Lacking motivation for that final push

Luna said:

I am 5'5" and I started at 199 pounds in April of 2003. My weight
currently fluctuates between 148 and 152 pounds, for the last several
months. My goal is 130-135.

I am doing just fine sticking to low-carb foods, and I am doing just fine
working out on weight machines 3 times a week and doing some form of cardio
2 - 3 times a week. I am progressing nicely in strength and endurance, but
I am not losing any inches or pounds.

Since sticking to an eating plan isn't a problem for you, maybe
its time for you to change your focus. I would highly suggest
that you switch gears from thinking about your food intake and
exercise as a means to effect the numbers on the scale or
clothing size. Flip that mindset over.

You could think of your time and efforts exercising, as well as
your food intake, as a means to achieving some clearly defined
fitness goals -- of which the scale is only one, but certainly
not the main one. I would suggest that you pick some activity
goals that would be attainable and measurable -- something that
you will be able to track as you're progressing and can be
celebrated when achieved.

Having fitness goals (running X amount of time, biking X amount
of distance, lifting X% of bodyweight, etc.) can be ever changing
over the course of your life, but in the end will aid you in
keeping your BF% down which is your primary goal. Even though it
can be tough training to reach a fitness goal, it is something
your daily efforts have a clear, direct effect upon -- that's not
always the case with the scales.

--
Rudy - Remove the Z from my address to respond.

"It is better to die on your feet than to live on your knees!"
-Emiliano Zapata

Check out the a.s.d.l-c FAQ at:
http://www.grossweb.com/asdlc/faq.htm

Lord, I apologize!

"Kevin Martin (Homebrewer)" <[email hidden]> wrote in message
news:[email hidden]...

Quoted message said:

In article <[email hidden]>,
[email hidden] says...

Quoted message said:

I guess calling you a girlyman wouldn't help.

--

Eat less, exercise more. -- MFW

I don't care who you are that was funny right there!
--

370/292/270
Single malt scotch is awesome (NO it does NOT have carbs as DON'T vodka,
gin, rum, bourbon, etc generally)
Malt can be made low carb through the judicious use of yeast.
Low carb beer? Uh...yeah.
Read the books.
You can have more than eggs for breakfast.
Yes calories do count.
Ketosticks are not neccessary to lose weight.

Email: Actually my feet are big not medium.

Luna <[email hidden]> wrote in message news:<[email hidden]>...

Quoted message said:

I am starting to think it would take rather extreme measures to get to
goal, and I honestly don't know if it's worth it. I could theoretically
stick to a 1000 calorie a day diet, and devote 2 or more hours a day to
working out, I do have the capability to be that dedicated, I just don't
know if I want to tap that capability. I am reasonably happy with the way
I look and feel now, but it niggles at me that this weight and BF% is still
not healthy. It was relatively easy to get the motivation to go from "big
fat pig" to "looking pretty ok." I had a lot of fear and disgust at my
highest weight, but now that fear and disgust is gone, so I need something
else to push from "looking pretty ok" to "damn hot." Better health is such
a nebulous concept for me, it doesn't have the emotional draw of things
like being able to fit in normal clothes did in the beginning. _That_ was
something I could get excited about, and I'm trying to find something to
get excited about to lose these last pounds.

Hi, Michelle!

Here are the changes you could try to get weight loss rolling:

- Curb night-time eating. Try to make the lunch your heaviest
meal, and then have several 150-200 cal snakcks throughout afternoon,
and only green veggies and water/tea if you have to after 6pm.
- Decrease the fat foods. I don't know what your daily meals are
composed of, but maybe trying leaner foods (low-fat dairy, poultry,
etc) might help. Yes, I know, fat is good, and especially olive oil,
nuts, seeds, etc. However, fat is fat, and too much for me was an
issue.
- Eat between 1500-1700 cal a day and burn around 2000 cal a week
in cardio (according to equipment). If I start to exercise less or
eat more, I stall.

Every person is different, and you need to finetune the weight loss
plan for yourself. I have no doubts whatsover that you'll get there.
Don't give up, please! You've achived so much, and you have so little
to go before your goal! Keep it up, you can do it!

