In preparation for our healthy lifestyle thread.......

[DD]

HEALTH QUESTION & ANSWER SESSION

Q: I've heard that cardiovascular exercise can prolong life; is this true?

A: Your heart is only good for so many beats, and that's it... don't waste them on exercise. Everything wears out eventually. Speeding up your heart will not make you live longer; that's like saying you can extend the lifeof your car by driving it faster. Want to live longer? Take a nap.



Q: Should I cut down on meat and eat more fruits and vegetables?

A: You must grasp logistical efficiencies. What does a cow eat? Hay and corn. And what are these? Vegetables. So a steak is nothing more than an efficient mechanism of delivering vegetables to your system. Need grain? Eat chicken. Beef is also a good source of field grass (green leafy vegetable). And a pork chop can give you 100% of your recommended daily allowance of vegetable products.



Q: Should I reduce my alcohol intake?

A: No, not at all. Wine is made from fruit.Brandy is distilled wine, that means they take the water out of the fruity bit so you get even more of the goodness that way. Beer is also made out of grain. Bottoms up!



Q: How can I calculate my body/fat ratio?

A: Well, if you have a body and you have fat, your ratio is one to one. If you have two bodies, your ratio is two to one, etc.



Q: What are some of the advantages of participating in a regular exercise program?

A: Can't think of a single one, sorry. My philosophy is: No Pain...Good!



Q: Aren't fried foods bad for you?

A: YOU'RE NOT LISTENING!!!... Foods are fried these days in vegetable oil. In fact, they're permeated in it. How could getting more vegetables be bad for you?



Q: Will sit-ups help prevent me from getting a little soft around the middle?

A: Definitely not! When you exercise a muscle, it gets bigger. You should only be doing sit-ups if you want a bigger stomach.



Q: Is chocolate bad for me?

A: Are you crazy? HELLO Cocoa beans! Another vegetable!!! It's the best feel-good food around!



Q: Is swimming good for your figure?

A: If swimming is good for your figure, explain whales to me.




Q: Is getting in-shape important for my lifestyle?

A: Hey! 'Round' is a shape!


Well, I hope this has cleared up any misconceptions you may have had about food and diets.

[Mango]

:floor: :rolling: :lolabove: :clap_1:

[Tootsie]

how true it is!!!:lolabove:

[katie blue]

That's got to be the quote of the week:

"Are you crazy? HELLO Cocoa beans! Another vegetable!!!"
:clap_1:

[dbuck]

Q: Will sit-ups help prevent me from getting a little soft around the middle?

A: Definitely not! When you exercise a muscle, it gets bigger. You should only be doing sit-ups if you want a bigger stomach.



I KNEW IT! :clap_1:

[audie]

:floor: this was written specifically with me in mind !

[CastlesOfSand]

:floor: :floor: :floor: Love it!!!!

[Gypsea]

Q: What are some of the advantages of participating in a regular exercise program?

A: Can't think of a single one, sorry. My philosophy is: No Pain...Good!


And I was going to start back with my exercise program on Monday. I guess now I don't need to bother with that. :clap_1:

[InletBchDweller]

LOVE IT!!!!!

Here is my form of exercise... http://smileys.smileycentral.com/cat/7/7_18_5.gif (http://www.smileycentral.com/?partner=ZSzeb001_ZNxdm824YYUS)

[Tootsie]

DD, Cork, et al:

I have some photos from pilates/yoga class this morning with me and Corky-Baby. Cork - may I post them? they look just fine, really! And shall we start a new, serious thread about all of our attempts to get in shape and look cute?

what are your thoughts?

[seagrovelover]

two funn girls !!! :clap_1:

[Beachbummett]

:clap_1: :floor: I knew it!

If I was meant to bend over and excercise, God would have put diamonds on the floor!

[Mango]

:clap_1: :floor: I knew it!

If I was meant to bend over and excercise, God would have put diamonds on the floor!

:lolabove: I hear ya gullfriend!

[DD]

DD, Cork, et al:

I have some photos from pilates/yoga class this morning with me and Corky-Baby. Cork - may I post them? they look just fine, really! And shall we start a new, serious thread about all of our attempts to get in shape and look cute?

what are your thoughts?

oh please do post them! and I really was serious about starting this healthy thread. god knows I need some motivation and encouragement!!

[Rita]

:floor: Love it dd!

[Tootsie]

http://i70.photobucket.com/albums/i94/marytootsie/2207d674.jpg

cork and me this morning at yoga. we are ready to whip our butts into shape. maybe we'll be ready for the beach by Christmas when it's a little cold, but who cares...

[gotothebeachmom]

http://i70.photobucket.com/albums/i94/marytootsie/2207d674.jpg

cork and me this morning at yoga. we are ready to whip our butts into shape. maybe we'll be ready for the beach by Christmas when it's a little cold, but who cares...

