undereating?

[skcin]

Originally Posted by amber

Excellente! Food should control your cravings, that is the kind of food you should eat. That is why I was pushing fiber so much, it takes a long time to digest, which is what stabilizes your blood sugar.

What've you lost now, 6 lbs or something? That is so great. Be sure and stick with it. I mean, why shouldn't you? It's fun to exercise and stuff. And to be honest - your pic you posted was really cute, but at your weight I was a little concerned about your health (remember you told us your weight).
You will be really happy if you lose weight. I was, just losing a few pounds. Okay, like 10.

Physical freedom is your birthright - don't ignore it, especially in your 20's when your joints don't hurt yet and stuff. Your twenties are the time to feel good, play outside, have sex, and be hot. Also, if you are athletic like it seems you are, you are missing tons of cool **** by not playing outside in some form.
I mean, don't you want and deserve to make yourself feel good? To make your body and brain run at it's optimal capability? You will be so happy.
I'm not saying this because I think it is important for you to look hot, I'm saying it because I think you'll regret if you don't lose a bit, and eat brain healthy foods. Especially throughout your twenties.

Also, I think you might miss some joy if you don't exercise. *P.S. - Look and see if your town has recreational softball - it's totally fun. I was on a mixed gender team once, and a lesbian team once. The lesbian team was funner because I was relatively better. Also, the lesbians were nicer. *

Okay, end of lecture. I just want you to keep up with everything. Seriously, you will be way happier.

*I hope no one thinks this is rude, I just care about Carrie and say these same things to everyone anyways.*
I really have a thing about people not exercising, in some way. I really find so much joy there, and sometimes in eating well ( ) that I want everyone else to do it. To me it seems sad to have a life without fun exercise. Pretty often.
I don't really believe people who say they hate to exercise (I do somewhat, sometimes I hate to exercise, too. Dmuh.)
But what I would say is that they just haven't found their exercises of choice, yet.

Anyone who does/has done something physical that they enjoy really can't deny how good it feels. Sometimes it takes a few sessions, a few months. But if you practice, and find something you like, there is absolutely no chance you won't feel the benefits (feeling good) of exercise.
Some people like the gym, or a mix, or some like to exercise at home, or some like to do activities that aren't typically classified as "exercise" (Gardening, walking the dog, those 2 sets of sit ups you do while you're watching TV. Then maybe you do some calf raises while watching TV.

There are a lot of exercise DVD's available, I think by Netflix and others. My friend just told me that she loves them, because she can do them in between kid things, or when she has insomnia, for a few minutes at a time or longer if she has the time.

I was really happy for her - she doesn't like to exercise as much outside, she was a gymnast. She says something about how her ankles and wrists get sore easily (you need those for walking/running/skating/). I've asked her to go hiking numerous times, but she really won't.
But she likes the DVD's. She says the stretching one is harder - I agree - but she is already really flexible in her joints and stuff, from being a gymnast, so probably needs to find more challenging stretching/yoga. I have to force myself to stretch, too, but mostly because it's not only difficult, but a bit dull, for me. But I just do it, and I feel so much better. The thing I tell myself is: "Just 20 minutes" or "Just 10 minutes" or "just 3 sets" or "Just a few stretching moves while breathing deeply"
And that totally works - it makes everything seem worth it, because you realize that in the grand scheme of your time, 5,10,15,15,1 hour minutes isn't really that much compared to the time you could waste. And if you just start doing something, within a few minutes you won't feel as lethargic, or as antsy, as you did, and you may want to do more.
It's like, all you have to do is start doing something for 5-10-20 minutes.
Sometimes you won't do that long, but that isn't failing, maybe the next time you'll do 40 minutes or something - the point is to keep starting. Also, maybe you'll eat a King Sized Snickers, and some chips, but you just keep exercising when you can, and buy some other healthy stuff, and try to eat it - eventually you'll accomplish something if you keep attempting.

If anyone read that, I would count that as exercise.

I read it. The whole thing. I didn't even skim over anything. Swear.


I cannot agree with you more about finding activities that you like to do. If you think of it as a chore, it's not fun & you won't do it, no matter how good it makes you feel afterwards.

