus, my mom is going with me and she is kicking my ass in weight loss. She's lost 15 lbs to my pitiful 4 (she's having to lose 60 lbs and I'm only having to lose 15). My husband and I are joining the YMCA (we're waiting to hear back about a scholarship from them) and I plan on going at it with a vengeance. I LOATHE exercise, but I don't hate it as much as I love food.

[cliffdweller]

Originally Posted by David

I consider myself blessed by not having a sweet-tooth. I could stand here & look at a sumptious array of candy & desserts, & not feel the slightest interest in eating any of it.

I'm the same way. But the once in a blue moon that I DO crave sweets, it usually goes on for a good week, but that's very rare.

[CelticGypsy]

Originally Posted by jannieC

I'm really learning so much from Weight Watchers. I'm just finding that I think about food way too much right now. But, I imagine it's just something I'll have to get adjusted to. Plus, my mom is going with me and she is kicking my ass in weight loss. She's lost 15 lbs to my pitiful 4 (she's having to lose 60 lbs and I'm only having to lose 15). My husband and I are joining the YMCA (we're waiting to hear back about a scholarship from them) and I plan on going at it with a vengeance. I LOATHE exercise, but I don't hate it as much as I love food.

Good luck with WW's. Their program worked for me. I highly recommend Pilates (bands) and walking

[cliffdweller]

Originally Posted by jannieC

I LOATHE exercise, but I don't hate it as much as I love food.

You know, I used to feel the same way, but now that I've gotten back on a steady tennis/aerobics alternating schedule every week I've found that I like exercise much more than I thought: it reduces stress, gets those endorphins surging, and really gives you a sense of accomplishment. Plus it has really changed my overall attitude...when you start feeling stronger and healthier you feel much better about yourself. I don't feel as negative and lazy as I used to, it's like a whole attitude change and now I actually CRAVE working out. Very weird.

[jannieC]

Originally Posted by cliffdweller

I don't feel as negative and lazy as I used to, it's like a whole attitude change and now I actually CRAVE working out. Very weird.

I have *never* experienced this- but I am really looking forward to it.

I'm going to start out with swimming. My husband is going to teach me how to swim(!) and I'm going to do laps at the Y. I have a really bad back, so I think it's best to start with this. I may pick up a pilates class, as I've heard that's great, too.

[David]

Originally Posted by jannieC

I'm really learning so much from Weight Watchers. I'm just finding that I think about food way too much right now. But, I imagine it's just something I'll have to get adjusted to. Plus, my mom is going with me and she is kicking my ass in weight loss. She's lost 15 lbs to my pitiful 4 (she's having to lose 60 lbs and I'm only having to lose 15). My husband and I are joining the YMCA (we're waiting to hear back about a scholarship from them) and I plan on going at it with a vengeance. I LOATHE exercise, but I don't hate it as much as I love food.

If you start exercising rigorously, you'll begin to (slowly) tone up & even build muscle. Once you do that, you might find your weight actually stays where it is or even creeps up a bit. Don't be alarmed. Muscle weighs more than fat.

That's the drawback of traditional diets: this sort of all-or-nothing preoccupation with weight, regardless of how muscular an individual's body makeup is (the same problem with the Body Mass Index, or BMI).

People who exercise fairly seriously are generally less concerned about how much they weigh than about how much fat they're carrying around. There are tools for checking body fat percentages available at the big gyms.

[jannieC]

Originally Posted by David

If you start exercising rigorously, you'll begin to (slowly) tone up & even build muscle. Once you do that, you might find your weight actually stays where it is or even creeps up a bit. Don't be alarmed. Muscle weighs more than fat.

That's the drawback of traditional diets: this sort of all-or-nothing preoccupation with weight, regardless of how muscular an individual's body makeup is (the same problem with the Body Mass Index, or BMI).

People who exercise fairly seriously are generally less concerned about how much they weigh than about how much fat they're carrying around. There are tools for checking body fat percentages available at the big gyms.

