Chats, Challenges & Laughs 2nd home

[Cele21]

For all my Chats, Challenges & Laughs peeps! Since we can't get on the threads I thought I would start a discussion area for us. We may not be able to keep track of points standings easily but we can still talk.

I miss you!

[Glenda]

Ladies,  Haybales posted a link somewhere of a video I watched about intermittent fasting that concluded their study showed no worthwhile advantages for that way of dieting.  This was just after I had posted that I read it was successful because with a lack of available insulin you didn't store fat.  They said that wasn't true.  Anyway, I found it does have 2 GREAT values.  One for me was getting me out of the "what am I going to eat next" all day mindset.  And they did acknowledge that it controls hunger.  It did for me. I wasn't hungry at all doing that.  I'm having another lesson reinforced lately.  I have been in extreme pain with shingles and a pinched nerve or something, so  that I stopped all exercise and am losing weight  better than usual because I'm eating less.   Study after study shows exercise doesn't help people to lose weight.  It is important for health though.  Just don't exercise and then eat more.  I'm burning almost as many calories anyway.

[ElaineJ27]

I am tracking all my food and have stayed within my WW weeklies so far this week. I only have two left until Monday morning, so I pretty much have to stay within my daily budget. I have been drinking at least 72 oz of water/unsweetened tea every day. 

The temperature hit 82 yesterday afternoon and was 40 degrees at 6:00 this morning. I walked outside yesterday and hit the gym this morning for cardio and strength. 

@CJ_Here , we don’t usually have measurable snow until December so I can’t imagine it this early. I suppose you’re used to your winters. Snow or not, I don’t like the shorter days with less sunlight. 

@Jan2512 , I also admire your ability to address each person. I can’t remember what was posted and am not technically advanced to go back to the posts from where I’m typing. I hope your lockdown restrictions are lifted soon. Other than wearing masks in public, life here has almost returned to some sense of normal for most people. Elderly in facilities are still isolated and not faring  well alone. 

@Jan2512 , I’m also glad your swollen lymph nodes are responding to treatment and were not the result of something more serious. 

As far as intermittent fasting goes, or any other eating style that is safe, what works for some will not be beneficial for others. We’ve all been doing this long enough to know we have to find our own solutions, and they will probably change as we change.  Right now I’m trying to focus on lean protein, limited grains, and lot of vegetables with some fruit. I also hit five days of cardio and three days of strength training this week! 

[Jan2512]

With CJ having snow & Elaine going from nice temps to almost freezing my weather hasn't been great over the last few days.  We were having lovely sunny days, nice spring days not that warm in the shade but nice in direct light.  But that all changed a couple of days ago and over the last 24 hours we had more rain in an October day than we've had in the last ten years.  Outside our front garden a puddle has become a small flood.

I think I mentioned in the past that I like to dabble in family history.  I haven't done much over the last couple of years but I did find a cousin of my Mum, they had lost contact years ago.  I would send her an occasional email but hadn't been in contact with her since the start of the year.  Well, I decided to update my family tree and put Dad's death details on it so I thought I'd better contact her and let her know about Dad.  She replied straight away, she like most of my family live in England.  She told me her 26 year old grand daughter had covid, she is recovering but it has been slow.

@CJ_Here - I love travelling to America and have been so many times in the past but I am honestly glad not to be there at the moment.  It just seems so scary.  We have anti-maskers here but most are doing the right thing and we are nowhere near your situation.  I don’t know how people can still believe covid is a hoax with so many fatalities around the world.  We had a slight spike today with seven new cases but thankfully no deaths, however it could impact on whether we will see a reduction in our restrictions tomorrow.  We will have to wait for the Premiers broadcast tomorrow afternoon to find out. 

@Glenda - Intermittent dieting is working for me at the moment.  I have got very disciplined in not eating or drinking (pepsi, soft drinks or alcohol) outside of noon to 10:00 pm.  I am not losing weight fast but I have been sleeping better and feel I have more energy.