Well you go gulls! Grayton Beach Fitness? :idontno:

[Tootsie]

http://i70.photobucket.com/albums/i94/marytootsie/349f1d68.jpg
cork and instructor bridgette

http://i70.photobucket.com/albums/i94/marytootsie/370a66a2.jpg
cork goes all the way!

http://i70.photobucket.com/albums/i94/marytootsie/0830925c.jpg
bridgette

[jdarg]

Y'all are the happiest looking exercise girls that I have ever seen!

[gotothebeachmom]

http://i70.photobucket.com/albums/i94/marytootsie/349f1d68.jpg
cork and instructor bridgette

http://i70.photobucket.com/albums/i94/marytootsie/370a66a2.jpg
cork goes all the way!

http://i70.photobucket.com/albums/i94/marytootsie/0830925c.jpg
bridgette

Cork is very flexiable! ;-) :clap_1:

[DD]

:clap_1: :clap_1: :clap_1: Yippee!! Good for you girls!!!! See, THAT'S the inspiration I need! You two are too cute!!

[Tootsie]

:clap_1: :clap_1: :clap_1: Yippee!! Good for you girls!!!! See, THAT'S the inspiration I need! You two are too cute!!

we're trying to just get in the habit of "moving our butts" since neither of us have exercised at all in a long time... gotta start somewhere.

this morning we did primarily pilates - good floor work out. Friday we're going on a bike ride. Saturday - yoga...

okay, I did have a big plate of pasta tonight - couldn't help it. But, the diet thing is next.:cool:

[DD]

we're trying to just get in the habit of "moving our butts" since neither of us have exercised at all in a long time... gotta start somewhere.

this morning we did primarily pilates - good floor work out. Friday we're going on a bike ride. Saturday - yoga...

okay, I did have a big plate of pasta tonight - couldn't help it. But, the diet thing is next.:cool:

I've been walking the dog every night and "trying" to eat really light at night. Today I ate crappy stuff---all day. Was at a seminar and they had cookies, etc., then went to a business happy hour and had two coronas and some really good quesadillas....:( :bang: Tonight, after the two coronas and the heat at 106 degrees today, I just plain don't have the energy to walk the dog. Will be back on course tomorrow.

[Ocean Lover]

we're trying to just get in the habit of "moving our butts" since neither of us have exercised at all in a long time... gotta start somewhere.

this morning we did primarily pilates - good floor work out. Friday we're going on a bike ride. Saturday - yoga...

okay, I did have a big plate of pasta tonight - couldn't help it. But, the diet thing is next.:cool:

That's a great start!!!! :clap_1: I'm proud of you two pretty ladies!!!! I just bought my daughter a new bike. She just outgrew her old one and needed an adult size. I may just have to borrow it and take a few bike rides myself, you've inspired me!

[DD]

ok....this is good. Tootsie, I nominate YOU to start the official thread: SoWal for your Health...or something like that. We can all report in every day how we're doing......

[Tootsie]

ok....this is good. Tootsie, I nominate YOU to start the official thread: SoWal for your Health...or something like that. We can all report in every day how we're doing......

okay, but help me come up with the official thread name. any other ideas? I like Sowal for your Health. Or maybe we can be more specific, I don't know - are we trying to get our sowal friends who want to participate in a weight reduction/fitness program to join us on this thread. If so, just WHAT DO WE WANT TO BE CALLED (and this will be our thread name). we can take ideas here!

[Mango]

ok....this is good. Tootsie, I nominate YOU to start the official thread: SoWal for your Health...or something like that. We can all report in every day how we're doing......

I'll be doing this :popcorn: :popcorn: :popcorn: :biggrin:

Seriously though, good for you ladies. ;-)

[DD]

okay, but help me come up with the official thread name. any other ideas? I like Sowal for your Health. Or maybe we can be more specific, I don't know - are we trying to get our sowal friends who want to participate in a weight reduction/fitness program to join us on this thread. If so, just WHAT DO WE WANT TO BE CALLED (and this will be our thread name). we can take ideas here!

Yes, I think all sowallers who are interested should participate. As for a name....hmmm...lemme think about it. Jdarg? Audie? Mango? Suggestions?

[DD]

I was serious too about getting abe drinkin to help with food suggestions. he's got some great ideas. and we need lindabobhat to spur us on....she's a great inspiration! she can be the cheerleader!

[Mango]

Yes, I think all sowallers who are interested should participate. As for a name....hmmm...lemme think about it. Jdarg? Audie? Mango? Suggestions?

How bout "SoHealthy" ? or "SoHealthy Funn Forum"

[DD]

How bout "SoHealthy" ? or "SoHealthy Funn Forum"

I likey. :biggrin:

[lindatat]

I was serious too about getting abe drinkin to help with food suggestions. he's got some great ideas. and we need lindabobhat to spur us on....she's a great inspiration! she can be the cheerleader!

Thanks so much! But I'll be there right with y'all. That's the thing about a healthy lifestyle - you have to stick with it!

So proud of Cork and Tootsie and their yoga class! I just added the weight machines (strength training I guess) to my cardio workout (which is usually an elliptical.) I've learned how to use all the lower body machines and tomorrow I start on the upper body (and boy do I need help with my upper arms!)

