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Trav
New Member
| Joined: | 7 May 2010 |
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| Posts: | 36 |
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Posted: 20 May 2010 06:41 pm |
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http://www.travlynweightloss.blogspot.com
Please check it out!
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Nir
Senior Administrator
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Posted: 21 May 2010 10:08 am |
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Could you put into words what advantage you feel you have posting your diary on blogspot instead of starting a diary here on  ?
(For example do you think you'll have more "hits" in a stand-alone blog floating in cyberspace? clearly you are concerned about that otherwise you wouldn't come here to advertise your blog. Consider, then, that diaries on this forum have a ready-made readership of frequent visitors. We even have a handy built-in counter based on which it appears my diary has had 270,216 views. For what it is worth I seriously doubt I would have had as many hits if my diary was on some blog on the internet, and because one of the reasons I have a diary is accontability that is important to me.)
Cheers
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Trav
New Member
| Joined: | 7 May 2010 |
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| Posts: | 36 |
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Posted: 22 May 2010 10:49 pm |
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I thought the purpose of this forum was share ideas and our journey. Since I already have a public diary that I started on blogspot, it did not make sense for me to start a brand new one here, but simply post a link to my already existant diary.
I think it is disingenous to assume that my motives are different from everyone else's here, since my blog is non-commerical and does have a function that is substantively different from the diary forum here.
I read the terms of service, and it was clear that commerical blogs are not allowed. My blog is not commerical, nor do I receive monetary compensation for any product (including this website) that I find useful.
Since my blog is in the spirit of this forum, I felt it was appropriate to share it.
Cheer back at ya'
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Nir
Senior Administrator
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Posted: 23 May 2010 07:56 pm |
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Yes I determined for myself that your blog is not trying to sell products or services (yes, that is why I did not delete this topic which refers to it the way I delete spammer posts)
as you say "and does have a function that is substantively different from the diary forum here" I am intriguied - in what way do you perceive your blog to be so different from our diary sub-forum?
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Trav
New Member
| Joined: | 7 May 2010 |
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| Posts: | 36 |
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Posted: 24 May 2010 10:39 pm |
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I apologize...I meant substantively NOT different.
My point was simply, I started my diary prior to coming here in the form of a blog. I am on a specialized diet that many other people are also on (Optifast), so I do think that the contents of my blog would be of interest to those who are on that diet who may come to this site for help and support. Just as I seek it from others here.
From my perspective, there are some advantages to having a blog posting as opposed to using this kind of service. On my blog I can embed a wider range of files if I choose. In addition, I can remove harassing or inappropriate replies to my posts (which we all know happens all the time on the Internet).
Blogging is a common form of communal communication and does not need to be at odds with a community forum, but can be complementary to it. I think there are people who abuse forums with commercial blogs (e.g. Craigslist). And, I would be disingenuous to if I did not say I would love for people to visit my blog and read it, but mainly so I can connect with others who are going through the same process that I am.
I really like this website and recommend it publicly on my blog and privately. If you would like me to desist posting a link to my blog, I would disappointed. I would be happy to add a few sentences about my blog that clearly states its purpose and why I think it fits in with the theme of this particular forum, I am more than happy to do so.
I hope that answers your questions/concerns!
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Trav
New Member
| Joined: | 7 May 2010 |
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| Posts: | 36 |
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Posted: 27 May 2010 03:41 pm |
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It's Thursday, which means I update my blog!
Since there has been some flak around me just posting the link...here is some of it:
Well...another good week, sort of....
I lost 2.5 pounds, but only one pound was actual fat! Since they are remodeling the gym, and I have been in serious sloth mode, I decided to do some Geek Style training, and try to fit in my exercise while playing role-playing games and watching Dr. Who. Here is what I did...
Arm Exercises: I bought some inexpensive wrist/ankle weights from Target . All I do is three sets of twenty of the following: Curls (those are the ones where your arms are at your sides, and you bring your fists to your shoulders.
After twenty of those, I move on to the exercise I call "The Sexy Jesus," named after a song from "Hamlet 2." I stick my arms straight out to the side (the Jesus pose) then I do ten rotations of my arm forward, then ten backward. (On a personal note, no disrespect is meant to the J-man, to whom I give mad props.)
Then I do twenty of an exercise call "I Give Up!"--this link has the best description of it I can find. But basically, raise your elbow to the ceiling, touch your neck with your hands, then raise your hands to the ceiling. Add weights and you are good to go!
The rest of the post is on http://travlynweightloss.blogspot.com.
I am thirty pounds away from my end of summer goal! Hope you guys are doing well too!
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suenos
Distinguished Member
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Posted: 27 May 2010 06:12 pm |
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Hiya Trav! Congrats on your continued success in losing weight!
Just wanted to throw out there for ya that I suspect there was a 'lil misunderstanding about Nir's question to ya...I think he was just genuinely curious about the advantages/disadvantages you find in doing an independent blog vs a CPH diary. And I think (but I don't know cause I didn't ask him) he was just trying to be helpful in pointing out that if you want a higher readership then it's easier doing a CPH diary because there's a built in audience whereas with a blogspot you have to work at developing a readership from the ground up....but too often "intent" doesn't translate well over the 'net. Plus he's in the UK and you know how snooty those Brits always sound...totally kidding.
I think it's pretty cool that you have a blog....maybe cause I just started one too - but mine isn't about weight loss so I don't cross post with CPH. I did check out your blog and it's interesting - I promise to put it in my RSS blog feeder.
