Exercise buddies keep on moving!

[speedymama]

New threads ladies!

Cool, thanks for that

Yay, thanks speedy - lovely new thread for us all

Still no exercise being done at laloop's place but my back feels better now so will get back into it from tomorrow. I have just been catching up with your exercise DVD thread (I love reading it!!) and I think I'll do one tomorrow. Then try to fit a gym visit in before end of week and hopefully get out for a run at the weekend, a nice gentle 2 miler I think.

Hi everyone,
Lorns-thanks for the heart rate calculations. Haven't done anything myself since Sunday but hope to get back into it tomorrow. My baby is now 5 months and I have only lost roughly 8lbs in 31/2 months. Still at least a stone to loose. Can't understand it as my weight usually goes back to normal pretty quickly when breastfeeding without me making too much effort. Am afraid that if I don't start loosing some soon I will be this size forever.

Thanks speedy for starting a new thread! Would have done it before but a bit uncertain how to do it and then the 1000 was looming!

Abra - weight is funny thing - especially when breastfeeding. I have lost weight each time I breastfed so I understand how you must feel.

It's fine balance between wanting to loose weight and still provide your body with enough calories for breastfeeding.

Loosing 1-2lbs per week is a good goal to have and doing this slowly is better! Perhaps your hormones are still a bit up the shoot?

As it's v. late I can't do it now but recently came across 8 ways to boost your metabolism article. Will post when I have time....

Lorns I would be interested in reading that article on boosting metabolism. I am now 42yo and I find that I am having to work harder to maintain my weight compared to when I was in my 20s and 30s. I know that metabolism naturally slows when you are in your 40s and that gives rise to the dreaded middle age spread. However I don't look middle aged and I'm not ready to slow down (lol). Hence, why I am keen to maintain my fitness levels. In fact, I would say I am fitter now than I have been for a long time. On Saturday, I got up at 6.30am and decided to run 5 miles and did it so I am definitely doing something right.

I'm off to the gym this afternoon. I hope everyone has a good day.

Laloop, glad your back is on the mend so take it easy on the exercise front initially.

Speedy - what energy you have - well done - and out of the way before breakfast ! Here is the article on metabolism boosters...

8 Ways to Speed Up Your Metabolism
(information taken from www.weightlossresources.co.uk)
By WLR Dietitian
Juliette Kellow BSc RD (and me!)

1.Get active - it's a sure-fire way to increase the amount of muscle you have, which in turn will speed up your metabolism. Do a mixture of aerobic and resistance training for best results. And don't forget to be more active in your daily life too. Resistance training increases the size of your muscles fibre which in turn increases your metabolic rate as you need to supply more energy to your muscles.

2.Eat little and often - there's evidence that eating small, regular meals throughout the day, rather than one or two large meals, may help to keep your metabolism ticking over. Surprisingly, around 10 percent of the calories we use each day go on digesting and absorbing food - so the more times you eat, the greater this effect is likely to be.

3.Eat plenty of protein-rich foods - research shows that around 25 percent of calories in a protein-rich meal may be burnt off. But make sure you choose low-fat protein foods such as lean meat, skinless chicken and low-fat dairy products.

4.Spice up meals - it's not an old wives tale after all! Spices like chilli are thought to raise metabolism by up to 50 percent for up to three hours after eating, due to increasing your heart rate. But before putting the local Indian takeaway on speed dial, work out which curries have the lowest calorie and fat content.

5.Swap you daily cuppa for green tea - there's evidence that it contains antioxidants that speed up metabolism.

6.Try a CLA supplement - more extensive studies need to be carried out before any definite conclusions can be drawn, but research has shown that conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) might increase muscle and therefore boost metabolism.

7.Chill out - research shows that being very cold can increase metabolism by up to 20 percent.

8.Have a sauna - being very hot is also thought to boost metabolism by about 20 percent (but check you don't have any underlying medical problems that mean you shouldn't go in saunas or steam rooms).

Wished I could have spicey food - love it but get instant tummyaches

Hope this helps

Thanks Lorns. I'm doing 1-4 already so I'll just keep doing that.

Thanks for the info, Lorns, I'm already putting some of them into practice but will try some of the others.