Now back to eating my semi-healthy pizza (turkey pepperoni, kalamata olives, diced tomatoes, basil, garlic and lowfat provolone on whole grain flatbread.) Oh yeah, and a glass of Spanish Rose (red wines are loaded with anti-oxidants, don't ya know???? :biggrin: )

[katie blue]

The E-Spa?

or, a variation of Mango's: SoWal Health Funnatics?

(I like saying Funnatics! or Funn-addicts)

[Mango]

I likey. :biggrin:

Great! Do we have a winner gulls? "SoHealthy Funn Forum"?

Disclaimer: All name royalties shoudl be sent to Mango in New York who will use it for anyone who qualifies for a chocolate fix! :razz:

[DD]

The E-Spa?

or, a variation of Mango's: SoWal Health Funnatics?

(I like saying Funnatics! or Funn-addicts)

I likey these too!

Linda: you are inspiration! i know we've talked about this, but when we get this thread named and started, i think you should post about how you first got started on this journey and things you've learned along the way...you know, stuff like that....

[lindatat]

I likey these too!

Linda: you are inspiration! i know we've talked about this, but when we get this thread named and started, i think you should post about how you first got started on this journey and things you've learned along the way...you know, stuff like that....

Aw shucks, I'd be happy to :oops:

Tip #1: stick with the South African Rose - much heartier and more full bodied than the Spanish.

[DD]

Aw shucks, I'd be happy to :oops:

Tip #1: stick with the South African Rose - much heartier and more full bodied than the Spanish.

Good tip!!
At the seminar I was at today, I saw a girl (she's probably 32-so she's a girl to me) that I hadn't seen in a couple of years. Last time I saw her, she was very large. Today, she probably weighed about 125. She looked fantastic, said she'd had the gastric bypass and lost 140 lbs.! I don't think I could ever do the surgery, but it did inspire me to try to get healthier---just as soon as I ate those quesadillas!

[DD]

Great! Do we have a winner gulls? "SoHealthy Funn Forum"?

Disclaimer: All name royalties shoudl be sent to Mango in New York who will use it for anyone who qualifies for a chocolate fix! :razz:

Tootsie?

[lindatat]

Good tip!!
At the seminar I was at today, I saw a girl (she's probably 32-so she's a girl to me) that I hadn't seen in a couple of years. Last time I saw her, she was very large. Today, she probably weighed about 125. She looked fantastic, said she'd had the gastric bypass and lost 140 lbs.! I don't think I could ever do the surgery, but it did inspire me to try to get healthier---just as soon as I ate those quesadillas!

Surgery is scary to me - but if that's what it takes for some people, more power to them. What works for one person may not work for another. My biggest (no pun intended) problem is that I have always loved to eat. Now I just try to eat healthier foods, and it's worked well for me.

[DD]

Surgery is scary to me - but if that's what it takes for some people, more power to them. What works for one person may not work for another. My biggest (no pun intended) problem is that I have always loved to eat. Now I just try to eat healthier foods, and it's worked well for me.

Yes, it scares the crap out of me too. :eek: I've had several other friends who've had the surgery, and they all look great. Some have skin issues, one had to gain weight before she could qualify. I like your approach much better. I've done it before, but that was before old age and menopause got a hold of me!! :floor:

[Mango]

The E-Spa?

or, a variation of Mango's: SoWal Health Funnatics?

(I like saying Funnatics! or Funn-addicts)

Good one too!

[lindatat]

Yes, it scares the crap out of me too. :eek: I've had several other friends who've had the surgery, and they all look great. Some have skin issues, one had to gain weight before she could qualify. I like your approach much better. I've done it before, but that was before old age and menopause got a hold of me!! :floor:

Gain weight to qualify? Now that's beyond my comprehension. As for old age and menopause - if I can do this with little kids at home, anyone can do it (but I admit it - the wine helps!)

[Ocean Lover]

How 'bout SoLong Fat? J/K :biggrin:

[DD]

Gain weight to qualify? Now that's beyond my comprehension. As for old age and menopause - if I can do this with little kids at home, anyone can do it (but I admit it - the wine helps!)

yep, she had to gain 25 lbs because you have to be at least 100 lbs over your goal weight. now, she's a size 4 and has had $40,000 worth of plastic surgery. but you're right, I have no excuse not to be eating healthy and exercising all the time, i have no kids at home, and mr. dd will eat anything i put in front of him except okra!

[Mango]

Surgery is scary to me - but if that's what it takes for some people, more power to them. What works for one person may not work for another. My biggest (no pun intended) problem is that I have always loved to eat. Now I just try to eat healthier foods, and it's worked well for me.

Linda, did you see that link I posted about my childhood best buddy who had a lap band put in and lost 150 lbs? She had to have surgery to have her excess skin removed. I was very nervous for her when she had the surgery because it was so drastic. I wish she was able to take the route you did. She does eat healthier now, but I see her slipping every now and then and I have to beat her up a bit. She just returned to working out again after a 6 month hiatus and 20 lbs more. But the lap band has been a saviour for her. Blood pressure is now normal etc.

