Thanks to the inspiration of Mom of 2 Catchers I am starting this thread. So impressed that she has lost 50 pounds. I want to lose 20 to 25. Sounds like there were several others. Lets encourage one another and see if we can all fit back in our britches by baseball season. That gives us all 6 months plus to be where we want to be.

I started swimming this week (having problems with my achilles heels) and I'm going to start cutting back on the food. Anyone want to join me?

Mom of 2, we are waiting to hear your suggestions and inspiration.

I'd love to hear how mom of 2 catchers did that! That's terrific weight loss. I know of another poster (dad) who has lost a chunk with a program that included using the elyptical (?sp) machine. While I could loose 50 and no one would think I looked like I was doing without food, I'd be content to loose 25-30 which would put me in my "range".

Congrats again to mom of 2 catchers!!

Sounds like a great idea to encourage each other here! I am so tired of working so hard to lose weight and then putting it back on - can anybody relate?

Okay - today I am going to drink my water (80 oz) and eat healthy for today - taking it a day at a time so I'm not so overwhelmed! It is amazing how drinking the water helps the weight loss -

( said with mouth full )
Ut-oh,....guess that means I probably oughta spit out this chocolate glazed donut,..eh?

Good grief,...I wish my cafe whipped cream mocha would QUIT staring at me!!!!!!

Since my golden retriever has been walking around the house all morning with his leash in his mouth, perhaps I should get off my computer cozy hiney, & ignore him no longer.

How come there are no vitamins,..and only calories in oreos??? I ask ya? How come???

quote:

Originally posted by shortstopmom:


How come there are no vitamins,..and only calories in oreos??? I ask ya? How come???

We can send people to the moon, but we can't make an oreo cookie that taste like an oreo cookie, but is good for you! Something just ain't right about that!!!

Hello!! I am now down 65 lbs and I'm within 7 lbs of what I weight when I graduated from high school. I actually weigh less than what my driver's license says I do and it was WAAAYYYYY off before I lost weight!

My story--I have had problems with my weight since about 1995 when I started grad school and promptly gained not only my degree but 50 lbs to go with it. Then I got married to Prince Charming and somehow (?) ended up pregnant. When I gave birth to that last kid, I was the size of a small rhino. I had lost a decent amount of that weight and kept it off pretty well until last summer with traveling ball. So, I went through most of the winter scolding myself and dragging myself around feeling miserable and fat.

After Christmas, I started looking into some different programs. I didn't say anything to anyone in my house, but my husband saw the links on the computer and asked me about it. I told him how disgusted I was with my weight and even so, I was afraid to pay for a weight loss program because I was scared I would gain the weight back and be wasting our $$ (we are sending two kids to college this fall, another one next fall, and still have 3 more after those). He listened, told me he loved me, it didn't matter to him if I was big or small, but he wanted me to be happy with myself. He also said that I really couldn't worry about re-gaining until I lost the weight first. So, I bit the bullet and did it.

What I did was a medical based program with all the food products provided for me. It was shakes, puddings, and soups. Yes, it was expensive, but I think about the same cost as nutri-system and others. I had to see a physician once a month, get labs done once a month, and go to classes and meet with a dietician/counselor weekly. Yes, I wondered if I could stand not eating regular food, but I can honestly say this was the easiest diet ever. I wasn't hungry, no real cravings, and lots of support. The best thing was that EVERY time I got on the scale, I lost weight.

I officially started transitioning over to normal food the first week of July and in two more weeks, I'll be off all of the packaged stuff. When I get to that point, there is some sort of test that the Dr's office is going to do which will tell me how many calories I can take in a day and not gain weight. I don't know exactly what it is, but I think it is something that I blow into. This program also has a maintenance aspect, I am expected to go to weekly sessions for 6 months.

I have actually lost more than what my goal was and I'm still losing as I transition back to normal food. I was wearing 16's and 18's and now I'm in 8's and 10's. I feel like Twiggy. I had to buy a complete new wardrobe (aww, shucks!!) I did promise Mr Charming that I would try to look more girly so I even have a few flowerdy things. It is a lot more fun dressing like a girl when you actually look like a girl instead of a rhino.