Good luck!
Elana

Actually, "I'm" I would be grammatically correct.

In news:[email hidden],
JC Der Koenig <[email hidden]> stated
|
| I'm me.
|
| HTH

So?

--
Most people are dumb as bricks; some people are dumber than that. -- MFW

"FOB" <[email hidden]> wrote in message
news:[email hidden]...

Quoted message said:

Actually, "I'm" I would be grammatically correct.

In news:[email hidden],
JC Der Koenig <[email hidden]> stated
|
| I'm me.
|
| HTH

Michelle,

I think you're reflecting several of us here. I am in the same boat as
you, but I had already decided to "lighten up" during the summer so that I
could, without guilt, eat any veggies from my garden, including fresh
sweet corn, sugar peas, and whatever else I can get to grow here in Poland
this cold summer.

So, I've taken "off" since late May when I went to the states for my
parents' wedding anniversary. I am basically am just trying to be aware
and "watch it". This is "life" as well as dieting. Since I can now wear
size 10-14 skirts and S-M tops, if I put back on a few lbs, after reading
Jenny's website, I even expected it when I ate bagels, well, so be it,
(for now). 🙂

But, I've decided to "go for my last push" beginning in late Sept. (when I
expect the corn to be over) and continue until I get the last few lbs off
and below goal so there is some wiggle room. This is not to say that you
should be the same. I am so happy to be back in the normal range, that
I've decided it's okay, and I'm trying to practice portion control and
plain ole self-control, even when not eating LC (which is harder as I get
hungrier). Maybe because I'm 41, and a mom to 5, I'm feeling pretty
decent and looking respectable, so I'm happy with how I am now. I have
clothes that fit. I'll be better after another few lbs, but am okay with
how I am now. I'm STILL getting used to how I look, as well.

But, I do want to "reach my goal", but can't really say that I'm entirely
"low carb" for now. I think that when it is time to start again, I'll be
psyched up for it, and ready to "go for the goal." I'm basically trying
to stay in the 140-150 range until I start again. I'm not disgusted or
upset with myself.

If there is one thing this forum has taught me and that is that in order
to succeed at this diet or WOE, or whatever you call it, and that is to
look at our bodies as more of a scientific experiment and less
emotionally. It has helped me when I realize that. If I'm up a few lbs
due to water (cause I'm refilled back on carbs), then, I understand why,
and I'm not going to get upset about it. I realize that I want to be able
to eat something with carbs and not get all "upset" about being heavier in
the morning, so I realize that I will need to go under my target weight of
135, probably about 10 lbs, since it seems like I have the capacity to
gain and lose 10 lbs rather quickly.

I guess I'm not sure I'm going to look really "hot" even at 135 (or 135)
as I will just get thinner, but never will look really "hot"...I'm just
not built like that. 🙂

Becky P.
199/140's/135
www.family.solidrockpl.org

I thought you aimed for perfection in all things.

In news:[email hidden],
JC Der Koenig <[email hidden]> stated
| So?
|
| --
| Most people are dumb as bricks; some people are dumber than that. --
| MFW
|
|
| "FOB" <[email hidden]> wrote in message
| news:[email hidden]...
|| Actually, "I'm" I would be grammatically correct.
||
|| In news:[email hidden],
|| JC Der Koenig <[email hidden]> stated
|||
||| I'm me.
|||
||| HTH

"I am, I'm me" are lyrics from a song.

--
Most people are dumb as bricks; some people are dumber than that. -- MFW

"FOB" <[email hidden]> wrote in message
news:[email hidden]...

Quoted message said:

I thought you aimed for perfection in all things.

In news:[email hidden],
JC Der Koenig <[email hidden]> stated
| So?
|
| --
| Most people are dumb as bricks; some people are dumber than that. --
| MFW
|
|
| "FOB" <[email hidden]> wrote in message
| news:[email hidden]...
|| Actually, "I'm" I would be grammatically correct.
||
|| In news:[email hidden],
|| JC Der Koenig <[email hidden]> stated
|||
||| I'm me.
|||
||| HTH

In article <[email hidden]>,
[email hidden] says...