@ElaineJ27 - Thanks, I am feeling much better and the bites have gone down a lot.  I have no idea what bit me but I certainly had a reaction.  Lucky I suppose as Australia has more deadly insects, animals etc than any other country in the world.  Elaine, I read everyones posts every day but when it comes to posting I just go back to the last time I posted then make notes of what I want to “talk” about with each person.  I do agree with you that not every diet is for everyone.  It can just be hit and miss sometimes you find a great diet but after awhile you need to try something else especially when you plateau.  It is the same with exercise.  Last year I watched a programme hosted by English doctor Dr Michael Mosley.  It was very scientific with participants having blood tests, oxygen test and a whole barrage of other tests before they exercised then all these tests were taken after exercise, this was done over several weeks.  People were doing different types of exercise - high intensity, weights, low impact cardio, yoga & pilates.  It was found that for some people doing just a little exercise will have a big positive impact in their health whilst some who undertook vigorous exercise had no impact at all and vice versa.  Personally, I feel much better when I exercise.

[Cele21]

USW - 218.0

LW - 190.0

CW - 190.4

The weekly weigh-in was not as bad as I thought it was going to be but still a tad in the wrong direction. Sticking to the meal plan has become tougher - I tend to stick with something for about two to three weeks then rebel against the cooking/shopping for specifics and chuck it all out the window. So I'm taking some time off and seeing if I can continue on my own for a week or two before starting up again. I'm pretty sure I have the basics of portion size and more vegetables down. Eating breakfast everyday has improved also. I'm not missing soda the way it was in the beginning and am happy with water, tea and the few cups of morning coffee at work. Fried food did not sit well the last time I attempted it after being away from it for a month so that is also on my 'stay away' list. As stated in the last two weeks I need to up my movement but the weather has been pretty yucky. I live a couple hundred miles from Elaine so we have about the same weather patterns - warm and sunny when I'm at work, cold and rainy by the time I get home and I am NOT a morning person so getting up early is absolutely not happening.

@Jan2512  - So glad you are feeling better

@Glenda  - Sorry to hear you are under the weather. 

@ElaineJ27  - Yay you for staying in your WW numbers!

@CJ_Here  - Glad the intermittent fasting is working for you - don't think I could be that disciplined.

@MargaretG139  - Hope all is going well with you.

[CJ_Here]

Getting 75 oz water every day; some times more.  Still working through the beginning stages of intermittent fasting (IF from now on) and still keeping it open ended for how long I'll stay on it.   Fasting between 16-17 hours; reading / logging on it; dreaming of getting to 19 hours fasting but not sure that will be right for me.  It depends on what you read as to the benefits of IF.  I do feel successful that I can go without eating junk 16 hours every day.  If nothing else, I want to learn to go without food in between hunger and when eating to eat healthier.  I want to get off the artificial this or that and learn to really savor good food.

Enjoying the updates from people.  Hope everyone is feeling better today than yesterday.

[ElaineJ27]

The hardest part of my workout is changing my clothes and driving the two miles to the gym. Once I get started, I enjoy it. 

Monday, Hubby had a colonoscopy so we left home at 4:30 a.m. to be there on time. Everything is fine and the doctor mentioned that all his “attachments “ look good.  But lack of sleep and caffeine made my day miserable. 

 Today is our baby’s 37th birthday so we’re taking her family out to eat. I still haven’t written down this week’s plan and even though it’s roaming in my head, if I don’t put it on paper, I get confused and get off course. 

@CJ_Here @it sounds like you are adding to your game plan a step at a time and that should lead to success. I’m glad that IF is helping you. 

@Cele21 , your success the past few months shows that you are making changes that you can live with long term. I also can stay motivated for about three weeks, so let’s both push to make it four this time around. 

Our temps have been in the 40s and I believe we had snow yesterday, even though it was water as soon as it touched the ground. 