[DD]

How 'bout SoLong Fat? J/K :biggrin:

:biggrin: I kinda likey this one too!!

[Mango]

yep, she had to gain 25 lbs because you have to be at least 100 lbs over your goal weight. now, she's a size 4 and has had $40,000 worth of plastic surgery. but you're right, I have no excuse not to be eating healthy and exercising all the time, i have no kids at home, and mr. dd will eat anything i put in front of him except okra!

A size 4? :eek: I didn't think people were even born that size? :funn:
Sounds like one of my neighbors. I told her Jones New York and designer companies deliberately make a size 4 which is really a 6.

[lindatat]

Linda, did you see that link I posted about my childhood best buddy who had a lap band put in and lost 150 lbs? She had to have surgery to have her excess skin removed. I was very nervous for her when she had the surgery because it was so drastic. I wish she was able to take the route you did. She does eat healthier now, but I see her slipping every now and then and I have to beat her up a bit. She just returned to working out again after a 6 month hiatus and 20 lbs more. But the lap band has been a saviour for her. Blood pressure is now normal etc.

It was for a newspaper article, correct? I'm pretty sure I saw it. I'd have probably opted for surgery if insurance had covered it, but I just got motivated one day and that was it. Like I said earlier, what works for one person doesn't work for everyone. And if your friend's health has improved, that's all that really matters. Encourage her to stick with the exercise, though, that's really the key. I had NEVER exercised regularly before last fall. Now when I skip more than a day, I know it's time to get back on the bandwagon. It's like meditation for me!

[lindatat]

A size 4? :eek: I didn't think people were even born that size? :funn:
Sounds like one of my neighbors. I told her Jones New York and designer companies deliberately make a size 4 which is really a 6.

My best friend (and I have a knack for having very skinny best friends - LOL) wore a size 0 when we met. Now that she's had 3 kids, she's probably a 4 as well.

[gotothebeachmom]

I've been walking the dog every night and "trying" to eat really light at night. Today I ate crappy stuff---all day. Was at a seminar and they had cookies, etc., then went to a business happy hour and had two coronas and some really good quesadillas....:( :bang: Tonight, after the two coronas and the heat at 106 degrees today, I just plain don't have the energy to walk the dog. Will be back on course tomorrow.

I walk to the door to let mine out. Does that count?!? More than once I might add! :floor:

[gotothebeachmom]

we're trying to just get in the habit of "moving our butts" since neither of us have exercised at all in a long time... gotta start somewhere.

this morning we did primarily pilates - good floor work out. Friday we're going on a bike ride. Saturday - yoga...

okay, I did have a big plate of pasta tonight - couldn't help it. But, the diet thing is next.:cool:

:clap_1: Good for you! I am trying to get inspired! It's in there somewhere! Hopefully, I'll get my groove back soon! Keep posting ! I need all the inspiration I can get. :eek:

[Mango]

My best friend (and I have a knack for having very skinny best friends - LOL) wore a size 0 when we met. Now that she's had 3 kids, she's probably a 4 as well.

Guess it depends on someone's height too. My mother was a size zero at one point, but she is a wee person (5 ft) compared to me and my sibs. We get height from my father whose 6' 1".

[Cork On the Ocean]

OK guys, cork made it for the embarrassment :floor: but I do thank Tootsie for going public. Now we have to do it girl! Biking on Friday. Yes, lets do it.


Lindabobhat, tell us how you started and how you stayed committed and focused every day. What was the single most important thing to your success.

I was thinking of doing DD's catbutt exercise 3 times a week :rofl: . OK, this is what we need to do Tootsie. Throw it out there and then have everybody waiting to see if we did it!

Cork's Wednesday. Have a busy day so cork is gonna shoot for some arm weights, sit ups and an exercise tape. Hold me to it guys! Claps if I do it :clap_1: . Razzes if I don't :razz: .

will let you know tomorrow eve if I get it done.


Tootsie, what's your mantra?

[audie]

How bout "SoHealthy" ? or "SoHealthy Funn Forum"

how about sonotaudie ???

[jdarg]

If I don't get up and start right in (like 6 am), I usually don't exercise. I start doing other stuff (like SoWalling or paperwork), then lose my will to do it. Then beat myself up about it all day. I'm in that pattern now, but am getting ready to go in the other room and at least do a good stretching tape.

The mornings that I am back on track and do 30 to 60 minutes of Pilates turn into the days that I eat better, feel better, and am totally organized and get things done. It is a head thing, like LBH said.

The best weeks are the ones that I can add a good walk to, about 4 or 5 nights a week, with my good friend and neighbor who is 6 ft. tall and has obviously really long legs. I feel like a little terrier trying to keep up with her- so I'm am walking really fast!