Quoted message said:

Lord, I apologize!

Those gentlemen(Ron White , Larry the cable guy, Bill Engvall, Jeff
Foxworthy) are hilarious.
The wife and I were prepared to not be amused when we watched but they
made fans out of us both!
--

370/292/270
Single malt scotch is awesome (NO it does NOT have carbs as DON'T vodka,
gin, rum, bourbon, etc generally)
Malt can be made low carb through the judicious use of yeast.
Low carb beer? Uh...yeah.
Read the books.
You can have more than eggs for breakfast.
Yes calories do count.
Ketosticks are not neccessary to lose weight.

Email: Actually my feet are big not medium.

[email hidden] (DG511) wrote in message news:<[email hidden]>...

Quoted message said:

So stay where you are. You're healthier (even if it's not a major motivator),
you look better, and you've worked hard at this. If you can maintain your
present weight, what's wrong with an intentional stall? If later on you decide
you want to lose more weight, you can do it then. There's no rule that says
you have to make this a single process. Perhaps with you, losing the first 50
pounds is one process, maintaining that is a second process, and losing another
15-20 pounds is an optional third process.

I disagree. Just because she has stalled doesn't mean she should give
up, it means she needs to adjust her diet and exercise in order to
continue losing weight. A break will not help, it will just mean she
will take longer to reach her goal. I recommend switching from
machines to free-weights at the gym, and a 500-calorie a day reduction
in food intake.

In article <[email hidden]>,

(The Voice of Reason) said:

[email hidden] (DG511) wrote in message
news:<[email hidden]>...

Quoted message said:

So stay where you are. You're healthier (even if it's not a major
motivator),
you look better, and you've worked hard at this. If you can maintain your
present weight, what's wrong with an intentional stall? If later on you
decide
you want to lose more weight, you can do it then. There's no rule that
says
you have to make this a single process. Perhaps with you, losing the first
50
pounds is one process, maintaining that is a second process, and losing
another
15-20 pounds is an optional third process.

I disagree. Just because she has stalled doesn't mean she should give
up, it means she needs to adjust her diet and exercise in order to
continue losing weight. A break will not help, it will just mean she
will take longer to reach her goal. I recommend switching from
machines to free-weights at the gym, and a 500-calorie a day reduction
in food intake.

I was planning to switch to free weights, but then I found out the trainers
at the Y don't actually thouroughly train you on the free weights. They are
there to answer questions, but if you want someone to help you figure out a
specific routine and teach you correct form, you have to hire someone. So
I'll stick with the machines for now. I disagree with your statement in
another thread that they're a waste of time. They're not as good as free
weights, but they're better than nothing. I get a good muscle burn, I feel
more energetic and happier the rest of the day, and I still feel a pleasant
ache the next day, so I know it's doing _something_.

--
Michelle Levin
http://www.mindspring.com/~lunachick

I have only 3 flaws. My first flaw is thinking that I only have 3 flaws.

Luna <[email hidden]> wrote in message news:<[email hidden]>...

Quoted message said:

I was planning to switch to free weights, but then I found out the trainers
at the Y don't actually thouroughly train you on the free weights. They are
there to answer questions, but if you want someone to help you figure out a
specific routine and teach you correct form, you have to hire someone.

It's not that difficult to do, you don't need a trainer to teach you.
By the way what's a 'Y'?

In article <[email hidden]>,

(The Voice of Reason) said:

Luna <[email hidden]> wrote in message
news:<[email hidden]>...

Quoted message said:

I was planning to switch to free weights, but then I found out the trainers
at the Y don't actually thouroughly train you on the free weights. They are
there to answer questions, but if you want someone to help you figure out a
specific routine and teach you correct form, you have to hire someone.

It's not that difficult to do, you don't need a trainer to teach you.
By the way what's a 'Y'?

Sorry, YMCA. I work for them so I get a free membership.