I also tend to tell myself that if I don't have at least 30 minutes, then it's not worth it so why bother. That's obviously not true. I really need to just get my ass up & moving (like you said) and not worry about specific times periods. Yesterday, I was able to take a 20 min. walk during lunch, then I walked to dog after work. Tonight will be the elliptical & weights/stretching.

OH! I almost forgot the most exciting thing! They're having a FREE morning yoga class once a week where I work, so I'm going to start that next month. I'm very excited.

[amber]

Originally Posted by skcin

I read it. The whole thing. I didn't even skim over anything. Swear.


I cannot agree with you more about finding activities that you like to do. If you think of it as a chore, it's not fun & you won't do it, no matter how good it makes you feel afterwards.

I also tend to tell myself that if I don't have at least 30 minutes, then it's not worth it so why bother. That's obviously not true. I really need to just get my ass up & moving (like you said) and not worry about specific times periods. Yesterday, I was able to take a 20 min. walk during lunch, then I walked to dog after work. Tonight will be the elliptical & weights/stretching.

OH! I almost forgot the most exciting thing! They're having a FREE morning yoga class once a week where I work, so I'm going to start that next month. I'm very excited.

You will love it. It will be more difficult if you drink coffee in the morning. I can't remember if you do.

[carrie721]

Originally Posted by amber

Excellente! Food should control your cravings, that is the kind of food you should eat. That is why I was pushing fiber so much, it takes a long time to digest, which is what stabilizes your blood sugar.

What've you lost now, 6 lbs or something? That is so great. Be sure and stick with it. I mean, why shouldn't you? It's fun to exercise and stuff. And to be honest - your pic you posted was really cute, but at your weight I was a little concerned about your health (remember you told us your weight).
You will be really happy if you lose weight. I was, just losing a few pounds. Okay, like 10.

Physical freedom is your birthright - don't ignore it, especially in your 20's when your joints don't hurt yet and stuff. Your twenties are the time to feel good, play outside, have sex, and be hot. Also, if you are athletic like it seems you are, you are missing tons of cool **** by not playing outside in some form.
I mean, don't you want and deserve to make yourself feel good? To make your body and brain run at it's optimal capability? You will be so happy.
I'm not saying this because I think it is important for you to look hot, I'm saying it because I think you'll regret if you don't lose a bit, and eat brain healthy foods. Especially throughout your twenties.

Also, I think you might miss some joy if you don't exercise. *P.S. - Look and see if your town has recreational softball - it's totally fun. I was on a mixed gender team once, and a lesbian team once. The lesbian team was funner because I was relatively better. Also, the lesbians were nicer. *

Okay, end of lecture. I just want you to keep up with everything. Seriously, you will be way happier.

*I hope no one thinks this is rude, I just care about Carrie and say these same things to everyone anyways.*
I really have a thing about people not exercising, in some way. I really find so much joy there, and sometimes in eating well ( ) that I want everyone else to do it. To me it seems sad to have a life without fun exercise. Pretty often.
I don't really believe people who say they hate to exercise (I do somewhat, sometimes I hate to exercise, too. Dmuh.)
But what I would say is that they just haven't found their exercises of choice, yet.

Anyone who does/has done something physical that they enjoy really can't deny how good it feels. Sometimes it takes a few sessions, a few months. But if you practice, and find something you like, there is absolutely no chance you won't feel the benefits (feeling good) of exercise.
Some people like the gym, or a mix, or some like to exercise at home, or some like to do activities that aren't typically classified as "exercise" (Gardening, walking the dog, those 2 sets of sit ups you do while you're watching TV. Then maybe you do some calf raises while watching TV.

There are a lot of exercise DVD's available, I think by Netflix and others. My friend just told me that she loves them, because she can do them in between kid things, or when she has insomnia, for a few minutes at a time or longer if she has the time.