I hope everyone can find at least one good thing to encourage you. 

[Jan2512]

Just a quick note.  I have set up another bingo game.  I don't think it will work but I thought I'd give it another go.  It starts very shortly but if you join after the time (and provided it works) your step etc should be counted.  It is only for those in this group who are in my friends list.

[Jan2512]

I give up.  The bingo game didn't work.  It seems I can join others but can't set one myself even though I pay for a premium subscription.

[ElaineJ27]

USW. 267

LW.  253.4

CW.  252

I haven’t been as diligent so I expected a slight gain this week but actually lost!  The past few days I have tried to talk myself out of my workouts, but so far have stayed committed. I really do feel more energized afterwards. 

[CJ_Here]

Keep the energy going, @ElaineJ27 .  I had to read your post a couple of times as I always try to talk myself "in to" exercise.  Maybe I should try your method.  Reverse phycology may be the ticket.

Sorry you couldn't get your bingo going, @Jan2512 .  I don't have a phone that I can have apps on but have been thinking of upgrading soon.  It seems you need the smart phone for all the fun.

For the past two days I've conquered the 19 hour fast.  Having only a five hour window to eat is probably good because I still lean towards the not so healthy foods.  I'm thinking that will pass as I continue reading Gin Stephens most recent book, "Fast, Feast, Repeat" that came out in 2020.  I helped Hubby yesterday on his last load of cutting balsam boughs for a local wreath-making company.  We spent two hours outside and I was bending and walking most of the time.  I didn't feel weak or light-headed with the fast going on.  In fact, I felt light.  In total we (he) cut over 2,000 lbs of boughs this season.  They only pay 20 cent per pound, but at least the edges of our field got cleaned up and they didn't go to waste.  The smell was oh so pleasant and the day was perfect weather for working outside.  

[Cele21]

USW - 218.0

LW - 190.4

CW - 191.4

So doing this without a plan while still trying to be on track is not going in the direction I hoped but still much better than I would do in the past.

I'm giving it a few more days (after the election if I'm being honest - hubby and I took off the day to vote then we are going out to breakfast and getting a late lunch at our favorite crepe spot - feast time!). I'm taking these days to figure out or find a menu plan and then will be back at it. My goal is to get to 175 for a discussion with the still to be chosen knee doctor. I know what I need to be doing but haven't gotten to the point of actually doing it.

[CJ_Here]

Getting my water in and following through on IF.  Still eating more; but, less than in the beginning.  Starting my fourth week.  Still wanting breakfast just because.  I want to finish the 2nd book before I decide if I'm going to continue this lifestyle or not.  This week, except for today since I'll be gone, maybe I'll try opening my eating window with breakfast and see if that satisfies me.  We are going to be in the 50's this week so all the snow should be gone.  I haven't been exercising at all and may try walking but will need to drive to town to walk the streets since we have either ice or mud.  Already thinking that's not a long-term solution.  OK, then, just do one day at a time.  

[ElaineJ27]

Sorry I’ve been absent again and my only excuse is laziness. I have been doing 30 minutes of cardio five times a week and weights three times a week. 

I have been slowly decluttering the house and basement. This afternoon I went through three boxes, ending up with a box for charity and a bag of trash. The charity box went from the basement to the car, then I dropped it off before I picked up the grandkids from school. 

Our region of Illinois went on stricter restrictions starting yesterday, with no indoor dining allowed at restaurants. Hubby decided we should go out Friday and Saturday nights, and both restaurants said they were going to remain open. Both have removed tables and staff wear masks. Patrons are required to wear masks except while seated at their table. 

Ladies, I like hearing about your successes and how a small infraction doesn’t derail you for long. 

[CJ_Here]

Doesn't sound like you have laziness at all, @ElaineJ27 .  You inspire me with your daily exercise and decluttering.  I'm pleasde when I drop off recycling at this point.  

Feeling unrest this election day.  I don't talk politics since I don't want to offend people if they are voting differently than me.  I just feel that who ever wins, there will be half the country unhappy (and we'll hear about it through social media).  It upsets me that we've lost respect for so much.  I wish everyone peace during these difficult times.

[ElaineJ27]

SW. 267

LW. 252

CW. 252.2

Up just a bit but the good news is that I was able to shop my closet for blue jeans in a smaller size! 

I am now in Rockford (west of Chicago) at my older daughter’s house to watch her kids until Monday. She has a trip and her husband is a lineman for ComEd and is working in Louisiana after the last storm. I brought my egg muffins for breakfasts and dinners are planned, so I just need to figure out lunches. Since the kids will be in school, I brought my sewing machine and a couple of projects. 

Temperatures have been in the low 70s the past few days so I have walked outside. If the weather isn’t conducive to outside walking, my daughter has a treadmill so I can continue my workouts. 

I hope no one is glued to the TV watching election predictions. Just tell me who won when it’s decided!

[CJ_Here]

Just got the news, @ElaineJ27 , Biden won.

Working on 20:4 IFing.  Still high calories, but less hours to eat them in.  Beautiful days and no walking.  I am definitely a work in progress.

[CJ_Here]

Another 20:4 IF in the books and getting in my water.  Made a huge pot of soup today so I'm thinking this will really help me continue to decrease the amount of calories I take in daily.  I need to find the last time I posted my stats so I can post tomorrow after four weeks on IF.  (Spoiler Alert:  I didn't lose anything (and may have gained a few.)  It is not uncommon for some people to take weeks before the scale starts going downward.  I didn't take my measurements which is where a lot of people see the big changes.  I know I was taking in way too much food.  But I am being gentle on myself.  It was a big change in mindset that has taken me a while longer; but, I can see my food wants changing for the good.

I'm hoping this finds everyone is a better mindset, too 🙂

[Cele21]

USW - 218.0

LW - 191.4

CW - 189.2

Totally unexpected scale number after my election day pig out. I'm wondering if sometimes I need to have a day like that to remind my body that it is not in starvation mode and doesn't need to hold on to the calories. I chose a 7 day winter meal plan this time and was supposed to start yesterday but didn't go shopping until late morning. Only had the plan dinner, didn't prep the lunches yet and didn't plan breakfast this morning. Substituting oatmeal for breakfast and a pre-made bagged salad for lunch. Will work on setting up the rest of the week tonight.

@ElaineJ27  - Yay for being able to 'shop' your own closet for a smaller size!

@CJ_Here  - It feels good when everything 'clicks' but I always find myself waiting for the other shoe to drop.

Hope everyone else is doing well!

[CJ_Here]

Sun - 2 pts / logging & water

HW - 280

8/20/20 - 238

10/12 start of IF - 244

CW - 242.7

[ElaineJ27]

I was on track through Thursday but went all out the rest of my trip to my daughter’s. I did help the 10 year old clean her room by first throwing out all the trash. She had a pile of clothes in one corner that was seriously three feet high!  We sorted dirty and what no longer fits. After laundry, we sorted and organized her dresser drawers. I took a trash bag full of clothes to charity. 

I got home last night so I planned my week today. As I was leaving for grocery shopping, I got a text that my local grandson was at prompt care with a broken arm. When I arrived, his other grandparents were about to take him to the hospital in Springfield because he broke both bones in his forearm. My daughter’s plane had landed in Chicago, but that’s a three-hour drive to Springfield. 

I picked up his sister from school and we had pizza for dinner. I did track my food today and have used half my weekly extra points. 

 @CJ_Here @and @Cele21 , good work on the weight loss. Your diligence is paying off. 

Our unseasonably warm weather is supposed to come to an end tomorrow. I had been walking outside on the days that I just do cardio but will probably now be at the gym most days.