Anyway, belated welcome to CPH! I hope you continue to share your experiences with us - whether you decide to keep cross posting or not! I can honestly say that there's not a more supportive group of individuals anywhere.
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Trav
New Member
| Joined: | 7 May 2010 |
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| Posts: | 36 |
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Posted: 28 May 2010 02:36 pm |
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As we say in California, Gracias!
I LOVE CPH and recommend it to all of my friends! I think it is nifty you guys have a diary forum, which studies show really do help people lose weight!
Thanks for the compliment on my blog! I try to make it fun and informative, as well as a way for me to keep my eye on the prize!
Cheers!
T
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Aimless
Distinguished Member
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Posted: 28 May 2010 09:26 pm |
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You might want to consider cross-posting your diary entries here [albeit with fewer bells and whistles as far as content goes]. This is going to sound super-lazy but I know I'd find it a lot easier to keep up to date with/comment on it if the posts are here too. I already have about a million blogs that I follow [generally artists blogs - I'm an illustrator] and it's hard enough keeping on top of that most days. Posting an excerpt seems like a decent compromise, though!
Anyway, welcome! :) Keep up the good work!
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Trav
New Member
| Joined: | 7 May 2010 |
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| Posts: | 36 |
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Posted: 29 May 2010 10:18 pm |
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Thanks a million!
I am impressed you are an artist. I am always impressed by creative folks, being challenged in that area myself.
I imagine there are some difficulties losing weight if you work from home or a studio. First, never ending access to food or, or even worse, forgetting to eat because you are so engrossed in your work (which happens to me).
Are there special challenges?
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Aimless
Distinguished Member
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Posted: 30 May 2010 09:21 am |
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Trav wrote: Thanks a million!
I am impressed you are an artist. I am always impressed by creative folks, being challenged in that area myself.
I imagine there are some difficulties losing weight if you work from home or a studio. First, never ending access to food or, or even worse, forgetting to eat because you are so engrossed in your work (which happens to me).
Are there special challenges?
Oh yes! I work from a home studio- and both of those happen to me. Less so the over-snacking because it's easier to exert self-control over an urge than when I'm just on a roll with my work and forget to eat.
I imagine in both ways it will be easier when me and my boyfriend get our own place again! He's keen to eat healthily, his parents aren't or at least can't understand the concept, [we're living with them :|], so there are cupboards full of cakes and chocolates and biscuits and- well you get the idea. It's hard to find anything healthy to nibble on amongst it.
Although, I think right now our puppy is the worst temptation I face!
I read you like Doctor Who - woo!!! :D
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Trav
New Member
| Joined: | 7 May 2010 |
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| Posts: | 36 |
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Posted: 31 May 2010 02:20 am |
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Okay... I've hit a new low in trying to burn calories...
I have nasty infection and actually Googled whether or not being sick burns calories.
Just a secret hope, since I cannot move or breathe....
The answer is..... not really.
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Trav
New Member
| Joined: | 7 May 2010 |
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| Posts: | 36 |
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Posted: 3 June 2010 02:36 pm |
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Morning CPH! It's Thursday, which means I update my blogaroo! I would love to hear from you, and I really love reading your diary entries...keep up the great work!
T
I've been on two other official "diets": Jenny Craig and Atkins. I loved Atkins and got down to 175 on it; however I did not have the support and training that I am getting with my current diet program (frankly--not to "dis" JC--I did not really get that either at my local Jenny Craig Centre). Nor did I go deep and really think about the causes of why I gain weight and why I eat the way I do. I think that is why I gained the weight back and then some. For me, this journey is a diet not just from food, but from self destructive behavior. One of the topics I have been contemplating is self-criticism.
Even at my heaviest and unhealthiest, I never sat around with my girlfriends and criticized specific parts of my body. However, I did call myself "fat," because it was truthful to me. But it was also self punishing. I also have never thought of my body as "normal." In reality, there is nothing "abnormal" about my body, it just needs some TLC. I routinely hear young girls and women bad mouthing themselves in public. They talk about themselves in ways you would rarely hear someone talk about another person. I don't think it is a sign of modesty when a 120 pound woman escoriates her thighs at the local Starbucks; it's a sign of seething self hatred. I think if we liked our bodies more, we would treat them better. I think one of the reasons that many people overeat is because we are so unhappy with ourselves, yet it seems like society has trained us to hate the only gift we are given in this life: our body. Would we really feed our body something that could kill it if we loved it? Would we really force it into sickness and feebleness if we adored how special we are? I think not. We would care for our bodies the way we care for our children or our special momentos, with purpose and love.
There is a tiny bit more at: http://travlynweightloss.blogspot.com
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Hiker
Distinguished Member
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Posted: 3 June 2010 11:41 pm |
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| Trav, some deep thinking going on there, I think that is great. You are so right, many people have very unrealistic ideas about their body or what is a good weight. I hear people all the time that are clearly not overweight lamenting every pound. Being overweight doesn't cause the issues in our lives and loosing weight is not going to solve them either. You are right on we should care for our bodies with compassion and love.
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Trav
New Member
| Joined: | 7 May 2010 |
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| Posts: | 36 |
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Posted: 4 June 2010 12:07 am |
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| That means a lot! Thank you for your response!
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Trav
New Member
| Joined: | 7 May 2010 |
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| Posts: | 36 |
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Posted: 10 June 2010 02:27 pm |
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I've updated my blog! http://travlynweightloss.blogspot.com.
I need some poll suggestions! Any burning questions I can post?