I was really happy for her - she doesn't like to exercise as much outside, she was a gymnast. She says something about how her ankles and wrists get sore easily (you need those for walking/running/skating/). I've asked her to go hiking numerous times, but she really won't.
But she likes the DVD's. She says the stretching one is harder - I agree - but she is already really flexible in her joints and stuff, from being a gymnast, so probably needs to find more challenging stretching/yoga. I have to force myself to stretch, too, but mostly because it's not only difficult, but a bit dull, for me. But I just do it, and I feel so much better. The thing I tell myself is: "Just 20 minutes" or "Just 10 minutes" or "just 3 sets" or "Just a few stretching moves while breathing deeply"
And that totally works - it makes everything seem worth it, because you realize that in the grand scheme of your time, 5,10,15,15,1 hour minutes isn't really that much compared to the time you could waste. And if you just start doing something, within a few minutes you won't feel as lethargic, or as antsy, as you did, and you may want to do more.
It's like, all you have to do is start doing something for 5-10-20 minutes.
Sometimes you won't do that long, but that isn't failing, maybe the next time you'll do 40 minutes or something - the point is to keep starting. Also, maybe you'll eat a King Sized Snickers, and some chips, but you just keep exercising when you can, and buy some other healthy stuff, and try to eat it - eventually you'll accomplish something if you keep attempting.

If anyone read that, I would count that as exercise.

i read it too! i agree with everything you said. really, the advice & support i get here are invaluable to me. who knew i would learn more about nutrition at a FM message board than i've learned about FM?

anyway, yes, 6 lbs. is the official number. i weighed myself yesterday and i had gained a pound, but i got my period today, so it doesn't count. i totally plan on sticking with it because really, i feel 1000 times better than i felt at the beginning of the summer. i feel energized during the day and tired at night, and i haven't been on any normal sleep schedule in years. who knew i could wake up at 7 when i didn't have to? who knew i could do the elliptical for 45 minutes? who knew? anyway, that was a totally awesome post, amber. thanks.

[amber]

Originally Posted by carrie721

i read it too! i agree with everything you said. really, the advice & support i get here are invaluable to me. who knew i would learn more about nutrition at a FM message board than i've learned about FM?

anyway, yes, 6 lbs. is the official number. i weighed myself yesterday and i had gained a pound, but i got my period today, so it doesn't count. i totally plan on sticking with it because really, i feel 1000 times better than i felt at the beginning of the summer. i feel energized during the day and tired at night, and i haven't been on any normal sleep schedule in years. who knew i could wake up at 7 when i didn't have to? who knew i could do the elliptical for 45 minutes? who knew? anyway, that was a totally awesome post, amber. thanks.

Woooow, I'm totally happy you are doing so well! Actually, if you think you gained one pound, and it's your period, you will probably have lost 2 lbs by the end. You know.

Have you gotten to the "not as hungry with fewer calories" point yet?

[skcin]

Originally Posted by amber

You will love it. It will be more difficult if you drink coffee in the morning. I can't remember if you do.

Nope, just 1 cup of vanilla chai tea.

I'm really psyched about this class.

Originally Posted by carrie721

anyway, yes, 6 lbs. is the official number. i weighed myself yesterday and i had gained a pound, but i got my period today, so it doesn't count. i totally plan on sticking with it because really, i feel 1000 times better than i felt at the beginning of the summer. i feel energized during the day and tired at night, and i haven't been on any normal sleep schedule in years. who knew i could wake up at 7 when i didn't have to? who knew i could do the elliptical for 45 minutes? who knew? anyway, that was a totally awesome post, amber. thanks.

That's awesome! I can barely manage 30 on the elliptical even though I love it. I'm exhausted! And you can easily put on 2-3 pounds during your period, so no worries. Sounds like you're more focused on how you feel than specific numbers anyway, which is how it should be. Not that you shouldn't weigh youself, but if you lose 10 pounds & still feel like ****, that's no good. On the other hand, if you lose 5 but feel more energetic & happy - much better.

[carrie721]

Originally Posted by amber

Woooow, I'm totally happy you are doing so well! Actually, if you think you gained one pound, and it's your period, you will probably have lost 2 lbs by the end. You know.

Have you gotten to the "not as hungry with fewer calories" point yet?

i better lose 2 more pounds by the end of this! grr.

yeah, i've been eating more often & more fiber, so i've not been getting hungry as often. and i've been eating less bread. before, i was having a sandwich a day on 9-grain bread, and now the only bread i eat is a 50-cal wheat wrap/tortilla thing, and i don't eat those very often. so i think that's helped.

oh, and i got some morningstar fake chicken. good stuff. my friend abbie & my mom are both intrigued by my new diet choices, and have been asking a lot of questions. my mom wants me to help her start planning dinners and stuff.