Abra, I breastfed all three of my dc's too and each time I couldn't shift ANY weight until they were weaned off. This has happened to others I know too so the idea that breastfeeding always helps shift the baby weight may not be the case. I just kept active and healthy instead, and tried not to worry about losing the baby weight until I had stopped feeding them as losing a few lbs didn't seem important compared to the goodness they were getting from the breastmilk. You're doing great on the exercise front so far so well done!

Hi All, no exercise today, so far, but will try to do a section of my Kathy Smith Exercise DVD. But not sure how I will fit it in timewise, but as off tomorrow no more excuses, lol! My dh will be back at work and well my mum has just left Birmingham Airport, so, back to the normal routine
laloop, glad your back is feeling better now, but be aware if you do a Tae Bo workout, there is some twisting involved, so, take it easy, please.
Abra, with ds3 I had the same problem whilest bf I could not get rid of any weight, even watching what I eat etc. and walking miles and miles with a Buggy and 2 Kids in it, which gave it some weight, or even carrying one in teh sling....it was frustrating at the time. I did even do my old SW Books, that worked so fabulous for me before, whilest bf'ing ds2 and nada....but as soon as ds stopped bf'ing I started to loose excess weight pretty easily Admittedly I also joined a WW class at that time, because I was worried what would happen after stopping bf and also had the Implant put in, just didn't want to get any heavier....and the weight honestly fell of me, soooo easily!
Whilest bf it is best to loose very very slowly though, 1/2 Ib to 1 Ibs a week, because when you loose weight lots of toxins are released into your bloodstream and obvioulsy it's your blood that makes the milk, so, teh toxins would end up in your Baby, which isn't so great in large amounts anyway!
Lorns, thanks for posting that article Am truely ready to get back on track now....it's so crazy how unfit I have become again, not as unfit as I was originally, but still....and of course those Ibs piled on fast, but I am hoping to loosing them as fast aswell...it tends to be the fat that has been with me for longer, lol, that is hard to get rid off. I have really noticed other little changes with me, since having a bit of a junkier and boozier daily intake...I can smell my own sweat again, which means it's stronger again, I suppose (sorry tmi, lol) and my skin isn't great right now neither But I am confident that once I drink my Juices more again that will all sort itself again
Anywya, rambling on as usual, lol!
Speak later!

just thinking about that veing cold and being hot bit in the article....many years ago I read in some magazine that apparently showering hoit and cold , i.e. 1 minute hot (not boiling of course, lol) and 1 minute cold really burns calories, etc....as it makes your body work hard on regulating your temperature, etc...if only I could cope with cold showers, sigh! Only was able to have those whilest living out in Cyprus, where it was bliss to have a cool shower, lol!

hello everyone,

Some of you may have noticed that I've not been posting as much recently and I'm here for a kick up the bum / sholder to cry on / stern talking to - what ever you can offer really.

I'm sorry but this post is going to be really selfish so I appologise in advance for not saying hello to everyone and addressing points in your posts....

ok, rant alert!

I'M PISSED OFF!!!!

The whole diet and excercise thing is really taking it's toll and I'm feeling like there's no light at the end of the tunnel. I feel like the weight I want to reach is unobtainable - I'm fed up of eating shitty food to loose a measly Ib and excercise is becomming a real chore!

I'm annoyed that I had 2 weeks off and put on 6 sticking Ib's which will take me the best part of 2 months to shift (If I'm lucky) at which point I'm going away again.

I'm pissed off that I'll either gain weight again when we go away OR spend my holiday dieting so I don't add any extra Ibs!

GGgggrrrrrr

I've even found myself wishing for a sickness bug or food poisining or something to get rid of some weight quickly!

Please, please, please tell me how I can shift these last 8Ibs to get to my ultimate goal AND QUICKLY because I really can't take much more of this - is this what life is going to be like from now on? A constant struggle between having some sort of life (ie meals out with friends, a few drinks at the weekend, bloody popcorn at the cinema!!!) and keeping an OK (ish) figure!

God I want to scream - and I'm really not exagerating!

Crap, Crap, CRAP

ok, rant over - I'd like to say I feel better now I've got that off my chest - but I don't

Hi Sweetheart (I usually post on the SW thread but had a nose in here and thought I'd lend you my shoulder).