Here's an excerpt:
So, my weigh went better than expected.
I thought for sure the scale was going to creep up, since my home scale was taunting me. Actually, I think its steely heart was laughing maniacally like the Joker or something, since it was literally creeping up a pound a day to the point where the dream of breaking 186 was impossible. But, in some sort of weight loss miracle, Tuesday night, my weight dropped by several pounds and by Wednesday morning I thought I had a good chance of weighing in a mere 1/2 pound over last week.
In fact, I weighed in a 1/2 less than last week. For those of you used to me losing 2-3 pounds a week, that may not sound like much, but I was SO relieved! My 1/2 weight loss meant that my body was still averaging 2.5 pounds lost per week, and anymore than that would have worried me, frankly. Nobody loses that much actual FAT unless they are on the Biggest Loser working out 8 hours a day. I hate to inform everyone, but I am not working out 8 hours a day, more like 20-60 minutes a day. (Sloth Girl strikes again!)
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suenos
Distinguished Member
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Posted: 11 June 2010 12:36 am |
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I love this line from your blog : "Goal: To stop investing personalities in my scale like they are people." I will admit to once (or twice) having actually said out loud to the little hunk of metal..."please be good to momma this morning!"
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Trav
New Member
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| Posts: | 36 |
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Posted: 11 June 2010 03:10 am |
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| LOL!!
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Trav
New Member
| Joined: | 7 May 2010 |
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| Posts: | 36 |
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Posted: 17 June 2010 02:30 pm |
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The Camel is Gone! And so are three more pounds!
For those of you who don't know, "The Camel" is what I call my freakish ability to retain water while under stress. Occasionally I get "camel" weeks, where my fat mass drops but the scale does not move accordingly--that's a "camel" week. It just means I am retaining huge amounts of water! Fortunately, I lost all the water I was retaining, unfortunately, my fat mass did not drop much. I lost three pounds this week, but only 1/2 a pound of fat--the rest water (that's okay though, the opposite happened last week--so I am still on a good track!)
The truth is: the sloth strikes again! (What is it with all these animals?) I did up my exercise this week, but I am having a hard time getting back to my running routine. I decided that I am going to run today--no matter how tired I am or how much I REALLY want to watch Top Chef (which is saved on my DVR and oh so tempting!).
I posted what learned in class this week at http://travlynweightloss.blogspot.com
See you guys next week!
Trav
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Trav
New Member
| Joined: | 7 May 2010 |
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Posted: 24 June 2010 02:38 pm |
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Shalom CPH! I've updated my blog, if you all want to read it!
http://travlynweightloss.blogspot.com
Here are the first few paragraphs... the rest is usually a summary of what I have learned in class this week. Peace!
Well folks I did it! I met my 15 week goal of losing 40 pounds! Yea!!! This week's loss of 2.5 pounds left me at 180 even. So you know what that means (drumroll please) that's right, it's only one more week of all Optifast all the time. It's also one more week until:
1. I am not longer classified as "obese"
2. I am officially once size smaller than the average size in this country.
3. My BMI is less than 30
This week was a tough week for me. I really miss regular food, and as transition comes closer, I really have to ratchet up the willpower. I just keep my eye on the prize and do my visualizations. I have two: one is me in a fabulous dress at my dear friends' Christmas party; the other is me looking at the BMI chart and it saying "normal range." Visualizations may sound sort of "woo woo," but they really do help me stay focused on my goal and avoid temptations.
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Trav
New Member
| Joined: | 7 May 2010 |
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| Posts: | 36 |
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Posted: 1 July 2010 05:12 pm |
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Oh my goodness! What a crazy week it has been! I have updated my blog, but between my Mom visiting and summer school--it's been hard getting in the required exercise--let alone writing something pithy!
I did lose weight this week (yay!)--but my weight loss is slowing down.
Here is the link to the ole bloggero...http://travlynweightloss.blogspot.com
Have a good one guys!
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Trav
New Member
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Posted: 8 July 2010 02:34 pm |
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Well folks, I was allowed 4 oz of lean meat and 1/2 cup of cooked vegetables this week in lieu of one of my Optifast meals? How did it go? Sort of mixed, actually.
On the one hand, I did lose 2.5 pounds (good), on the other I was really stressed out all week. The holiday did not make it easier. (For my non U.S. readers: It was Independence Day on July 4th--a time of mega feasting in the the ole U.S.A. Apparently we Americans get back at the British by stuffing our faces with potato salad and becoming enormous, gelatinous, global overlords.) So, I couldn't rely on a schedule to keep me sane or even just focus on putting whole food back into my diet. It was rush, rush, rush--coupled with the stress of temptation and disappointing people. (Everyone says that they don't mind that I am not eating food, but it does make people uncomfortable. "Just one bite can't hurt" means they are uncomfortable when you are not eating.)
I got the through the week with only a few meltdowns and a lingering sense of unease about ballooning up to 235 pounds again. I had to do a lot of deep breathing. I've started doing visualizations before bed. I just lie in bed and listen to ocean sounds from my sound machine and visualize me doing different things like running a 5K in 30 minutes or being able to bend over and put my hands flat on the ground.
I think the visualization is helping. Last night I started living a quasi-normal lifestyle again (as I now may have a enough food to actually have a couple of meals a day) and spent 10 minutes organizing my food for today and getting my work and workout clothes ready (I am trying to run a few days a week at my school's track in the morning before school). It seemed like a hassle, but in reality, it didn't take that long. If you add in the time it took me to set up the coffee maker, it took fifteen minutes for me to prepare for a successful, healthy day.