[DrummerDeanna]

Hey! Congrats on the weight loss! I'll have to go read through this whole thing when I don't want to kill everyone

I'm so excited about starting with my weight stuff....your doing so well - I hope I can do as well

[carrie721]

Originally Posted by skcin

That's awesome! I can barely manage 30 on the elliptical even though I love it. I'm exhausted! And you can easily put on 2-3 pounds during your period, so no worries. Sounds like you're more focused on how you feel than specific numbers anyway, which is how it should be. Not that you shouldn't weigh youself, but if you lose 10 pounds & still feel like ****, that's no good. On the other hand, if you lose 5 but feel more energetic & happy - much better.

yeah, i'm not too concerned about the numbers. really, where i am physically, i can't NOT lose weight right now. i thought about only weighing myself every once in a while, but i decided to do it more often b/c i'm kind of interested in seeing how different activities/routines affect my weight loss.

i'm so jealous of your class! i was planning on taking a yoga class at my gym this fall, but they've changed everything around, and now instead of offering beginning & advanced yoga & pilates classes, they've combined all of them and they just offer one "yogalates" class. wtf.

[SuzeQuze]

Originally Posted by carrie721

i read it too! i agree with everything you said. really, the advice & support i get here are invaluable to me. who knew i would learn more about nutrition at a FM message board than i've learned about FM?

anyway, yes, 6 lbs. is the official number. i weighed myself yesterday and i had gained a pound, but i got my period today, so it doesn't count. i totally plan on sticking with it because really, i feel 1000 times better than i felt at the beginning of the summer. i feel energized during the day and tired at night, and i haven't been on any normal sleep schedule in years. who knew i could wake up at 7 when i didn't have to? who knew i could do the elliptical for 45 minutes? who knew? anyway, that was a totally awesome post, amber. thanks.

It really is amazing how much exercise can change your state of mind and everything. I've lost 2 more pounds for a total of 10 and now people are constantly telling me I've lost weight. It took so long for it to be noticable! But that's the kind of weight loss that is sustainable, slow and steady. I think what they say about weight training is totally true too. Now that I have some muscle mass my metabolism is higher, I'm always amazed on Monday that the crap I ate over the weekend has no effect on the scale!

Congrats to everyone who is working at eating well and exercising. At first it seems so hard but then it just becomes your lifestyle.

[amber]

Originally Posted by carrie721

i better lose 2 more pounds by the end of this! grr.

yeah, i've been eating more often & more fiber, so i've not been getting hungry as often. and i've been eating less bread. before, i was having a sandwich a day on 9-grain bread, and now the only bread i eat is a 50-cal wheat wrap/tortilla thing, and i don't eat those very often. so i think that's helped.

oh, and i got some morningstar fake chicken. good stuff. my friend abbie & my mom are both intrigued by my new diet choices, and have been asking a lot of questions. my mom wants me to help her start planning dinners and stuff.

Wow, really? Your mom did that? My mom/parents were pretty resistant to my desired diet changes. Course, I was being vegan. And I didn't live with them, just lectured them.
That is really great! It helps a lot when you live with people who may want to eat similarly.
I love those chix patties sooo much, it's ridiculous. I only really get them sometimes, b/c of the cost, but I totally love them. Also, just so you know - the Boca fake ground beef is pretty tasty, too. I cook it with salsa and some green onions, smidge of oil, then use it for burritos. I guess you don't eat many burritos, but if you wanted to, it kicks ass.
Did you ever find that Teryiaki stir fry with just chick and veggies that comes in a bag? Look again, that sh*t is tasty. Expensive kinda, again, though. It's like 7.99, then I buy it on sale when it's 4.99. Still.

Originally Posted by Suze

It really is amazing how much exercise can change your state of mind and everything. I've lost 2 more pounds for a total of 10 and now people are constantly telling me I've lost weight. It took so long for it to be noticable! But that's the kind of weight loss that is sustainable, slow and steady. I think what they say about weight training is totally true too. Now that I have some muscle mass my metabolism is higher, I'm always amazed on Monday that the crap I ate over the weekend has no effect on the scale!

