sjcoray's Journal, 11 April 2012

:) I love Dori! I have a buddy on FS that's name is "just.keep.swimming" hehe I hope you do just that! 

What is it that is feeling like a struggle - the food or the exercise? If it is just motivation and will power ... that certainly waxes and wanes ... but when I don't want to do it is when I know I have to do it ... And I usually feel all the better for it as the day goes on. I think, regarding carbs, as long as you are avoiding white flour processed foods, cereals and grains - just stick with fruits and vegetables(yes, certainly eat your apple), nuts, cheese and Greek yogurt with fruit, you should be fine, just watch the fat in the nuts. Being in 150 - 200g carb range is a reasonable goal, and satisfying as well. But also, get your protein, forget about any drink besides water, tea and black coffee ... and you will make it. Use Almond milk or Coconut milk instead of Milk if you really want to cut out some carbs, sugar and fat but maintain protein. I think you can do it ... you have to "just do it" ... Keep Swimming! 

I think it's the food part mostly that I struggle with. I kind of miss margaritas. I know I can have them occasionally, but would like to have one so much more often. Probably the mistake of looking up the mountain to see how much further I want to go, rather than looking behind me to see how far I've come. And then I think about maintenance (for when I reach - and I will - my goal) and wonder if it ever ends. I have cut out cereal and therefore most of my milk (though after a workout if I'm on the run I will have some chocolate milk as I've seen that recommended a few places). I gave up soda for Lent and only cheated 3 times, so I've mostly kicked that out of my system, and I drink a lot of water. Occasionally when I'm lagging at work I'll have a Soy Chai Latte (tall), but try to not rely on that too much during the day. I do think I'm not doing great on the protein bit, and I'm working on adding more of that into my diet - but am trying to find a source that works easily for me. It definitely helps to come on here and read that so many other people are going through the same struggles (not that I want them to struggle, but because it helps to not feel alone) and get support. Thanks so much for your help! 

I found that protien and carbs are the biggest help for me. I try to stick to 100 grams of carbs WHICH IS HARD!! I normally end up around 115. My goal each day is at the least 100g of protien. This seems to have helped me the past few months...We all struggle I had a bad bad bout for a few weeks and am just getting back into the swing!! If we keep swimming, we WILL get there :-) 

Annie - I'll definitely have to check out your journal for some inspiration! Maybe some day we'll have to try to organize a Fatsecret retreat - like at a health spa or something, where we can all meet and go on hikes and do yoga and get massages and reward ourselves and this amazing community for all the hard work we do. 

Ah ... some margaritas in the summer ... absolutely ... i get it. well ... i have come to the conclusion it will never end until we end ... i know, bleak, but true ... the ending, that is ... but seriously, it is not a short term thing ... marathon ... and the small changes we make today (notice i did not say "sacrifice"), will allow us to enjoy so much more tomorrow ... diets are about deprivation ... i really think, once you get into the mindset of moderation, you don't have to deprive yourself of much ... but that doesn't mean indulgence. Example ... pizza night, or margarita night ... eat clean and filling that day, the day before and some the day after ... and that night of indulgence/reward does not take a toll. Plan .. and that is why i love fatsecret ... i can plan and see progress or see a slow down, but immediately know where i can change something. i usually try to plan my entire day the night before, fast food, drinks, and all ... you can do it ... and have a margarita every once in a while ... or two or three on a night where you have worked hard for it during the day. i agree with orchidannie ... if we keep swimming, we will get there. it has taken me 2 years to lose weight ... frustrating, absolutely, but i have learned a lot ...  

I have started to see that when I plan ahead a little, it helps me stay more on track, but it's a pretty major shift in lifestyle. And no - I don't find it a sacrifice. Maybe a trade off, I want one thing, the margaritas don't help me get there, so for now they're off the table. Honestly, I'm workout out enough right now that any amount of alcohol usually makes my muscles pretty angry with me the next day - so it's easier to drink water and stay hydrated. Today I got into the elevator with a cute guy that works in my building. I think it's the first time I've seen him. A not-so-small art of me was curious what he was seeing. I am doing this for myself - my health, my fitness an my general quality of life - but part of that is to be more attractive to such random cute guys around me. :P 

nothing wrong with that motivation, sjcoray ... and remember, the beautiful person you imagine when you hit your goal weight, is the same beautiful person you are now ... inside out are how these changes come ... the last part being what everyone else sees ... we got to this point by stuffing food, etc. outside in ... gotta work it in reverse now! He probably sees a smart, determined young woman, hell bent on her goals! Keep it up! 

low cal - low carb margaritas. http://www.hungry-girl.com/newsletters/raw/703 mix your tequila with diet sierra mist or diet 7up, real lime juice (not the sweetened syrup), and some no-cal limeade juice mix. voila! 

That's an awesome idea Sj and Jess I love hungry girl recipes!! I've never seen the margarita one I'm writing it down!! 

Jess - that's actually how my friend and I like them when we're in Mexico - very good thoughts :) thanks! 

Bre - thanks for the good thoughts :) Everyone's responses this morning have really made my day!