Anyway, I am looking forward to this week's additions of 8 oz of dairy and one serving of fruit. It's yogurt ands strawberries for lunch today! YUM!
 The rest of my entries can be found at http://travlynweightloss.blogspot.com Have a great day!
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Trav
New Member
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| Posts: | 36 |
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Posted: 15 July 2010 02:49 pm |
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Ahhh any fan of Futurama knows that when Professor Farnsworth says the fateful words, "Good news everybody!", some dastardly game is afoot. However, I would say a net loss of two pounds is ACTUAL good news, especially as it was a harrowing week weight-wise.
The transition from Optifast to real food has been challenging, as it is difficult for me to eat as much as a I should on a regular schedule. I did well, enjoying my fresh strawberries quite especially. (I live in sunny California, the land of the largest, juiciest strawberries on the planet!) In fact, yesterday I hit my local farmer's market for the first time since going on this crazy diet! The nectarines and peaches were so fragrant and juicy! It was wonderful to be able to taste a bit without worrying! (Yes, I did keep track and include the tastes in my food journal.) They were selling rhubarb, so I think I am going to try to make a low-cal rhubarb/strawberry compote. If I am successful, I will post the recipe here!
I have been trying this new challenge to run a ten minute mile. So far I have been unsuccessful, but the challenge has gotten me motivated to get up early and walk/jog two miles at my school's track every morning! It is pretty wonderful getting my exercise done with in the morning (I guess that's why morning exercisers have been shown keep off weight and be healthy longer.) More time for lounging after work!
I have posted some FAQ's about my diet on my website: http://travlynweightloss.blogspot.com
I am rooting for you guys!!!
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suenos
Distinguished Member
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Posted: 15 July 2010 03:37 pm |
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| congrats to the 2 pounds gone...and yup to the morning exercise. I almost never miss a planned work-out when I schedule it first thing a.m, but, no matter how good the intentions, there's almost always something that stands in the way of doing it in the evening - work runs late, or the hubby has plans, or I'm just too tired.
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Trav
New Member
| Joined: | 7 May 2010 |
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| Posts: | 36 |
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Posted: 15 July 2010 07:13 pm |
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| Thanks! The morning exercise is hard, but REALLY working!
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Hisgal
Distinguished Member
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Posted: 21 July 2010 02:41 pm |
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Hi Trav! Welcome to CPH I've been busy and gone lately, so haven't gotten around here yet.
I thought I'd move the conversation about Jilian's book here, instead of posting in Sassykat's diary.
Yes, I'm sure Jillian recommended going to an endocrinologist.......but everyone touting some kind of eating/diet/lifestyle/exercise.......recommends going to a Dr. or someone before doing ANYTHING DIFFERENT! So, I let that part go in one ear and out the other. I know my hormones are way out of whack, and I'd love to know the specifics, but being my hubs has been laid off A LOT in the last couple of years I'm not spending money on that route. Maybe would make more sense than spending it on a vacation, like we did, but it's our 35th anniversary and we figured we deserved that time away together..........and it was very good for our marriage and relationship to get away from work, friends and family and just spend the time with each other......another kind of health treatment.
I bought the book in hopes of finding out how to re-balance my hormones, and get my life back to normal by what I eat, and how I eat it, and when I eat it. I never retain a lot the first time through a book, so I need to work on the second time soon. Right now I am working on eating whole foods.........using organics when I can find them...........and eliminating harmful things from my cupboards. Will see how it goes!
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Trav
New Member
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Posted: 21 July 2010 02:51 pm |
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Thanks for moving the conversation! I do see a doctor regularly, since I am doing a medical fast. I also eat organic, whole foods (for the most part--my jello pudding aside). I think I will definitely pick up the book!
I LOVE CPH! I am really glad I found it!
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Hisgal
Distinguished Member
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Posted: 21 July 2010 04:55 pm |
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| Yeah, I love CPH too...........I've met some wonderful friends here..........very supportive! As you can see, I've been here over 4 years. It helps me to keep working on it. I've been down and up in weight, but I never give up because of the support I get here.
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Trav
New Member
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| Posts: | 36 |
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Posted: 22 July 2010 04:22 pm |
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So, the news right up front....drumroll please...I lost two pounds this week!
On the one hand, it's great that my weight loss continues, but the reason for the weight loss is not so great. I have been really feeling bad this week, and when I look at my food journal, I can figure out why. I am not eating enough! I am having a devil of a time eating 1125 calories a day! So, my diet guru Ann (who also teaches my weight loss class) advised me to try to eat my full complement of calories this week. Here goes nothing!
Secretly, I am worried that if I eat all my calories I will balloon up into a Macy's Day Parade float, and my husband will have to tie a string to my ankle and float me along the local thoroughfare. So, I need to get over my overeating anxiety and just eat. I think this reaction is fairly normal when you transition off of an extreme diet like Optifast. Food seems dauntingly dangerous, like a tiger just around the corner waiting to pounce on you! I just have to realize that chocolate eclairs will not magically jump into my mouth and force themselves down my throat. We all have our demons; I guess this one is mine.
Just tryin' to stay focused!
The rest of my blog is at http://travlynweightloss.blogspot.com
Last edited on 22 July 2010 04:24 pm by Trav
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Trav
New Member
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Posted: 29 July 2010 03:09 pm |
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In every weight loss journey there is an inevitable point where the weight loss begins to slow down. For me, that point is now. The reasons are logical; one is smaller, so your body burns fewer calories.