And bad news here- for a good jump start- no wine or booze for at least a week. It really does work though. I've been hauling around an extra 5 lbs. of puffiness since June just 'cause I got back on the wine wagon. Time to get back off! :( :( (where is the sobbing smilie)

[DD]

Hey Cork!! Good for you!!

Toots: I think we're ready to start. Pick the name you like best.

gttbm: yes, walking to the door to let the dogs out counts!! :floor:

[Tootsie]

If I don't get up and start right in (like 6 am), I usually don't exercise. I start doing other stuff (like SoWalling or paperwork), then lose my will to do it. Then beat myself up about it all day. I'm in that pattern now, but am getting ready to go in the other room and at least do a good stretching tape.

The mornings that I am back on track and do 30 to 60 minutes of Pilates turn into the days that I eat better, feel better, and am totally organized and get things done. It is a head thing, like LBH said.

The best weeks are the ones that I can add a good walk to, about 4 or 5 nights a week, with my good friend and neighbor who is 6 ft. tall and has obviously really long legs. I feel like a little terrier trying to keep up with her- so I'm am walking really fast!

And bad news here- for a good jump start- no wine or booze for at least a week. It really does work though. I've been hauling around an extra 5 lbs. of puffiness since June just 'cause I got back on the wine wagon. Time to get back off! :( :( (where is the sobbing smilie)

I know - the alcohol needs to take a back seat for a while for real results. waaaahhhhhhhhhhhhh..........:(

[kurt]

The health thread should be nonsmoking :!:

[Kimmifunn]

In honor of the healthy lifestyle thread...

I slept through my 6:45am spinning class. And I have NO regrets.

[katie blue]

I think I posted on this before so please excuse me if this is a repeat. But due to some recent health problems (not weight related), I was required to give up a few things in my diet. My husband, who had high blood sugar, also joined me in the effort, and even though neither of us were looking to lose weight specifically, we both did anyway. I dropped 10 pounds and my husband dropped 20, in about 2 months. And it wasn't hard. Here's our deal:

1: Eliminate all sweet drinks immediately (sodas, gatorade, sweetened tea, whatever.)
2. Eliminate or drastically reduce white flours, sugar, corn syrup (read those labels), processed grains like white rice
3. Increase proteins, but keep the meat lean! Increase dark leafy greens.
4. Don't get too dogmatic or it will backfire. Once a week we eat whatever we want--pasta, mexican food, whatever. It's OK. We never gave up beer either.

Our meals now look something like this, they're all delicious, and they keep the weight off:
--BBQ chicken breasts on or off the bone served with a great salad
--Spicy turkey cheeseburgers and cole slaw (sometimes on low carb or high fiber bread, sometimes not)
--Blackened grouper with lemon butter asparagus
--Grilled chicken/veg quesadillas on low-carb tortillas with guacamole
--Greek spinach pie/spanikopita (easy to make)
--Eggs and turkey sausage if we eat breakfast, (which we're supposed to but often don't)
--Dessert: Sugar free mint choc chip ice cream (Kroger makes the best, you cant tell its sugar free, we have it almost every night!)
--Snacks: Lots of honey roasted nuts, strawberries and cherries

It's basically eating the way farmers and europeans eat...less processed foods, more simple, real food. Its the processed stuff that puffed us up, we found. Sadly, that meant giving up breakfast cereal, (my fave food!), but I got through that. I never gave up drinking, but I don't have more than a few beers throughout the week.

Once a month or so, we let ourselves get donuts or cake. Once a week, we go out to eat and order whatever the heck we want. Anyway, your mileage may vary, but this diet worked for us like a charm, got my husbands blood sugar down to healthy levels, and as a bonus, we both lost weight.

Now if only I can get my lazy butt exercising.....

[DD]

The health thread should be nonsmoking :!:

Except for the drinkin', smokin, cussin SoWal slumber party. ;-)

[gotothebeachmom]

Except for the drinkin', smokin, cussin SoWal slumber party. ;-)

I don't smoke. Can I still be invited? I guess I could show up with candy ciggies? :idontno: Or would I just be required to drink and cuss more to make up for the smoking requirement? :rolling:

[Mermaid]

I think I posted on this before so please excuse me if this is a repeat. But due to some recent health problems (not weight related), I was required to give up a few things in my diet. My husband, who had high blood sugar, also joined me in the effort, and even though neither of us were looking to lose weight specifically, we both did anyway. I dropped 10 pounds and my husband dropped 20, in about 2 months. And it wasn't hard. Here's our deal:

1: Eliminate all sweet drinks immediately (sodas, gatorade, sweetened tea, whatever.)
2. Eliminate or drastically reduce white flours, sugar, corn syrup (read those labels), processed grains like white rice
3. Increase proteins, but keep the meat lean! Increase dark leafy greens.
4. Don't get too dogmatic or it will backfire. Once a week we eat whatever we want--pasta, mexican food, whatever. It's OK. We never gave up beer either.