It is bloody hard losing weight and soooo easy to put it on. I only have to turn the oven on and put on a lb!

Unfortunately, that's life! Good for you food is sometimes boring and bad for you food is so appealling and tasty. Exercise knackers you out and you have to squeeze it into your, if you're like me, already hectic life.

It's disheartening when the scales don't show your efforts, I know because I'm struggling at the moment too and have more than just 8lbs to go!! Just think long term....if you wanna eat crap and not exercise think how it will affect you in the years to come. I know that puts me into place, especially as I have so many health problems that run in the family. I don't want to suffer like some of my family members have!

Just think positive and keep at it, it will pay off, you'll see!!!

Sweetheart, now listen to me girl. You are doing really well because you only have 8lb to lose, not 8 stones. You need to break it down and take one week at a time. Plan your meals, especially during the week and cut back on your points so that you can use the remainder at the weekend. Also, remember that even walking and taking the stairs counts as exercise. As long as you are moving, you are earning bonus points.

It is obvious that your downfall happens at weekends so this is what you should try to do.

1. Make up a batch of No point soup and eat this for lunch and when you are feeling peckish. Also, drink water before you grab a snack because chances are you are thirsty rather than hungry.

2. For dinner, use a smaller plate if you can. If not, fill half with vegetables or salad and eat smaller portions.

3. Eat slowly.

We all have days when we feel fed up and dishearten and exercise feels like a chore. Just remember how you felt when you first completed 5k on the treadmill. Didn't you feel wonderful? You need to visualise that when you need to motivate yourself to go the gym. Also, take your measurements and judge your progress by how well your clothes fit.

Finally, here are some positive vibes and hugs to cheer up:

{{{{{{{{{{{{{++++++++++++}}}}}}}}}}}}}}

So here endeth the sermon from Speedymama

Sweetheart, awww, so sorry to read that you are feeling low about things.
It is amazing how quickly weight is put on, isn't it....but considering that you only have 8Ibs to go, think how fantastic you are actually doing.
BY Speedys post I assume that you are doing WW? Not sure which plan of theirs you are following, but maybe switching to the other one will help. Sometimes you get to used to a certain plan and need a change.
Or maybe try to look out for new recipes, so, that you don't have the same ole?
My WW leader mentioned to us a couple of weeks ago that having a protein rich Breakfast (thinks like eggs) for Breakfast can kickstart weightloss again, if you have struggled for a while...might be worth trying?
Just stay with it, just remember you are doing it for yourself and no one else and you are obviously doing it for your own reasons, otherwise you wouldn't give it a 2. htought and just go "off the rails" completely!
I try not think of things as being on a diet, as diet mentality only leeds to feelings of deprivation and mental tantrums.
Another thought, you say that you have been struggling with those 8Ibs for a while anyway...maybe your goal is to highly set and that is why you struggle?
Don't giveup, you are worth it

god I'm really on a downer - thanks so much for your comments but reading them all I seem to be able to do is pick out the negatives. Most of your suggestions I am already doing - and have been for months!

Oh Sweetheart, you really are low. How about trying to do something that you really enjoy. Do you like to dance or go walking etc? Maybe if you just do that for a while, you might feel better.

Also, what is your favourite meal or food? You could have that and savour every mouthful by eating and chewing slowly.

Also, indulge yourself. Buy yourself a new dress for your holidays and that might motivate you to ensure that you are looking your best by the time the holiday comes around.

Please try and stay positive and keep coming here for more positive vibes.

{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{+++++++++++++++ ++++++++}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}

Oh Sweetheart, you poor thing....can't really add anything else to what Speedy said!
Have you tried Visiulisation (sp?)...apprently it can really help achieving your goals.

Sorry! I really don't want to bring everyone down with me. I am feeling a little more posotive, perhaps I should vacate the thread until I've got my head back in the right place!

sweetheart....you know this is all about supporting each other through the bad days aswell as celebrating eachothers successes, so, please don't feel like you shouldn't post about your feelings.
We all go through tough times, and whilst of course sometimes we need to be just left alone, other times we do benefit from the support others can give...but only you will know which one it is!