The reality is hard, however. One likes to believe that we are the magical exception to the calorie in-calorie out rule; that our prior weight loss can be sustained and even increased. However, the laws of physics are against us--#%@&! you Sir Isaac Newton! Despite upping the exercise ante this week (ballet, spin class, weight training, plus extra walking!), I only lost a pound during my weigh in. The upside is that I lost a pound and half of fat--always a good thing. I guess I was hoping that my extra work this week would offset the extra calories I am taking in (I promised my hubby to eat at least a 1000 calories a day!), and I would still lose my typical two pounds.
This week, my goal is to eat 1195 calories a day, I can add in an extra grain--so that will help! My worry about blowing up like a balloon is subsiding, as I realized that--despite eating extra calories all week, I still lost weight.
I added some stuff I learned from my class on my blog. Feel free to check it out! http://travlynweightloss.blogspot.com
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Trav
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Posted: 5 August 2010 02:52 pm |
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Remember "The Little Engine That Could"? It was one of my favorite stories as a child. It's about a little engine trying to get up a BIG mountain. For many of us, weight loss feels like a really big mountain sometimes. It definitely feels that way to me right now.
For the last three weeks, my weight loss has been really slow--don't get me wrong--I am grateful that I am losing weight. This weeks was a whopping .5 pounds. However, it's hard to adjust to the sudden snail's pace that things are going. I keep reminding myself that I look and feel good--that's what's important.
My friends in my MWL class are experiencing the same thing and even gaining weight. So, I did as Anne (our dietitian) suggested and looked at my food journal. Lo! Even though my calories were on point and the exercise was there, I noticed I was drinking less water and eating more processed foods (mainly sugar-free chocolate pudding). So, this week I am rigorously monitoring my water intake and limiting my processed treats to one a day (as opposed to more than one--okay I was having two or three a day, I admit it!). I am also trying to get more calories in before 1 PM. I was sort of calorie loading at the end of the day--not a good thing.
I guess what they say is true! Food journaling really does help you figure out where you are going wrong!
Okay time for the numbers:
Starting weight: 224
Current weight 170.5
Goal weight: 140
Outer Goal: Size 10 jeans
Inner Goal: feeling like I deserve good things...and world peace!
My blog can be found at http://travlynweightloss.blogspot.com! I have recipes and weight loss links on there!
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Trav
New Member
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Posted: 11 August 2010 04:28 am |
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Did she or didn't she? Yes she did!!! I FINALLY broke the elusive 170 barrier! I weighed in early this week, due to my trip to Seattle. I was worried, but the result I wanted happened!
It's official...I am in the 160's! So I was thinking of what was going on the last time I was under 170 pounds. Here is my list:
1. The Berlin Wall came down.
2. I paid to see Cinderella in concert.
3. Cell phones were the size of large bricks.
4. I honestly thought that I would die alone surrounded by cats due to my strange addiction to Mojo Nixon.
5. A schoolmate of mine, Randall, did a report on something called "compact discs," and I thought he was crazy that ANYTHING could replace my trusty cassettes.
6. I had to go into the bank to make a deposit to my account.
Please post the lists of what was going on in your life the last time you were at or near or goal weight; I would love to read them!
On a separate note, this was my first week eating zero Optifast. Obviously, it went well as I lost two pounds of fat. I think the hardest part is weighing and measuring everything that goes into my mouth. However, I did relax a bit for my anniversary and I ate almost 1600 calories that day. It was the first time EVER I went over calories, plus I had a glass of wine (which wasn't very good, actually). Other than the wine, my calories were from excellent, nutritious food--so no guilt allowed. For those of you who live in the San Francisco Bay Area, check out the cafe at the De Young Museum (it's part of the Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco). They have a lot of delicious and healthy food there that is locally sourced. Their coffee is divine!
A tip for those of you out and about on restricted diets: I started asking about vegan options (not vegetarian, which are often loaded with fats) for snacks and treats. Vegan food does not have any animal fats, which often makes it lower in calories. Like many vegetarian foods, some packaged vegan stuff has a lot of sugar, but no egg or butter. For example, a typical vegan cupcake has 150-200 calories, whereas a regular cupcake has 450-600 calories. Vegan food is surprisingly yummy (and I love me some meat, so I was expecting tasteless cardboard). In fact, I go vegetarian 3-4 days a week right now, as it helps me stay on my 1200 calories a day yet still eat abundantly.
The rest of my blog is at http://travlynweightloss.blogspot.com
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Nir
Senior Administrator
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Posted: 11 August 2010 08:26 am |
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Before you go too far in that direction, let me assure you that vegan food can indeed be high in calories and derail your plan should you let it. There are vegan versions of all junk foods. For example vegetable oils are vegan and cakes are different permutations of flour, sugar and fat. There is vegan cheese.
However as long as you stay away from 'processed' products and just eat whole foods, you can't really go wrong
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Trav
New Member
| Joined: | 7 May 2010 |
| Location: | |
| Posts: | 36 |
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Posted: 19 August 2010 03:57 pm |
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Hi Guys!
I just updated my blog after my week vacation with my Mom! I had a great weigh in! I lost 2.5 pounds!! YAY!
The only bad news is that it is getting harder for me to lose weight, since I am only 27 pounds away from my goal! I know we all get to that point. I realized, it has taken my as long to lose five pounds, as it did to lose 15 just a few months ago! LOL!