I don't know how much weight to lift, how to lift it, how many times to
lift it, or how to get a full body workout. I pretty much understand the
concept of picking up heavy things, but I'm not sure how to do it without
hurting myself, I don't know whether to use the big long stick thingies
that you add the round thingies to, or whether to use the little things
that are all one piece, and I don't understand how to lift them with my
feet so my legs get a workout too. Do they strap them on somehow or
something?

--
Michelle Levin
http://www.mindspring.com/~lunachick

I have only 3 flaws. My first flaw is thinking that I only have 3 flaws.

"Luna" <[email hidden]> wrote in message
news:[email hidden]...

Quoted message said:

In article <[email hidden]>,

(The Voice of Reason) said:

Luna <[email hidden]> wrote in message
news:<[email hidden]>...

Quoted message said:

I was planning to switch to free weights, but then I found out the

trainers

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

at the Y don't actually thouroughly train you on the free weights.

They are

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

there to answer questions, but if you want someone to help you figure

out a

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

specific routine and teach you correct form, you have to hire someone.

It's not that difficult to do, you don't need a trainer to teach you.
By the way what's a 'Y'?

Sorry, YMCA. I work for them so I get a free membership.

I don't know how much weight to lift, how to lift it, how many times to
lift it, or how to get a full body workout. I pretty much understand the
concept of picking up heavy things, but I'm not sure how to do it without
hurting myself, I don't know whether to use the big long stick thingies
that you add the round thingies to, or whether to use the little things
that are all one piece, and I don't understand how to lift them with my
feet so my legs get a workout too. Do they strap them on somehow or
something?

--
Michelle Levin
http://www.mindspring.com/~lunachick

I have only 3 flaws. My first flaw is thinking that I only have 3 flaws.

Michelle, here is a very good site for you to start learning with.
http://www.stumptuous.com/weights.html

Chris

In article <[email hidden]>, "c" <[email hidden]>

Quoted message said:

"Luna" <[email hidden]> wrote in message
news:[email hidden]...

Quoted message said:

In article <[email hidden]>,

(The Voice of Reason) said:

Luna <[email hidden]> wrote in message
news:<[email hidden]>...
>
> I was planning to switch to free weights, but then I found out the

trainers

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

> at the Y don't actually thouroughly train you on the free weights.

They are

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

> there to answer questions, but if you want someone to help you figure

out a

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

> specific routine and teach you correct form, you have to hire someone.

It's not that difficult to do, you don't need a trainer to teach you.
By the way what's a 'Y'?

Sorry, YMCA. I work for them so I get a free membership.

I don't know how much weight to lift, how to lift it, how many times to
lift it, or how to get a full body workout. I pretty much understand the
concept of picking up heavy things, but I'm not sure how to do it without
hurting myself, I don't know whether to use the big long stick thingies
that you add the round thingies to, or whether to use the little things
that are all one piece, and I don't understand how to lift them with my
feet so my legs get a workout too. Do they strap them on somehow or
something?

Quoted message said:

Michelle, here is a very good site for you to start learning with.
http://www.stumptuous.com/weights.html

Chris

Thanks, I've actually read quite a bit of that site, but I know from
experience in other things that I have quite a hard time telling what to do
with _my_ body just from a photograph of someone else. Even having someone
right in front of me demonstrating something does not insure that I will do
it correctly. I have taken aerobics classes, I've been in musicals where I
had to dance, I've had choreographers actually grab my arms and legs and
_put_ them where they are supposed to be because I honestly thought I _was_
doing exactly what they were doing, but I was wrong. I think I have some
sort of mental block when it comes to things like this, just like some
people are tone deaf, some are color blind, I must be "body blind" or
something. I'm really very scared of doing something wrong and hurting
myself badly.

--
Michelle Levin
http://www.mindspring.com/~lunachick

I have only 3 flaws. My first flaw is thinking that I only have 3 flaws.

Luna <[email hidden]> wrote in message news:<[email hidden]>...

Quoted message said:

I don't know how much weight to lift, how to lift it, how many times to
lift it, or how to get a full body workout. I pretty much understand the
concept of picking up heavy things, but I'm not sure how to do it without
hurting myself, I don't know whether to use the big long stick thingies
that you add the round thingies to, or whether to use the little things
that are all one piece, and I don't understand how to lift them with my
feet so my legs get a workout too. Do they strap them on somehow or
something?

http://www.stumptuous.com/weights.html

That's a good place to start.