Personally, I'm not hung up on the number itself, I just want my clothes to fit better. That whole, "can't breath, stomach flopping over jeans" is very uncomfortable. You do weigh in each week at WW, but they really try to get you to NOT focus on the numbers.

David, will I really come to love exercise???

[Patti]

Jannie, I think you WILL come to love exercise. I was an on again/off again exerciser for a long time. Then when I hit about 35 I thought, "I REALLY don't like the way I look", so I started working out consistently. I'm now 46 and can't imagine my life without exercising. It's very important to me and when I can't work out for whatever reason, I feel like ****. I get up early in the morning and work out before work. It's a great beginning of my day and it ensures that I get my workout in without finding excuses in the evening not to do it.

[David]

Originally Posted by jannieC

David, will I really come to love exercise???

Well, I think you will! Particularly if you can mix sex in with exercise -- people who do that seem to really enjoy exercise & have no trouble inspiring themselves to get to their workout!

[jannieC]

Originally Posted by Patti

Jannie, I think you WILL come to love exercise. I was an on again/off again exerciser for a long time. Then when I hit about 35 I thought, "I REALLY don't like the way I look", so I started working out consistently. I'm now 46 and can't imagine my life without exercising. It's very important to me and when I can't work out for whatever reason, I feel like ****. I get up early in the morning and work out before work. It's a great beginning of my day and it ensures that I get my workout in without finding excuses in the evening not to do it.

I'm counting on this! I think it may happen this time because I'm not smoking anymore (quit almost 9 weeks ago). Maybe it will be easier? I just want to EAT again. And feel healthy. This has been such a life changing year for me!

Originally Posted by David

Well, I think you will! Particularly if you can mix sex in with exercise -- people who do that seem to really enjoy exercise & have no trouble inspiring themselves to get to their workout!

My husband will thank you!!!

[Patti]

You're doing great Jannie. Congrats on 9 weeks, I am at 3 weeks today myself. I still don't feel better not smoking, except I don't cough as much. But I think I never truly felt bad smoking because I worked out. Funny thing happened to me yesterday morning. I had a really long, great workout and when I was done, I had such a serious cig craving I thought I would die! That was a big trigger for me...work out really hard and then smoke when I was done. But I fought the temptation.

[skcin]

Well, I am the proud new owner of a Vision eliptical machine. I had previously been looking in the classifieds, but stopped because there was nothing listed for months. Saturday I just happened to be perusing the tiny little town newspaper, and saw an add "Eliptical, must sell, moving." Went & looked at it, tried it out & bought it on the spot. Poor Mark - I drag him across town on a moment's notice, spend $$$ that we don't really have, make him move the thing into his truck to take home & carry the 200 pound monster downstairs into the basement/rec room. He either really, really loves me, or thinks I'm really, really fat.

The thing's been used 10 times at most, it's gym quality (it actually seems smoother than the ones I've been on at the gym) and probably less than 1/5 the original price! I used it this morning, and wow, what a workout. I feel healthier already.

[cliffdweller]

Originally Posted by jannieC

David, will I really come to love exercise???

Yes you will! I promise. You just have to find an exercise regimen you enjoy. I play lots of tennis because I enjoy playing, it's great fun to me. Swimming sounds good, swimming is fun, although, I tend to goof off more in a swimming pool than actually swim laps so that's probably why I like it! Also, listening to your favorite music while working out helps tons .

[amber]

Originally Posted by Patti

You're doing great Jannie. Congrats on 9 weeks, I am at 3 weeks today myself. I still don't feel better not smoking, except I don't cough as much. But I think I never truly felt bad smoking because I worked out. Funny thing happened to me yesterday morning. I had a really long, great workout and when I was done, I had such a serious cig craving I thought I would die! That was a big trigger for me...work out really hard and then smoke when I was done. But I fought the temptation.

I crave cigs after a workout, too.
Good show, Paula!!!! I'm getting one too, probably in a week or two. I can't wait, I can't wait! I will be so hot, people will have accidents turning to look at me on the street.
It's important to have goals....

[Patti]

Glad to know I'm not the only one, Amber. I feel less strange!