Our meals now look something like this, they're all delicious, and they keep the weight off:
--BBQ chicken breasts on or off the bone served with a great salad
--Spicy turkey cheeseburgers and cole slaw (sometimes on low carb or high fiber bread, sometimes not)
--Blackened grouper with lemon butter asparagus
--Grilled chicken/veg quesadillas on low-carb tortillas with guacamole
--Greek spinach pie/spanikopita (easy to make)
--Eggs and turkey sausage if we eat breakfast, (which we're supposed to but often don't)
--Dessert: Sugar free mint choc chip ice cream (Kroger makes the best, you cant tell its sugar free, we have it almost every night!)
--Snacks: Lots of honey roasted nuts, strawberries and cherries

It's basically eating the way farmers and europeans eat...less processed foods, more simple, real food. Its the processed stuff that puffed us up, we found. Sadly, that meant giving up breakfast cereal, (my fave food!), but I got through that. I never gave up drinking, but I don't have more than a few beers throughout the week.

Once a month or so, we let ourselves get donuts or cake. Once a week, we go out to eat and order whatever the heck we want. Anyway, your mileage may vary, but this diet worked for us like a charm, got my husbands blood sugar down to healthy levels, and as a bonus, we both lost weight.

Now if only I can get my lazy butt exercising.....

KB, what you've described is pretty well the Weight Watcher's plan. It's funny but when you cut the sweets out of your diet, you actually lose the taste for them. And same thing about overly-processed food. After a while you can taste the preservatives, salt and flavor enhancers in them, and you start preferring homemade food more. Well, except for potato chips. I don't know if you ever loose the taste for a good salty chip!! :eek:

[DD]

I don't smoke. Can I still be invited? I guess I could show up with candy ciggies? :idontno: Or would I just be required to drink and cuss more to make up for the smoking requirement? :rolling:

Of course, you're still invited!!! And yes, you will be required to drink and cuss more!! :floor:

[lindatat]

how about sonotaudie ???

I love it! :clap_1:

[Mango]

Of course, you're still invited!!! And yes, you will be required to drink and cuss more!! :floor:

You can drink for me! and I will take care of the smoking :funn:
Sorry, won't be able to join in the funn tonight- got to babysit the nephews.

[lindatat]

Lindabobhat, tell us how you started and how you stayed committed and focused every day. What was the single most important thing to your success.

Cork's Wednesday. Have a busy day so cork is gonna shoot for some arm weights, sit ups and an exercise tape. Hold me to it guys! Claps if I do it :clap_1: . Razzes if I don't :razz: .

will let you know tomorrow eve if I get it done.

How I got started - saw pictures of myself from a wedding we attended last September and just about died from embarrassment. Started eating very high fiber/low fat. I eat very generous portions, but try to stick with foods I know are good for me. Started exercising every day (for about the first 4 months I didn't skip a day because I knew I needed to get into a regimen.) 30-45 mins on any cardio machine. I was feeling healthier within weeks. I had really never exercised before in my life and I am still amazed at how "centered" I feel when I am working out. I have mild asthma and have not had a single attack in about 10 months - I can't get over at how much better my lungs are functioning. I will also admit that I took Meridia for about 8 months - it's a prescription appetite suppressant. Had to weigh in with my doctor every month in order to get my refill and he also checked my blood pressure. He would not have allowed me to continue with it if he had not been satisfied that I was making the necessary lifestyle changes to go with it. And I think that's really the key. Don't look at it as dieting. Don't think that "one day I'll reach my goal" and allow yourself to fall back into old, bad habits.

What keeps me motivated - there are a few things. For one, I don't want to end up like my diabetic mother who is in a wheelchair with one leg amputated below the knee and the other badly in need of amputation. For two, I just feel better, inside and out. I know my kids are happier and I want to be a good example for them. Finally, as a somewhat dependant female contemplating divorce, well let's just say I am finding such strength in myself. (That was very hard to put into words.)

The only other thing I can add is that I think it's very important to not deprive yourself. Healthy foods can be so satisfying, but we all need to indulge once in a while. Sometimes I have a bite of ice cream or some other rich dessert. When I was on vacation last month I had some foods I usually wouldn't allow myself (like at Old Florida Fish House when the grouper with lime cilantro butter sauce arrived at my table with the sauce right on it instead of on the side, I just ate it. And when the server at Smiling Fish Cafe offered complimentary Creme Brulee cheesecake to make up for some service problems. Both were worth the indulgence.) And I do drink wine when I want to (and even an occasional jello shot or two or three....) But I agree with the ladies who suggested that laying off the liquor for a week or so would be a good jump start. Katieblue offered some great meal suggestions - I have others if anyone's interested.

Cork, we're all anxiously waiting to hear how you did with your plans for today!!!!!!

[DD]

You can drink for me! and I will take care of the smoking :funn:
Sorry, won't be able to join in the funn tonight- got to babysit the nephews.

:biggrin:
How are we gonna make it tonite without you? I always know you're gonna be on when I'm on late and I'll have someone to talk to. Guess we'll have to share you with the nephews!