Mr Charming and I are taking up tennis which so far involves me hitting him the ball, him hitting it back, then me chasing it down and hitting it to him to repeat the process over and over. I just am not good at hitting with that silly net thing, maybe I could try a bat?? I also have started walking every morning at 6 am (something I never thought I could drag my behind out of bed to do) with my good friend Marcia. It is good exercise and gives us a chance to do some female bonding. I also have a weight machine and an elliptical in my basement still gathering dust but when the weather gets bad, I'll be on them.

Crystal light is my friend, I have cut down on my caffeine except for my morning coffee, but now most days I only have one cup. I drink at least two quarts of something each day, usually mostly water or crystal light. I'm not a big soda drinker, now or before, but when I do, it is diet sunkist orange or diet root beer.

Now comes the hardest part, keeping it off. There is a book called "Thin for Life" and it is pretty good. I'm not scared about gaining it all back this time anymore, I just can't tell you how much better I feel now. Its kinda like when you are pregnant for the first time and you know you don't feel good at the end, but you don't realize how bad it was until after that baby is born and you feel SO much better.

What I know from all of the reading I have done both of general and medical literature: daily exercise (walking is great), food diary including every little mouthful, frequent weighing, and getting an "action plan" for any weight gain over a certain limit (like 5 lbs), lots of water, and determination is what keeps the weight off.

If I can lose weight, anyone can.

Oh my, I seem to have written a small novel!! I need to go to bed!

mom of two catchers - Congrats again! It is never easy to loose weight. My boss at work wanted to loose an amount of weight similar to you and he did a program like you talk about. It was very expensive and out of most people's budgets, but it worked very well!

I walk just about every day and have for most of my life. I stopped or just did tiny little walks for about a month this summer when I was battling some severe anemia. I gained 5 lbs! It can be a tremendous asset in just maintaining if nothing else. I am looking forward to adding some more cardio type exercise soon as I'll be childless this fall and should have lots of extra time on my hands!

Thank you, thank you, thank you, I am so glad I noticed this thread!

Mom of 2 Catchers, I am so excited for you! And you are an inspiration!

Coincidentally, I just made a vow to lose the weight I have gained since age 40...by the time I hit 50. I'm 49 and have just over 40 weeks to lose 40 lbs.

This weekend I started a 1-week trial membership at a large fitness center (LifeTime Fitness) but I think it may be too big and too beautiful for me, LOL! No one there looks like they need to lose a pound! So I exercised there two days in a row, but today I called and made an appointment for tomorrow after work to try out a Curves center, and I'll pick one of the two. I know I can do it, but it sure is great to find the rest of you for support.

When I was six months shy of 40, I found myself about 15 to 20 lbs. over my comfortable weight, and joined a gym and got a diet from a personal trainer there. But the most important part was the exercise and muscle building...I did a really intense exercise program for one hour 3 times per week, plus about 10 minutes on a stepper machine every morning to get the metabolism going before showering. I found that once I had muscles again, I could keep the weight off with less effort. I got down to my goal weight by my 40th birthday and kept it off for a year or two, but got too busy to exercise...

Now I am almost a decade older and about 40 lbs. overweight (I'm 5'10" so I can hide a little extra weight, but not this much!). My knees make creaking noises on stairs, no good! So I am going to lose this weight.

My inspiration, besides Mom of 2 catchers: my 75-yr-old mom! She joined Curves about a year ago and lost 15 lbs of about 20 she wants to lose eventually. If she can do it at 75, I can do it at almost-50.

Okay, so we're not going to have actual weigh-ins, are we?


Julie

Julie,

Isn't it funny how the prospect of turning FIFTY can be the impetus to lifestyle changes that the past 30 years couldn't manage to do??

I turn the big 5-0 NEXT November...but I decided in February of this year that altho there is NOTHING about turning 50 that makes me happy (yes..my name is vanity! ) I was determined that I was going to FEEL and LOOK my best when I hit that milestone. I used to exercise fairly religiously throughout my 20's and early-30's...but around 35 I found my motivation, coupled with the fact I had very busy children at home, had completely disappeared. This year, I found myself looking into a closet full of clothes, yet had NOTHING to wear! And decided it was time to FINALLY commit to making myself a better healthier person.

I am glad to report that I have been hitting the gym RELIGIOUSLY for the past four months...some MIGHT say fanatically...and have lost 20 pounds. I am down to my high school weight...and feeling pretty darn good about myself. I'm even wearing some of those really cute workout outfits to the gym now. And I LOVE the dilemma of looking into my closet and having waaaaaaay too many outfits to choose from.