"curt" <[email hidden]> wrote in message news:<7VVLc.547$M86.73@trndny03>...

Quoted message said:

"Ignoramus20054" <[email hidden]> wrote in message
news:[email hidden]...

Quoted message said:

In article <[email hidden]>,

Luna said:

Quoted message said:

I am 5'5" and I started at 199 pounds in April of 2003. My weight
currently fluctuates between 148 and 152 pounds, for the last several
months. My goal is 130-135.

I am doing just fine sticking to low-carb foods, and I am doing just

fine

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

working out on weight machines 3 times a week and doing some form of

cardio

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

2 - 3 times a week. I am progressing nicely in strength and endurance,

but

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

I am not losing any inches or pounds.

It seems pretty much the only thing I can do to get these last 15 or 20
pounds off would be to well, duh, eat less and exercise more.

I do periodically cut back on how much I eat, but after a week or two of
doing this and still seeing no loss, and having to live with being
constantly uncomfortably hungry, I go back to just eating how much I

want.

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

I _don't_ pig out, and with the amount of exercise I do, 2000 calories
looks, on paper, to not be too much food, yet it is too much for me to
lose.

I am starting to think it would take rather extreme measures to get to
goal, and I honestly don't know if it's worth it.

I generally agree with your thinking.

I am in exactly the same boat, I am slightly slimmer than you (BMI 24,
yours is 25), and I am thinking of stopping my (very modest) weight
loss plans for this year and remaining at 172 (after losing 5 lbs in 6
months), instead of going down to 167. I am 5'11".

Too much hassle, too much drama, and basically not worth it, from a
health, comfort, or appearance standpoint. I will simply try to become
more muscular at the same weight, by cutting and bulking if necessary.

My suggestion to you would be to lose 5 lbs, to be firmly within
"normal" range (even though it is pretty arbitrary), and just hang on
to this weight until PERHAPS one day you decide to lose a bit more.

i

This sounds like a good idea. Take a break and when you are ready to go for
the goal if you want, then kick in Induction and bump up the exercise. You
can do it if you work really hard. I never thought I would see 170's. I
have trouble saying it. I usually say 190's by a mistake.

Take you time and enjoy the journey.
Curt

no wonder people in this group stay fat with motivation like this.
when things get tough the tough give up.

<snip>

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

Michelle, here is a very good site for you to start learning with.
http://www.stumptuous.com/weights.html

Chris

Thanks, I've actually read quite a bit of that site, but I know from
experience in other things that I have quite a hard time telling what to

do

Quoted message said:

with _my_ body just from a photograph of someone else. Even having

someone

Quoted message said:

right in front of me demonstrating something does not insure that I will

do

Quoted message said:

it correctly. I have taken aerobics classes, I've been in musicals where

I

Quoted message said:

had to dance, I've had choreographers actually grab my arms and legs and
_put_ them where they are supposed to be because I honestly thought I

_was_

Quoted message said:

doing exactly what they were doing, but I was wrong. I think I have some
sort of mental block when it comes to things like this, just like some
people are tone deaf, some are color blind, I must be "body blind" or
something. I'm really very scared of doing something wrong and hurting
myself badly.

--
Michelle Levin
http://www.mindspring.com/~lunachick

I have only 3 flaws. My first flaw is thinking that I only have 3 flaws.

Weightlifting is just like anything else that is new to someone. You have to
study and learn. The main areas for concern with weightlifting are the back,
rotator cuff, knee and elbow joints. The back is probably the most injured
body part due to improper weightlifting techniques, or sometimes from too
much weight.

The first thing to make sure you have is a weight belt. This is basically a
belt that goes around your lower midsection. The belt is very wide in the
back muscle area to provide "support" for the muscles there. It should be
used for squats, deadlifts, bent over rows, etc. I leave mine on for most of
the workout, and take it off for crunches.