[Biff]

YOU TWO ARE HOT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!: lol: :lol: :lol: :lol:

NICE PICS!!!!!!!!!!!!!





DD, Cork, et al:

I have some photos from pilates/yoga class this morning with me and Corky-Baby. Cork - may I post them? they look just fine, really! And shall we start a new, serious thread about all of our attempts to get in shape and look cute?

what are your thoughts?

[Mango]

:biggrin:
How are we gonna make it tonite without you? I always know you're gonna be on when I'm on late and I'll have someone to talk to. Guess we'll have to share you with the nephews!

I'll probably be able to hop on a bit tonite. :D I'll be home by 10 pm latest. My little sister and brother in law have to go to church tonight for Baptism training!
Mr. Mango was selected as the "Godfather". He is so flattered. Tried to upload a pic, but the filesize was too large and I can't figure out how to make it smaller. :(

[Tootsie]

The health thread should be nonsmoking :!:

of course, my dahling. we're drinking and smoking on another thread at a later date...

[Mango]

I'll probably be able to hop on a bit tonite. :D I'll be home by 10 pm latest. My little sister and brother in law have to go to church tonight for Baptism training!
Mr. Mango was selected as the "Godfather". He is so flattered. Tried to upload a pic, but the filesize was too large and I can't figure out how to make it smaller. :(

Ok, remembered how to make pic smaller. Here goes, these are my darling nephews I am babysitting tonight. :wub:

[Tootsie]

I don't smoke. Can I still be invited?

no.




:razz:

[Tootsie]

I think I posted on this before so please excuse me if this is a repeat. But due to some recent health problems (not weight related), I was required to give up a few things in my diet. My husband, who had high blood sugar, also joined me in the effort, and even though neither of us were looking to lose weight specifically, we both did anyway. I dropped 10 pounds and my husband dropped 20, in about 2 months. And it wasn't hard. Here's our deal:

1: Eliminate all sweet drinks immediately (sodas, gatorade, sweetened tea, whatever.)
2. Eliminate or drastically reduce white flours, sugar, corn syrup (read those labels), processed grains like white rice
3. Increase proteins, but keep the meat lean! Increase dark leafy greens.
4. Don't get too dogmatic or it will backfire. Once a week we eat whatever we want--pasta, mexican food, whatever. It's OK. We never gave up beer either.

Our meals now look something like this, they're all delicious, and they keep the weight off:
--BBQ chicken breasts on or off the bone served with a great salad
--Spicy turkey cheeseburgers and cole slaw (sometimes on low carb or high fiber bread, sometimes not)
--Blackened grouper with lemon butter asparagus
--Grilled chicken/veg quesadillas on low-carb tortillas with guacamole
--Greek spinach pie/spanikopita (easy to make)
--Eggs and turkey sausage if we eat breakfast, (which we're supposed to but often don't)
--Dessert: Sugar free mint choc chip ice cream (Kroger makes the best, you cant tell its sugar free, we have it almost every night!)
--Snacks: Lots of honey roasted nuts, strawberries and cherries

It's basically eating the way farmers and europeans eat...less processed foods, more simple, real food. Its the processed stuff that puffed us up, we found. Sadly, that meant giving up breakfast cereal, (my fave food!), but I got through that. I never gave up drinking, but I don't have more than a few beers throughout the week.

Once a month or so, we let ourselves get donuts or cake. Once a week, we go out to eat and order whatever the heck we want. Anyway, your mileage may vary, but this diet worked for us like a charm, got my husbands blood sugar down to healthy levels, and as a bonus, we both lost weight.

Now if only I can get my lazy butt exercising.....

you're going to have to post this again when we start the new thread (you too Linda Bob). just can't think about what the heck to call it. you all have had some good ideas. you all decide and just tell me. if the thread is very popular and continues, then Daddy-O may give us our own forum (if it makes sense to do so)...

[DD]

you're going to have to post this again when we start the new thread (you too Linda Bob). just can't think about what the heck to call it. you all have had some good ideas. you all decide and just tell me. if the thread is very popular and continues, then Daddy-O may give us our own forum (if it makes sense to do so)...

I was hoping you'd say that!! And, I'm hoping that he will give us our own forum---non-smoking of course!!! ;-)

[DD]

Ok, remembered how to make pic smaller. Here goes, these are my darling nephews I am babysitting tonight. :wub:

They ARE darling!!!:wub: You're a lucky aunt!!

[gotothebeachmom]

Ok, remembered how to make pic smaller. Here goes, these are my darling nephews I am babysitting tonight. :wub:

How cute ! How old Auntie Mango?

[Ocean Lover]

Ok, remembered how to make pic smaller. Here goes, these are my darling nephews I am babysitting tonight. :wub:

Adorable!!!

[DD]

If I don't get up and start right in (like 6 am), I usually don't exercise. I start doing other stuff (like SoWalling or paperwork), then lose my will to do it. Then beat myself up about it all day. I'm in that pattern now, but am getting ready to go in the other room and at least do a good stretching tape.