Anyway, here is my link if you want to read it!
http://travlynweightloss.blogspot.com
I'd love to hear from you!!
T
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Trav
New Member
| Joined: | 7 May 2010 |
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| Posts: | 36 |
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Posted: 27 August 2010 11:31 pm |
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Hi Guys! I was busy going back to work after a long vacation. I updated my blog. I lost a lot of weight the last few weeks! Woot!
Keep up the great work!
Trav
http://travlynweightloss.blogspot.com
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Trav
New Member
| Joined: | 7 May 2010 |
| Location: | |
| Posts: | 36 |
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Posted: 2 September 2010 03:50 am |
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Great week this week! I lost 3.5 pounds! Since my BMR is at 1500 calories, that's quite a feat!
Brainstorming with a friend from my weight loss class for reasons for my big loss this week, we came up with....protein! Since I am training for a 5K I am adding a bit more protein into my diet.
Some other things I did differently this week:
I drink more water in the morning.
I no longer eat after 8 PM unless I am genuinely hungry.
In other news...
I started my new job today. It was strange since no one there ever knew me when I was 234. I've come to identify myself as a "fat girl" for so long; it's weird not to have people surprised to see what I look like. My new staff tee shirt is also TWO sizes smaller than the last one I got last year.
I've decided to start this job right by stocking my mini-fridge with healthy snacks and water. It really does help, since the closest food to my job is all junk food. My job is all consuming sometimes, so it's nice to be able to reach into the fridge for a low cal snack instead of donuts in the staff room when hunger strikes. Keeping to a five meal a day plan helps curb hunger as well. I bring two snacks along with my sandwich, so I never feel hungry. Planning is key!
This week's temptation: PTSA breakfast! (However, they had non-fat yogurt--yay!)
Okay here are the numbers:
Starting weight: 224
Current weight: 162.5
Goal weight: 140
Outer goal: I want be in a size 10 dress by Christmas.
Inner goal: I think I need to readjust my body image--so my goal is to see myself as I really am.
See you next week!
To read my links and recipes, and other entries go to http://travlynweightloss.blogspot.com
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Aimless
Distinguished Member
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Posted: 2 September 2010 10:59 am |
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One thing that helped tremendously with realigning my body image with what I actually look like was getting my boyfriend to take full-body photographs. That was a big shock, seeing those! I find that the 'fat' image of myself is reinforced by seeing myself through my eyes - looking down at my belly, thighs, arms - rather than seeing myself regularly through someone else's eyes. I don't know if you have someone who would do that for you?
Good luck with your new job, and well done on all the progress you've made! x
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Trav
New Member
| Joined: | 7 May 2010 |
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| Posts: | 36 |
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Posted: 2 September 2010 05:35 pm |
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Thanks!
I am looking at recent photos, and even I have to acknowledge that I've come a long way!
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Trav
New Member
| Joined: | 7 May 2010 |
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| Posts: | 36 |
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Posted: 9 September 2010 03:58 am |
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Wow! I think Kaiser deserves a medal! This is my 26th straight week of weight loss on their Medical Weight Loss Program. (Watch, I'll gain weight next week--LOL!) Granted a few of those weeks, like this one was a 1/2 a pound, but that is still better than a poke in the eye!
I was telling my class tonight how instrumental they were in helping me make all kinds of important changes in my life. It is not an exaggeration to say that I am the happiest I have ever been in my entire life. The weight loss in a wonderful byproduct of me feeling like I control my life, not that others are controlling it for me.
So, I started a new job (part of me changing things in my life), and I routinely put in 10,000 steps by 2:15 pm on my pedometer! WOW! It's amazing what being lighter on your feet can do. Here is how I do it:
I walk to and from the office to check my box at every break.
I walk to and from the front of my classroom to the back at least five times every class period.
I walk to and from my car twice a day.
I walk around the school on my break.
Basically, I take ANY excuse to walk around, including going to copy machine twice or three times, instead of just doing it all in one fell swoop--yes, it may seem like I am wasting time, but I am getting those steps in!
Although I have made great strides (pun intended) in the diet and exercise area, I am getting concerned, as the end of my class is coming, that I will backslide into my former bad habits. Already I am noticing a strange addiction to low calorie pudding--to the point that I did not buy any today at the store so I wouldn't eat two or three a day. I was journalling my food, noticing that Jello is my go to food when I am tired, stressed, and/or worried. Even though it does not take me over my calorie count for the day, it's the habit that counts--not the food. Managing one's stress through food is a bad idea, whether you are using chocolate cake or carrots.
At any rate, here are the numbers:
Starting Weight: 224
Current Weight: 162
Goal Weight: 140
Goal Time!
Outer Goal: I want to have fabulous, Jennifer Aniston-like arms!
Inner Goal: To nuture a peaceful space in my heart, and, of course...WORLD PEACE!
See you next week!
Check out my blog at http://travlynweightloss.blogspot.com
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Trav
New Member
| Joined: | 7 May 2010 |
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| Posts: | 36 |
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Posted: 16 September 2010 05:20 am |
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The Power of Positive Thinking...It's Not Just For the 1970's Anymore!
Okay...Week 27 of weight loss! Can I hear a what, what! Another pound down, my friends!
This week at my group we talked about an article by Jan Shepard called "What's Eating You: 5 Food Thoughts and Their Effects." This article really touched me, because I saw many of my own issues reflected there.
In summary, they are:
1. Polarized thinking: thinking that everything is either all or nothing or black and white. "I ate one cookie, why not eat the whole bag?"
2.Emotional reasoning: everything you feel must be true. "A person like me doesn't belong at the gym." or "No one will love me, because I am big and stupid.
3. Filtering: perceiving only the negative and not the positive. "I may have nice hair, but notice my hairdresser is trying to cut for my "round" face."
4. Blaming: Blaming yourself or others for problems instead of working to solve them. "My spouse always keeps cookies in the house, that is why I am fat."
5. Controlling Fallacies: thinking that other people are in control of your actions or that you have no control. "I don't have time to exercise."
I can't tell you how many times I allowed my thinking to prevent me from happiness and success, not just in terms of losing weight either. I used to think of myself as a worthless person, whom others were simply tolerating. In truth, I do have that feeling sometimes still. However, I have learned to address that idea head on and feel the feeling, rather than internalize it.
The one simple way this thinking has stopped me in the past is in terms of exercise. I never thought of myself as really capable of doing something like running. I was convinced that I would never be "like those crazy people" jogging along at six in the morning. In truth, I had convinced myself that I was not capable of doing it. That is an example of polarized thinking. "If I can't run; I can't exercise at all." Now, I am one of those people, and I am sure there are people who think I am completely nuts as they drive along and see me walking/running in the early morning hours.
I hear similar types of thinking all the time. "I can't go the gym with all those skinny people." Skinny people are at the gym, but so are a lot of other types of people. Just because you are not perfect, doesn't mean you can't go to a gym. As I told my amazing mother, "no one is looking at you at the gym--they are paying attention to themselves!" (By the way, thinking that others are judging you is an example of "personalization" thinking.)
I'll never forget when I really starting thinking differently about myself in the world. It was the day after my anniversary, when the scale crept up half a pound. I had to dig deep and ask myself, "Why am I so upset by this? Why do I feel so depressed?" I realized that I really needed to actively talk myself out of my negativity and find my "power of positive thinking." I began to really understand that I have achieved so much and am not doomed to failure. I can plan for and expect success in this world. Weight up or down, what matters is how I treat myself and others. If I do good, I can expect to do well. If I eat right and exercise; I will be okay if I fall of the wagon once and a while (like I did on Saturday....I ate so much I got sick! Lesson learned!)
As my stepmom would say, "thoughts are things."
Okay... here are the numbers:
Starting weight: 224
Current weight: 161
Goal weight: 140
The goals:
Outer goal: What can I say? I am feeling pretty good right now!
Inner goal: oooommmmmm!
See you next week!
Please read the rest of my posts at: http://travlynweightloss.blogspot.com
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Trav
New Member
| Joined: | 7 May 2010 |
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| Posts: | 36 |
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Posted: 23 September 2010 04:34 am |
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Well...week 29 weigh in came and went! One pound lost; honestly, a whew not a woot! Now it seems the stakes are so high, since I have gone so long with just losses every week. I feel a little pressure now!
I had two milestones this week:
The first is the Biggest Loser. I have been watching this show for seven years, and every year I have been inspired by it. However, each year nothing happened except I gained weight. Last year on the season opener, I was the same weight as one of the contestants. It was so horrible to realize that I could be on the BIGGEST LOSER and not stand out! Last night, as I watching the season opener I realized that I was 74 pounds lighter than I was a year ago. (For my friends on FB, I did the math wrong last night!).
The second milestone is that I met my MWL goal weight: 160. For those of you reading this blog since the beginning, you know that was my goal weight in the beginning. It's hard to believe I actually made it!
The rest of my blog is at : http://www.travlynweightloss.blogspot.com
Have a great week!
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Trav
New Member
| Joined: | 7 May 2010 |
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| Posts: | 36 |
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Posted: 30 September 2010 04:37 am |
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It's been a long leg of my journey, but it ended on a high note. I lost a pound this week, but I lost 3.5 pounds of fat (woot!). I knew in this hot weather, I was retaining a lot of water. So, I was really worried about my final weigh in during the "weight loss" phase of my program.
Now for maintenence (sigh...the hardest part!)
For me, I am still trying to lose 19 more pounds. I readjusted my goal weight in consultation with my doctor. However, I am still amazed I got down to 159! However, I do feel as if I am beginning a new phase of my weight loss with the end of my Kaiser class.
I have many, many thoughts tonight--about success, failure, and the journey I have been on. The reality is, though, my primary thoughts linger on my classmates--my compatriots on this long journey. There is no doubt that their support and encouragement during these past 30 weeks has been instrumental in my personal success. I just want to take a moment to explain why these folks are so special.
We were thrown together by chance; we came from all walks of life. However, we all shared this one element in common: we felt oppresed by our bodies. Male, female, young (although the youngest of us was in her mid thirties) and old, we felt disconnected with the one person we should feel most connected to: ourselves- our SELF.
Every week (and I only ever missed one week!), these folks showed up and talked about their challenges and successes. Whatever success or failure I felt during the week was cheered on or comiserated by these people. I was inspired by so many people: the older woman who was losing weight to improve her health, a man who was challenged by simply walking. They showed up week after week, month after month--how could I not do the same?
Over our time together, these folks began to recognize the same thing I did--that our bodies are extensions of our souls and mind, and therefore deserve respect.
It's hard for me to believe that I have had 29 weeks of consecutive weight loss. There is no way, NO WAY I could have done it without support. My husband and child greeted me tonight with a card saying "congratulations!" I really should have done it for them--they tolerated my stress, my anger, my worry, my weird diet, all the meetings, changing their lifestyle--almost everything!-- for me.
One of the SMART skills is "Recruit support." The people in my Kaiser group, my family (especially my weight loss buddies: Mom in Law, Mom, and Hubby), my TOPS friends--these are the root of my strength. In a way, that is the best advice I can give anyone trying to make a major life change. Find people who believe, even more than you do, that you can achieve your goal.
The rest of my blog is at http://travlynweightloss.blogspot.com! Check it out!
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Trav
New Member
| Joined: | 7 May 2010 |
| Location: | |
| Posts: | 36 |
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Posted: 11 October 2010 03:06 pm |
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So, my official maintenance period starts for my Medical Weight Loss Program! Yay!
However, I still want to lose 18 pounds, so I feel like I am still in my "transition" phase. The good news is that I lost 1/2 a pound since my last weigh in.
I've added 50-100 calories a day into my diet, and I am trying to reach a goal of 35 grams of fiber a day. So, far I am getting in 31-40 grams--yay! A friend turned me on to the Fiber 35 Diet, which I am not following to a "T," but certainly am inspired by. I am primarily adding in whole grains, to up the fiber and calories.
If any of you have tried this diet, let me know! I am curious how it has worked for you.
Okay, I am not complaining here, just commenting. I am seriously shocked at the enormous difference in sizes across different stores. I mean, I am officially still overweight, but I am a "Medium" for most of the discount stores. How can I be an "extra large" if I buy a pattern at the fabric store, but a "medium" at Target? Also, even numbered sizes seem to make no sense. I have size tens that are falling off of me, but 12's and 14's that still fit. It just seems so strange! I have heard of "vanity sizing," but this is ridiculous! I can't just pop into a store and trust that a "large" or 12 or whatever means anything! Okay, I lied...I am complaining! Guys, let's standardize a little, please! It's no fun being a "medium," if just means I am actually a large who has delusions of thinness!
At any rate, I am heading into surgery on Tuesday to fix my hernias (which this whole experience was supposed to help), so I am faced with two weeks of forced inactivity and boredom. Can we say weight loss landmine? Fortunately, my mom is here to help me out, so perhaps she will keep me away from my boredom eating. However, I am hoping to get lots of reading and writing done. It will be a great opportunity to update my recipes and write some poetry!
So, here are the numbers:
Starting weight: 235
Goal weight: 140
Current weight: 158
Goal time!
Inner goal: strength to avoid the fridge while recovering!
Outer goal: to be a true medium!
See you next week!
The rest of my diary is at http://travlynweightloss.blogspot.com
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Trav
New Member
| Joined: | 7 May 2010 |
| Location: | |
| Posts: | 36 |
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Posted: 23 October 2010 05:17 am |
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So, of course, right as I am trying to lose these last fifteen pounds, I have to go into a surgery to get my hernias fixed. That means weeks of little to no exercise, plus two weeks of forced inactivity with the constant temptation of chocolate pudding at every moment! Sigh. Double sigh.
Here's the kicker...when I went into surgery I was 156, next morning while I was in the Emergency Room for unexpected bleeding, I was 166.5. I almost burst into tears! It took me two months to lose those ten and half pounds, and now! now! now! THEY WERE ALL BACK! Thank goodness my mother was there to talk me off my psychological ledge. My mom assured me that it was all water, yadda, yadda, yadda....however all I felt was this buzzing in my head. However, moms are always right, and the weight came off over the next week.
Despite all the surgery drama, I still managed to lose four pounds since my last weigh in at Kaiser (which is now every two weeks). So, I have officially lost 70 pounds since March, which is pretty darn cool! Now, I am 14.5 pounds away from my goal weight, my fat percentage is in the "acceptable" range, and my BMI is close to normal.
Some interesting things I learned in my weight loss support groups these past few weeks:
Fiber is key. Apparently, if you eat 35 grams of fiber a day, it helps curb hunger and promotes weight loss.
It's really important to take one day at a time. One bad day or bad decision does not negate all your hard work.
It's okay to give yourself a break. It was hard for me to accept that I had to take time to heal. However, beating myself up because I couldn't exercise just makes exercise seem like an obligation, not something fun. Being positive helps you stay focused on what's important, taking care of yourself.
The rest of my entries can be found at http://travlynweightloss.blogspot.com
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jennie_hi
New Member
| Joined: | 4 November 2010 |
| Location: | |
| Posts: | 62 |
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Posted: 26 November 2010 04:01 am |
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Interesting about Nir's comment about the blog...as I am new to this site too and had started my blog before coming on here. I am doing it mainly for myself and don't care too much if I get hits...I am actually pretty boring with my posts at the moment as I am exhausted all the time and barely have time/energy to journal my writing.
I think I might start one here too now that I found it. As I would love to be able to talk with everyone. THe challenge is really helping me on this weightloss journey. But I don't think I will drop my other one...as one day I hope to convert it to a book...so I can see where I have come and where I don't want to go again.
Love this site...and congrats on all of your success you have had so far.
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Trav
New Member
| Joined: | 7 May 2010 |
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| Posts: | 36 |
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Posted: 26 November 2010 05:51 am |
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Hi There!
I started my blog way before coming to CPH. However, more people read my postings here than from my actual blog! However, I just do the one post, then copy and paste to here--primarily because people have linked RSS feeds to my blog, but not to here.
The best comments and supportive comments come from this site, so I always repost!
If you have other stuff on your blog, which I do, it's useful to post your link so people can use your recipes and things.
GOOD LUCK!
Trav
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