It's been strenuous aerobic exercise coupled with weights..plus a MUCH healthier diet. I don't think I"ve had any sugar for 4 months now, and I honestly don't miss it at all. And this is from the originating member of the chocoholic club! . I eat mostly chicken, fish, salads and fruits. And only whole grained pastas and grains. And I LOVE it.

So keep the faith everyone...it can be done. Granted, I don't have the weight loss of some of these amazing stories! Kudo's to all of you! But the determination to drop those 20 pounds (5 more to go!) was needed just as badly!

Glad I found this thread too! Keep up the good work everyone!

Hi Everyone,

I'm so glad I found this part of the baseball web site. This is what I needed for inspiration. My son is playing until Sunday in a tournament in Joplin, MO. and I just got to the hotel where I am staying-no hubby or other children. I brought my tennis shoes and think I will check out the hotel fitness area. There should be no excuses when son is with team and other families are back home. Any suggestions of healthy eating when you are away from home and in a hotel for a week. That is a huge problem for me and my husband-traveling with baseball is not good on this 40 year olds " big bottom spread" Good Luck to everyone and congrats to Mom of 2 Catchers!!

quote:

Any suggestions of healthy eating when you are away from home and in a hotel for a week. That is a huge problem for me and my husband-traveling with baseball is not good on this 40 year olds " big bottom spread"

Sunshinesmom...isn't THIS a HUGE problem we all face?!?!? LOVE baseball, but it is tough on the waistline! Especially when travelling. I had found that this past year, I did quite a bit of travelling for baseball by myself. And I HATE the idea of going into a restaurant by myself. So, I would always find a restaurant near the hotel...and order a salad to take out. Got to be careful with restaurant salads too...the SEEM healthy, but are often loaded with extra calories. I always had the dressing on the side, and only used about HALF the amount. Usually opted for oil and vinegar. No croutons. Tried for grilled chicken breast on the salad for some protein. Otherwise, I would always look for a grilled fish or chicken entree. No cream sauces, no carb side dish. I would always double up on the veggies instead.

Granted, at first it takes alot of thinking to figure out a healthy lo-cal alternative on menus. Don't be afraid to ask for things to be prepared differently than what is listed on the menu.

By the way, I also found a great little handbook I keep in the car: http://www.amazon.com/Eat-This-Not-That-Pounds/dp/15948...id=1216767381&sr=1-1 It's called "Eat This, Not That". It is a GREAT resource for fast food and chain restaurants on healthy eating alternatives. Some of the suggestions are surprising:

For example:
Arbys...eat a Chicken Cordon Bleu Sandwich - grilled (488 calories)
or Martha's Vineyard Salad (389 calories)
DON'T eat Chicken Salad with Pecans Sandwich (769 calories) or Santa Fe Salad (773 calories)

Panera...eat a STrawberry Poppyseed & Chicken Salad (310 calories) or Low-Fat Vegetarian Garden Veggie Soup (220 calories)
DON'T eat Broccoli Cheddar Soup (790 Calories), or a Fuji Apple Chicken Salad (580 calories)

Anyway...it is a very interesting resource to have when traveling!

thanks luvbb-I will go in the morning and find that book do you think Walmart will have it? I drove thru chik filet and got their new grilled chicken and fruit salad with fat free honey mustard and it was really good. Now if I can just control myself and not start snooping around for chocolate. I dont like to go into resturants by myself either-why are we like this? I don't go to the movies by myself-yet I am always complaning I need more "me" time

Keep up the great suggestions

quote:

thanks luvbb-I will go in the morning and find that book do you think Walmart will have it?

I don't know about Walmart...but I got mine at Target!

Kathy, (luvbb for anyone who doesn't know Kathy)

I have seen recent photos of you and can testify, YOU LOOK MAH-VELOUS, DARLINK!!! I think the way you described, both diet and exercise, is exactly what will work for me. I also believe I can do it because that is how I got down to my goal weight when turning 40. The group I joined then (super hard exercise class with weightlifting and aerobic stuff) was over half 39-year-olds!

sunshinesmom, you go, girl! Did you check out the fitness area at the hotel? I am honestly feeling better after just 4 days of working out.

Aerobic workout plus strength training, as Kathy mentioned. Every pound of muscle you add burns something like 5 calories extra per hour! I read that on the wall of the Curves club tonight. I am still trying to choose between Curves and LifeTime Fitness. I went to Curves tonight for a tour and sample workout, but it honestly seemed a little too easy...and at 49 I was one of the youngest ones there, LOL! And Curves has only a dozen machines, which makes it simple to get started, but I think I would get bored within a month. So I may just join the larger, glitzier one, LifeTime Fitness, where they have hundreds of machines, and personal trainers available.

I definitely concur with Kathy on the diet...lots of veggies, a little fruit, lowfat protein, stay away from sugar, and whole grain, high fiber starches. The protein and fiber definitely help fill you up and keep you full. After I eat healthy like that for a week or two (but not a strict diet...eat if you are hungry), I am not very attracted to cookies, etc.

Gee, I sure am glad it's just us gals reading this forum...wouldn't want any guys looking in on our little party.

Julie

quote:

So I may just join the larger, glitzier one, LifeTime Fitness, where they have hundreds of machines, and personal trainers available.

Julie...FWIW...I think the BEST "splurge" I did was to hire a personal trainer! I had not been to a gym in AGES, so I was definetly INTIMIDATED by all the glitzy machines and all the obviously "in shape" people working out at the gym. I definetly needed some guidance. She is GREAT! I now meet with her once a week, and she ALWAYS has a new workout for me, inquires as to my eating habits, makes sure I'm working out effectively, she keeps me honest...she's my FITNESS UMP! Not sure how much longer I will keep her services, as I'm feeling pretty confident on my own now...but she was a NECESSITY for me when I was starting out! Let us know which route you decide to go...Curves or the BIG gym?

quote:

Originally posted by MN-Mom:
Kathy, (luvbb for anyone who doesn't know Kathy)

I have seen recent photos of you and can testify, YOU LOOK MAH-VELOUS, DARLINK!!!

Well, have you ever met her in person? I'm trying to figure out where she'd loose 20 lbs from! She looked marvelous before!

Hey all --

It's been awhile since I've lurked about here. Glad I found this thread!

I've lost 70 lbs since December. Boy did I need to! I had just absolutely ballooned up since the passing of my daughter Zoe in April '06. Finally getting the determination to lose and get in shape so my other two kids wouldn't lose another family member was the best thing I've done in years. A combination of self-preservation and desire to feel good got me to Weight Watchers. Hey -- they have the psychology of weight loss down! I love my little gold stars! I am amazed and delighted that a simple recognition of my efforts helps perpetuate the losing. It makes me feel like a kindergartner!

I was an athlete once upon a time (B.K. -- before kids) So when I found out about a program that helps people train for a marathon, and raises money for luekemia and lymphoma research, I signed up. I am now running 30 miles a week, and increasing the distance every week. Geez -- it is so danged cool to be slim and athletic again! I want to lose another 20 lbs by marathon day in October -- 'cause even though I am in the "healthy" range for my height now, every pound I can get off is that much less to drag around for 26 miles.

So -- I guess my story is about being there for my kids, and refinding the strong and fit me that I had so many (20+) years ago.

Go Gals! This is awesome that so many of us bleacher-butted moms are losing weight and feeling fine!

Emeraldvlly,

WOW...70 pounds! Actually, I'm not sure which is more impressive...the 70 pounds or you running a MARATHON! Okay..they are BOTH impressive!
A huge congratulations! And continued good wishes towards your goal of completing the marathon!

Lafmom,

lol...I guess that is one of the benefits of being tall..you can HIDE more!

emeraldvlly,

Wow, I am so proud of you! And running 30 miles per week, wow! That must be a huge time commitment. I remember the last time I was in really good shape, my jogging pace was about a 7-minute mile, which would mean 30 miles would have taken me 3-1/2 hours per week!

You go, girl!

Julie

Julie --

Oh boy. Those days of a 7 min mile are looonnng gone. (but at least I can still rmember them!). I have progressed from a 13 minute mile (how is it even possible to go that slowly?!) to a very comfortable 9:10 for up to 10 miles. I hope to get to 8 feeling easy. Then a relaxed pace in the marathon should still get me in under 4:30 for the marathon. I've been told that a first-timer should have only finishing as the goal -- but I am a stubbornly competitive person, and I figure that the faster I go, the sooner I'm done -- so I am trying my darndest to get "speed" and endurance by October. As for the time commitment -- I don't work outside the home, and our group long runs are at 7:00 on Saturdays -- so I have time to get in however many miles I can handle. I am actually really looking forward to my first 20 mile training run in September! Bring it on!

Kirsten