Everyone, thanks for the support. Sweetheart, I know exactly how you feel. I know breastfeeding and exercising are both excellent things to do and I would do them both no matter what. But I feel like having a tantrum myself because I'm being good but getting no reward for it . But at least I know I have the option of dieting later if the weight doesn't shift when I wean.

Hi everyone

Sweetheart, pleeeeaaassse don't go!!!! I'll miss you too much for a start - you and I are both around the same height and weight, as I have put a few lbs on too in the last few weeks. I totally identify with how you feel, I have spent the last six months losing and gaining the same half stone - it is infuriating for me but I don't think anyone else probably even notices the fluctuation in my weight!!

You know that when the two of us are good we lose a few lbs in a couple of weeks and feel great . You sound as if you are in great shape already so it's just getting back to keeping active to stay toned, drinking lots of water and limiting the unhealthy (but normally yummy) foods. Everyone gains on holiday and I'm sure those pesky 8lbs will be off again in no time. If you really need a few days off, will you promise to come back to see us again soon to let us know how you're getting on?

Oh and I forgot to add in a great big and just in case here's a gentle up the bum too

How is it going for everyone?
Well, I did one section of the Kathy Smith workout, the cardio/interval section and it was good. not quite as simple to follow as Davina or Nell, and more in teh "oldfashioned" Aerobic routine sort of way, but short routines, so, not to much to rememberCertainly got me sweating, lol!
I am ready to build my fitness up again
Had a Juice this morning, but it made me feel icky for some reason...might have been the Yoghurt...it was obviously not totally gone off, but it was not completely fresh, iykwim....!
For this week I am aiming at doing 30-60 minutes Exercise in the morning and if I can get something done at night, too, then that is an added bonus, but for now I am happy wiht once a day, I think...might try to get a 8 minute Tae Bo workout in in the evening...time saving and just the ticket to get that metabolism going

OK sweetheart - here's my advice. Hope it helps .

One or none of the following might be part of the cause...

1. If your ideal weight goal realistic for your body frame? At the bottom end of healthy weight isn't ideal!!
2. Are you eating enough? - 2000kcal we women need every day
3. To reduce weight calories in should be less than calories out by no more than 500kcals a day. (To be very acurate this an be calculated by a registerd nutritionist or dietician - hard to come by...) 4.Muscles weighs more than fat
4. Your lack of weight loss cound be caused by stress. We can become soooo very hung up on losing weight and gaining fitness than it consumes us and we loose all sence of perspective. I hope the folloing article helps.....

s stress making us fat?
by Lorie Parch and Dr Wynnie Chan
We already know that too much stress is unhealthy. But now there?s growing evidence that tension also piles on the pounds

Feeling pressured, tense, or under the gun, most of us have at one dived into the nearest bag of sweets or bottle of wine, or ? if things are really going bad ? both. But, says Dr Pamela Peeke, assistant clinical professor at the University of Maryland School of Medicine, and author of Fight Fat After Forty (Piatkus; £12.99), comfort eating during stressful moments ? which tend to be many ? is one of the main reasons our waistlines expand.

According to Professor Peeke, Whenever we?re angry, scared, anxious, or tense, the brain produces cortisol and adrenaline: hormones specifically designed to incite the fight-or-flight response that was once crucial to our survival. ?Adrenaline?s main role is to make you alert and focused, with exceptional concentration and memory,? says Peeke. She adds that cortisol also helps increase heart and respiratory rates and getting your muscles tensed and ready.

While those physiological processes worked well for our prehistoric ancestors, they?re not as useful in a world where physical dangers are few. The trouble is, whenever we?re stressed ? when a colleague dumps a load of extra work on you, when the baby is screaming incessantly, when your partner forgets to run a vital errand ? these hormones are released into your system. Though adrenaline levels plummet as the stress subsides, cortisol remains in the body much longer. Since, physiologically speaking, your body thinks you?ve run a mile or two or done something active in response to the ?threat?, the hormone sends signals to refuel the body as soon as possible. It?s a biological green light to indulge in foods loaded with carbs and fat that leads to weight gain in the chronically stressed. It?s a vicious cycle of stress, followed by elevated cortisol, followed by that scone you don?t need.

I often use www.weightlossresources.co.uk to gain credible info. from.

Hi to everyone else as well

sre about the typos but got to dash