The mornings that I am back on track and do 30 to 60 minutes of Pilates turn into the days that I eat better, feel better, and am totally organized and get things done. It is a head thing, like LBH said.

The best weeks are the ones that I can add a good walk to, about 4 or 5 nights a week, with my good friend and neighbor who is 6 ft. tall and has obviously really long legs. I feel like a little terrier trying to keep up with her- so I'm am walking really fast!

And bad news here- for a good jump start- no wine or booze for at least a week. It really does work though. I've been hauling around an extra 5 lbs. of puffiness since June just 'cause I got back on the wine wagon. Time to get back off! :( :( (where is the sobbing smilie)

Where? Where? I cannot see 5 extra lbs of puffiness in your pic!! You look great! The wine must agree with you!! And here you had me thinking last fall that you had some big old butt after our conversations about pumpkin pie and bacon...you fibbed just a little now, didn't you?:biggrin:

[kathydwells]

Where? Where? I cannot see 5 extra lbs of puffiness in your pic!! You look great! The wine must agree with you!! And here you had me thinking last fall that you had some big old butt after our conversations about pumpkin pie and bacon...you fibbed just a little now, didn't you?:biggrin:

Don't let her fool you...she is tall, skinny and beautiful..all that I aspire to be. She makes me look short and dumpy in my picture....not that there is anything wrong with that let me add before I get into trouble. Just not the way I like to see myself. I see I have alot of work to do and will certaintly join you all on the healthy lifestyle thread!!!!

[DD]

Don't let her fool you...she is tall, skinny and beautiful..all that I aspire to be. She makes me look short and dumpy in my picture....not that there is anything wrong with that let me add before I get into trouble. Just not the way I like to see myself. I see I have alot of work to do and will certaintly join you all on the healthy lifestyle thread!!!!

Dear, you are welcome to join us, but you looked pretty dang cute too lounging on that hammock!

[jdarg]

Dear, you are welcome to join us, but you looked pretty dang cute too lounging on that hammock!

Yeah, don't let Darlene fool you. She's got it all going on. The first thing you notice is that she is pretty, then she opens her mouth, and that gorgeous accent! A perfect package.

And we need to end this 'cause it's starting to sound like we have a girl crush on each other!:floor:

[DD]

Yeah, don't let Darlene fool you. She's got it all going on. The first thing you notice is that she is pretty, then she opens her mouth, and that gorgeous accent! A perfect package.

And we need to end this 'cause it's starting to sound like we have a girl crush on each other!:floor:

yep, you're right. i thought the same thing after i posted two times how cute ya'll were. oop, now it's three! ok....you looked like hags, the both of ya!! :funn:

[jdarg]

yep, you're right. i thought the same thing after i posted two times how cute ya'll were. oop, now it's three! ok....you looked like hags, the both of ya!! :funn:\

Thanks, that's better.:razz:

[kathydwells]

yep, you're right. i thought the same thing after i posted two times how cute ya'll were. oop, now it's three! ok....you looked like hags, the both of ya!! :funn:

:funn: I feel so much better now!!! Thank you DD!

[Tootsie]

Where? Where? I cannot see 5 extra lbs of puffiness in your pic!! You look great! The wine must agree with you!! And here you had me thinking last fall that you had some big old butt after our conversations about pumpkin pie and bacon...you fibbed just a little now, didn't you?:biggrin:

what pic? where?

[DD]

http://www.sowal.com/bb/attachment.php?attachmentid=2279&stc=1&thumb=1 (http://www.sowal.com/bb/attachment.php?attachmentid=2279)

[Tootsie]

http://www.sowal.com/bb/attachment.php?attachmentid=2279&stc=1&thumb=1 (http://www.sowal.com/bb/attachment.php?attachmentid=2279)

I Love that picture of jdarg and kathy!!! adorable of you both!!!

[Mango]

How cute ! How old Auntie Mango?

Thanks ladies, they are 5 and 7 weeks old. Just took the pic a couple of weeks ago. Whew I am tired. But they are so much funn. :wub:

[DD]

Thanks ladies, they are 5 and 7 weeks old. Just took the pic a couple of weeks ago. Whew I am tired. But they are so much funn. :wub:

You're here! Yippee! I can relate to tired...I have several around those ages.....when they leave, I have to take to my bed!!

[Lady D]

Ok, remembered how to make pic smaller. Here goes, these are my darling nephews I am babysitting tonight. :wub:

Mango, you sure have some cuties there but the smile on the baby is priceless!

[Mango]

Mango, you sure have some cuties there but the smile on the baby is priceless!

Thanks, only 7-8 weeks old and hamming it up :wub:
There was a good chance he just let some gas out too! :funn:

[Mango]

You're here! Yippee! I can relate to tired...I have several around those ages.....when they leave, I have to take to my bed!!

Which is what I think I am going to do soon. I think I am ahead an hour from all of you. Took a snooze during Veggie Tales, but then it all it came back when I saw IBD's tomato thread :floor: