Kid #2, lost her freshman 15 by increasing exercise and cooking for herself. She stayed away from cafeteria food.
Thanks all. I think the problem is that I do not have a lot to lose (another 10 would be my ultimate goal) and the fact that I already eat quite “clean.” I cook from scratch at least 4 days a week, and seldom have dessert. I don’t drink soda or really anything but water and black coffee…well, except for the occasional glass of wine. Portion control is likely my new best friend. I think that’s where I can focus…that, and oh, a few less glasses of wine on the weekends!
Will less wine make you “whine” Runnersmom? 
If you don’t have much to lose then IMO, losing that 4 pounds is even more monumental. When you hear people losing 2 pounds a week, it is often because they have more to lose to begin with AND they often don’t keep it off - at all!
Also remember that your as your body mass changes your weight # might not change. Might even weigh more! But you might distribute the weight differently, have more muscle (nothing that will make you enter contests!) and be leaner in key areas. The number on the scale should not be the driving force - how you feel and how you look are more telling to me. 130 pounds looks totally different on one person than another.
Also, just wanted to add that added sugar doesn’t just come in desserts (sugar may not be your problem, but I figured I’d mention it) - it’s in things that are considered healthy and clean, but are really overprocessed and sugary - flavored yogurts, cereals, oatmeal, breads, sauces, salad dressings, etc.
@abasket, boy do you have me pegged (covers her eyes with embarrassment!). Anyway, I will think of all your good advice and focus on how I feel and look…and how my blood results react. Should go in for a blood draw soon and we’ll see what impact the exercise and focused eating have had on my cholesterol and A1C numbers. I’m really trying to make this about health not vanity, because that is a much better motivator for me.
I missed this thread. Marilyn- hugs to you. My parents have been gone a long time but I still have moments where I wish I could call my Mom and tell her something.
Runners mom- I’m in a similar spot. 90% of the time I eat clean. Haven’t walked into a fashion food place in years, drink both my coffee and iced tea unsweetened. Don’t drink sodas. Unlike you I do need to exercise more.
I heard something yesterday that I have been trying to incorporate into my life. The concept of really chewing my food. I am trying to be aware and counting my chews. Also that even if I feel bad after eating a certain food I still eat it again because the initial taste is so good. Trying to raise my awareness.
Wednesday I was meeting a friend at Starbucks. It was after a luncheon where I had eaten a sandwich. My mind said get a iced mocha style drink. Something I never order. Thankfully my voice came out and ordered my usual unsweetened green tea. I know it was the sourdough bread and few Kettle chips running wild in my brain.
" I’m really trying to make this about health not vanity, because that is a much better motivator for me."
I agree. If a person feel healthy, the person will generally feel happy about the looks, too. But there is nothing wrong with vanity being a motivating factor… if your “ideal female body” is not a Twiggy-like stick figure but a muscular, toned body of a fitness trainer, the end result is the same. 
Bumping this up
I need a little kick in the pants.
It has been a couple of weeks of travel, eating out and eating at events without a lot of healthy choices and I’m feeling it. Clothes are fitting fine but my feet and fingers are swollen. I don’t think I’ve ever had it to the point my wedding band is barely budging,
Suggestions- I’m thinking I have had gone overboard on my sodium intake. What can I do aside from drinking lots of water?
Marylin so sorry for your loss. I should probably return to the Diet and Exercise thread. runnersmom - four pounds in a month sounds great to me.
Mom60, I don’t know all your health stats, but if sodium hasn’t been a problem prior to this you should discuss water retention with your physician. You want to be sure your kidney and other organs are 100% in order to filter bad things out of your body. If you generally know you have to watch sodium, take all processed foods out of your life for a few days to a week and see if you feel differently. Sodium and sugar lurk in EVERYTHING that is packaged and sitting on a shelf.
Anyone up for reviving this thread?? Am just getting back on the bandwagon and could use some traveling buddies
Love to get back on the wagon! Finally got my weight down to a place I can live with and due to a very hectic fall, it’s starting to creep back up. I’m all in for a support system. How do you motivate yourself to exercise when things are really busy?
Good question!! I am starting very slow. We were given an elliptical for a holiday gift ant its set up in the bedroom. To be honest, I find it boring. But i have gotten on it for brief periods while watching the news. Have gone to the gym a few times and am off to meed a friend for a walk. Its a start. Bigger issue is that I have a goal-- will be skiing in about a month and I have to get in shape! And lose weight (so far just lost a few lbs, but its a start. Miles to go before I sleep.
Welcome back, buddy!
Unfortunately today’s exercise is likely to be walking the mall, but I’ll try to get my 10,00 steps in, one way or another. Supposed to be a gorgeous weekend here, so I’m hoping for some outdoor time over the next few days. Skiing is a great goal - mine is to be able to wear my bathing suit at the end of January as we just booked a last minute cruise.
There is an outdoor hot tub at this condo. Not planning to get in a bathing suit!
I hope to hit 10,000 today too- on the walk.
Thanks for bumping jym! We’ve been working into our San Diego life style but I’m not doing as much walking as I meant to so have to get that rolling again. I’ve gotten in some sporadic long walks on beaches and such but nothing regular. I haven’t been on the Wii Fit as often as I should - I do think that 20 minutes a morning does get my metabolism going.
My weight has been holding more or less steady but I think my blood sugar is too high. After much effort I got accepted by a new doctor and am seeing her Monday (there was a two month wait for a non-specific check up) so we shall see if my home test kit is accurate or not. I miss my old doctor! I’m expecting my visit will spur me on to action. We have a pool and I need some new bathing suits but keep putting off buying them in the hopes I can lose some weight.
DS is flying out next week for an 8 day visit so we should get some activity going then.
Hi folks! Welcome back! I walked 3 mi with a friend, had a healthy lunch and am now at the gym. Hit 11,600 steps and am on the bike (which doesn’t register steps). Holiday party tonight will be a test.
Happy to join in, can always use the shared motivation!
Hi all! My Nordic ski group started training so I am stepping up my workouts. Thanks @jym626 for waking up this thread to poke us a bit!
My Fitbit said I walked over 6 miles yesterday. I went to a holiday party last night and was quite good about what I ate. Even one of the attendees commented on the healthy food on my plate! I am down 3 lbs but it’s hard to know ath the outset if that’s just water weight. I’d like to get 10 lbs off in a month! Is that possible?