Congrats to everyone who is working at eating well and exercising. At first it seems so hard but then it just becomes your lifestyle.

I didn't know you lost 10 lbs! That is great. You looked really cute in your recent pics, but you looked pretty slim to me when I saw you in Vegas. I can see how a 10 lb weight loss would look pretty dramatic on you. I'm glad you're getting nice muscles from weight training.
How're your calves?

After I lost the 10 lbs, random people just kept saying "you look great!" without saying I lost weight. Well, my boss asked if I lost weight. My best friend pinned it on the bangs when someone else commented on how great I look. I promptly said "no, it's not the bangs, it's the weight!" It may be that thing where I'm still the same shape, but thinner (or fatter) is why people don't totally notice the weight loss. Muscles, ya know. I think they mainly notice because my head gets less fat.

Anyway, I'm so happy for everyone, and Paula - I meant to tell you - you looked great in your camping jeans. Toned yet moderately slim.

[JazmenFlowers]

Congrats Carrie! my official loss is 12 since beginning of June. I'm hoping to be at least halfway to my goal by Christmas.

[skcin]

Originally Posted by amber

Anyway, I'm so happy for everyone, and Paula - I meant to tell you - you looked great in your camping jeans. Toned yet moderately slim.

Aw, thanks! You're the 3rd person that told me I looked good in those jeans, which is odd because they're a few years old & I didn't think they were looking so good anymore. Good. I will wear them contstantly now.

[JazmenFlowers]

Originally Posted by skcin

Aw, thanks! You're the 3rd person that told me I looked good in those jeans, which is odd because they're a few years old & I didn't think they were looking so good anymore. Good. I will wear them contstantly now.

add me as the 4th. you look ab fab. I think you have a cute figure.

black strappy sandals - $45*
green dress with black lace overlay - $50*
the expression on Paula's face on NYE - priceless

*prices are guesstimated

[skcin]

Originally Posted by JazmenFlowers

add me as the 4th. you look ab fab. I think you have a cute figure.

black strappy sandals - $45*
green dress with black lace overlay - $50*
the expression on Paula's face on NYE - priceless

*prices are guesstimated

Now, being a bargain whore, I must point out that the dress was marked down to $28 & the shoes were around $20.

[carrie721]

Originally Posted by amber

Wow, really? Your mom did that? My mom/parents were pretty resistant to my desired diet changes. Course, I was being vegan. And I didn't live with them, just lectured them.
That is really great! It helps a lot when you live with people who may want to eat similarly.
I love those chix patties sooo much, it's ridiculous. I only really get them sometimes, b/c of the cost, but I totally love them. Also, just so you know - the Boca fake ground beef is pretty tasty, too. I cook it with salsa and some green onions, smidge of oil, then use it for burritos. I guess you don't eat many burritos, but if you wanted to, it kicks ass.
Did you ever find that Teryiaki stir fry with just chick and veggies that comes in a bag? Look again, that sh*t is tasty. Expensive kinda, again, though. It's like 7.99, then I buy it on sale when it's 4.99. Still.

yeah, we'll see how long my mom stays interested in the idea ... she eats horribly. she has fast food almost every day, drinks a ton of coke, etc. she's going to get diabetes. she's just never had to eat well and exercise to stay thin ... she and both of her sisters were skinnnnnnny growing up. the difference is, her sisters started eating healthfully & exercising after they had kids. so anyway ... i haven't found that teryiaki chicken stuff yet, and i've been looking. could be we just don't have it here. i bought some morningstar spicy blackbean burgers today. i was turned off to the idea of veggie burgers for a long time because the ones we have at work are nass. tee. but now that i know fake meat can be good ... well, y'know.

oh, also, i emailed the parks & rec guy here about the fall softball league. yay! and i bought a soccer ball. now i just need to find someone who likes playing as much as i do ... my dogs like playing, b ut they're not much competition.

ok, this post has taken me forever to write because i'm watching misery on tv, and i've been up since 5:45. and i went to the gym. and i went hiking.