@colorado_mom I do both. Skinnypop prepackaged and other times Orville Redenbacher 100 calorie Smartpop Kettle Corn microwave ( they also make a “butter “ version. )
Reading these posts with interest as I am struggling with trying to lose some pounds I have gained in the last year or 2. I got a copy of “Run Fast, Cook Fast, Eat Slow” at the running group Holiday party (“stolen” in the gift exchange) and I have already made one salad which was my lunch at work for a week. I plan to cook more in the New Year so that I can have healthier lunches. I really need to get my hand out of the candy jar at work as once I get into sugar I crave it more.
I had to cut out popcorn as a snack as I found myself eating way too much of it. The pups also liked it and I’m sure it wasn’t good for them. We have a huge tub of candy at work as well and I just need to stay away from it.
I think the Run Fast cookbooks are terrific. There’s a recipe for lasagna in the first one that is simply incredible. It uses sweet potatoes and turkey and freezes really well. Even Mr. Sabaray likes it! I’ve made several of the muffin and breakfast cookie recipes for my running group (Mr. Sabaray wasn’t too keen on those - I think he muttered something about twigs and sticks) and there’s a flu fighter stew recipe that is awesome. Lots of ginger and garlic, two of my favorite flavors. I joined a FB group that’s been great for tips on cooking from the cookbooks and comparing notes on running.
Weight has been a challenge for me this year. Up and down but always stabilizing. When I tried to add more protein to my diet (as the boot camp folks encouraged me to do) - my weight shot up quickly and honestly I didn’t feel great. It’s about that time my cardiac issues surfaced so I suspect the curtailed activity didn’t help much either. So, back to the anti-inflammatory high carb diet. We’ll see how that works out in 2020.
What do you eat before working out? I find I am more bothered by feeling too full than I ever used to be (is that another thing about getting older?) but I don’t know if I should just exercise on an empty stomach either. I am talking about 1 hour of vigorous cardio.
I usually don’t eat before I run. I drink some water but that’s about it. If it’s a race or I’m running later in the day, then I will eat something like half a banana with some peanut butter or half a bagel. I’m typically going for a run around 5 am or so - I’d have to get up really early to eat something and have my stomach settle. I think most of us have plenty of energy reserves to not need to eat before a workout. I’m sure there’s a much more scientific way to say it, but why not try a workout fasted and see how you do?
I agree that you probably don’t need any nutrition before an hour cardio workout. You might try eating a HumaGel packet. The consistency is better than Gu (more like applesauce) and the flavors are really good.
@sabaray Are you going to do the Strava/Lululemon challenge again? It looked like they weren’t going to have it, but they are. It doesn’t start until the 13th or something. January is a tough month for me to do 80 km (or 40 km) outside with weather and business trips, but I’m going to try. The end of it I’ll be in Florida, so maybe I can backload it!
Probably. I’m already in a winter running group to earn some gift certificates. Might as well double up.
I get up an hour or so before I work out and always have a cup of coffee with a small bit of milk and usually half of a banana before I start. And water.
@sabaray - I love popcorn, too. Have had to cut out the evening popcorn (H makes it on the stovetop, just a little salt, no butter) as it was causing issues with my GERD.
Sharing this article (republished from NY Times by our local paper):
The findings are not surprising: it is no better than calorie-counted calorie restriction but it works better for those folks who can’t stick with a program requiring calorie counting throughout the day.
Back in the days, I would eat oatmeal (Coach’s Oats made with milk) on the morning of long runs… and wait for an hour before hitting the road. Any run shorter than a 10K - I would not befor that. I also usually don’t eat before evening workouts. And then don’t feel hungry afterwards. Our bodies pack enough energy to last us comfortably through 10-15 miles of running at a good clip (bonking came around mile 15-16 for me).
Happy 10th Anniversary to all, and happy, healthy, and prosperous New Year!
There are pre-workout supplements, but they’re typically for the body building crowd. One of 1,000’s of articles on them:
https://www.self.com/story/pre-workout-supplements
Personally, my gym has a Nespresso machine, so a shot of espresso does it for me. Or if a morning workout, just a large cup of coffee.
Intermittent fasting
That is one of my complaints with MFP. I simply don’t like using apps on my phone and I’d have to get a lot better at navigating it. If you’re someone already eating a healthy diet (which I think I am), limiting the hours you can eat is better for me than constantly fiddling with an app to get a calorie count.
Got up this morning feeling bloated with baked goods and sugar - I definitely need a salad today!
“That is one of my complaints with MFP. I simply don’t like using apps on my phone and I’d have to get a lot better at navigating it. If you’re someone already eating a healthy diet (which I think I am), limiting the hours you can eat is better for me than constantly fiddling with an app to get a calorie count.”
Wow. I’m not super techie but MFP could not be easier to use. It may not be for you but I don’t want people to get scared off. It literally takes under 2 minutes total to put in all my food for the day. If if someone is interested in doing my fitness pal but is worried about “ constantly fiddling with the app” Once you record a food these foods will appear On a “recent” list and can be added in seconds for the future. I just timed myself putting in all my planned food today:37 seconds. If I have to add new foods it adds 2 minutes total for the day.
That’s great, I’m glad it’s working well for you.
Anyone interested in a 7-day sugar challenge? No, the idea isn’t to see how much you can consume - it’s reducing the added sugars in your diet. I plan to try it as I think that’s an area of weakness for me.
https://www.nytimes.com/programs/sugar-challenge
Looks like you can create a free account to participate.
Baby kid did something like that last year. She said it was eye opening.
So, I think I’m doing OK with sugar. I don’t eat chocolate, sweets, packaged or baked goods, except for oatmeal or those paleo cups. I do have a little fruit each day and add a little nonfat or oat milk to my coffee, but otherwise I avoid almost all sauces.
Not a lot left to cut out. 
BTW, another French patisserie cafe is opening up in my neighborhood. There’s a really successful one in our small downtown, but another has decided to open shop. I don’t get it ?♂️
Returned home yesterday from being out of town with the family. I never work out Sunday evenings, but I decided that my workouts during my time on the road were not up to par.
I was a runner for 10 years, and I don’t think I missed more than one day of it during the second 5 years. I planned my life around being able to run. I hate the dreadmill and always ran outside. I was sidelined by an achille’s injury a year ago, and am now cleared to run again. But…I am seriously out of shape. And fat. I gained 15 pounds and am right back where I was when I first started running 11 years ago.
Anyone out there in my shoes? About to start or restart running? I had worked myself up to half marathons and even placed in a few (in my age group!). I am dreading dragging my fat self outside and feeling like I can barely make it around the block. This misery needs company.
I believe Benjamin Franklin was once quoted as saying “don’t put off until tomorrow what you can do today.”
One of my favorite quotes that I saw on someone’s t-shirt was, “I stop when I’m done.” That’s me.