I can understand the confusion to a newbie weightlifter. There are so many
exercises that work the same muscles. Some are best left to advanced
lifters, but most of them can be rotated in to your routine to add some
variation.

The main bar types you will use at first will be the barbell and dumbbell.
The barbell is the long bar, and the dumbbell is the short bar. Dumbbells
can either have permanent weight attached to them, or they can have weights
added to them like the barbell does.

Most exercises are designed to target one main muscle group, but some end up
working several muscle groups by design. The idea is to isolate the target
muscle as much as possible to reap the most benefit from the exercise. A
muscle always contracts when it is trying to overcome resistance, so in a
normal day you can see what muscles you use to do certain things.

You might want to hang out in the gym at the YMCA and see if there is
someone there that could help you get started. We help people here when they
need advice, and have actually made a few friends by doing so.

There is also are websites that show the motions of many common
weightlifting exercise so you can see how they are done. Here are a few:
http://www.exrx.net/Lists/Directory.html
http://www.e-weightloss-fitness.com/
http://www.myfit.ca/exerciseband.html
http://www.thetrainingstationinc.com/exercises.html

HTH
Chris

In article said:

"curt" <[email hidden]> wrote in message news:<7VVLc.547$M86.73@trndny03>...

Quoted message said:

"Ignoramus20054" <[email hidden]> wrote in message
news:[email hidden]...

Quoted message said:

In article <[email hidden]>,

Luna said:

> I am 5'5" and I started at 199 pounds in April of 2003. My weight
> currently fluctuates between 148 and 152 pounds, for the last several
> months. My goal is 130-135.
>
> I am doing just fine sticking to low-carb foods, and I am doing just

fine

Quoted message said:

> working out on weight machines 3 times a week and doing some form of

cardio

Quoted message said:

> 2 - 3 times a week. I am progressing nicely in strength and endurance,

but

Quoted message said:

> I am not losing any inches or pounds.
>
> It seems pretty much the only thing I can do to get these last 15 or 20
> pounds off would be to well, duh, eat less and exercise more.
>
> I do periodically cut back on how much I eat, but after a week or two of
> doing this and still seeing no loss, and having to live with being
> constantly uncomfortably hungry, I go back to just eating how much I

want.

Quoted message said:

> I _don't_ pig out, and with the amount of exercise I do, 2000 calories
> looks, on paper, to not be too much food, yet it is too much for me to
> lose.
>
> I am starting to think it would take rather extreme measures to get to
> goal, and I honestly don't know if it's worth it.

I generally agree with your thinking.

I am in exactly the same boat, I am slightly slimmer than you (BMI 24,
yours is 25), and I am thinking of stopping my (very modest) weight
loss plans for this year and remaining at 172 (after losing 5 lbs in 6
months), instead of going down to 167. I am 5'11".

Too much hassle, too much drama, and basically not worth it, from a
health, comfort, or appearance standpoint. I will simply try to become
more muscular at the same weight, by cutting and bulking if necessary.

My suggestion to you would be to lose 5 lbs, to be firmly within
"normal" range (even though it is pretty arbitrary), and just hang on
to this weight until PERHAPS one day you decide to lose a bit more.

i

This sounds like a good idea. Take a break and when you are ready to go for
the goal if you want, then kick in Induction and bump up the exercise. You
can do it if you work really hard. I never thought I would see 170's. I
have trouble saying it. I usually say 190's by a mistake.

Take you time and enjoy the journey.
Curt

no wonder people in this group stay fat with motivation like this.
when things get tough the tough give up.

Billy, I don't know about you, but Luna, Curt and myself are all at
normal weight. What about you?

i

(billydee) said:

no wonder people in this group stay fat with motivation like this.
when things get tough the tough give up.

When things get tough, the tough figure out WHY they're tough, and
learn how to deal with it. Anyone who blindly follows a course of
action which ISN'T working is, well, dumb. Being tough is about
following a course of action which IS working, no matter how difficult
it is.

Besides, there's lots of anecdotal evidence that your body needs to
adapt to new fat storage levels before it's ready to go leaner. Once
a new weight becomes "normal" for it, it becomes easier to diet to
lower weights.