The 8 week healthy weight loss challenge 4.0 (started 7/30, enrolling through 8/4) - Page 21

[tillymonster]

OMG Dmitrizmom— 12 pounds? What are you doing? That's insane. I bet that 10k had something to do with it. Jealous! Congrats everyone! I hate that I only lost 3 flipping pounds in 8 weeks but hey, it's better then zero pounds!

[Dmitrizmom]

For those struggling with the "last 5 lbs"... I thought this was an interesting read: http://gokaleo.com/?p=666

Tilly - just my new normal... working out and eating (fairly) clean.  I alternate cardio and weights, I eat a lot of fruits and veggies and lean proteins... but I also allow myself to eat fats - I love butter and whole fat milk.  Everything in moderation most of the time...  I'm drinking a lot of water - close to 100 oz a day.  I have great days and awful days. But instead of giving up after (or during) an awful day, I start fresh... sometimes I wait until morning, sometimes I start right away again.  I'm doing weight watchers (but eating all my own food - none of their packaged stuff). I go to meeting to stay accountable and come here.  Most of my challenges are mental. It is hard to break the habit of a lifetime of not valuing myself, but it is getting easier the more I treat myself like I have value.  And that value includes the mom and wife part of me... but it also includes the woman who has changed her dreams and discovered that what is between my ears is important.   And it is ok for me to come first sometimes... because I matter. Don't know if that helps, answers the question or muddies the water.   This journey for me has been as much mental as physical.

[Dmitrizmom]

Carp!  Did I kill the thread???

Just stopping in to wish everyone a good weekend!  Hoping that we all have a fabulous weigh in on Monday.    Also wanted to thank everyone for their support and encouragement. 
 

[Amandamarie]

Dmitrizmom-    Thanks for the info!  I've had a lot of success with WW in the past. It's a good program. I tried the nursing mom's program, but struggled with it. Waiting for my ds to wean so I can go back.

Congrats on the weight loss!  

[tnh2007]

Originally Posted by Dmitrizmom 

For those struggling with the "last 5 lbs"... I thought this was an interesting read: http://gokaleo.com/?p=666

Tilly - just my new normal... working out and eating (fairly) clean.  I alternate cardio and weights, I eat a lot of fruits and veggies and lean proteins... but I also allow myself to eat fats - I love butter and whole fat milk.  Everything in moderation most of the time...  I'm drinking a lot of water - close to 100 oz a day.  I have great days and awful days. But instead of giving up after (or during) an awful day, I start fresh... sometimes I wait until morning, sometimes I start right away again.  I'm doing weight watchers (but eating all my own food - none of their packaged stuff). I go to meeting to stay accountable and come here.  Most of my challenges are mental. It is hard to break the habit of a lifetime of not valuing myself, but it is getting easier the more I treat myself like I have value.  And that value includes the mom and wife part of me... but it also includes the woman who has changed her dreams and discovered that what is between my ears is important.   And it is ok for me to come first sometimes... because I matter. Don't know if that helps, answers the question or muddies the water.   This journey for me has been as much mental as physical.

Great job, and that is really awesome!

I can totally relate about the mental part of things.  I am struggling a lot in that area...  I feel as if I worked that out the rest would fall into place...  so I will keep at it!  

[diana_of_the_dunes]

I'm feeling discouraged too, but for a different reason.  Maybe some of you can relate or offer some wisdom...

I had abdominal diastasis after having DS, though I managed to just about close it.  Then I got pregnant with twins.  When I miscarried at just shy of 5 months, I was already about as large as many women get with a singleton pregnancy.  I also had been sick for a long time during the pregnancy, and was unable to remain active.  I lost a lot of blood during the miscarriage (though I did have a transfusion), and I was not able to be active for about 2 months after the loss.  Then I got pregnant again quickly and ended up on modified bedrest at 8 weeks through the rest of the pregnancy.  DD was delivered via c-section, which wrecked my abs even further. 

I have been doing some of the Tupler exercises to close my diastasis.  The other day I tried to add some moves to work my transverse abs.  And I found out that I don't have any abdominal strength.  At all.  I cannot lift my feet off the floor while laying flat.  I can do a plank for about 7 seconds before experiencing sharp pain.  I did some static contractions and "sets" of tightening my abs, and just that little bit was enough to make me sore today.

I don't know what to do to strengthen my abs.  All the exercises I know, I'm unable to do.  My 10 week old daughter has stronger abs than I do at the moment.    I just bought "Restore the Core" to try to help myself...  Has anyone used that program?  Any suggestions?
 

[Dmitrizmom]

Originally Posted by diana_of_the_dunes 

I'm feeling discouraged too, but for a different reason.  Maybe some of you can relate or offer some wisdom...

I had abdominal diastasis after having DS, though I managed to just about close it.  Then I got pregnant with twins.  When I miscarried at just shy of 5 months, I was already about as large as many women get with a singleton pregnancy.  I also had been sick for a long time during the pregnancy, and was unable to remain active.  I lost a lot of blood during the miscarriage (though I did have a transfusion), and I was not able to be active for about 2 months after the loss.  Then I got pregnant again quickly and ended up on modified bedrest at 8 weeks through the rest of the pregnancy.  DD was delivered via c-section, which wrecked my abs even further. 

I have been doing some of the Tupler exercises to close my diastasis.  The other day I tried to add some moves to work my transverse abs.  And I found out that I don't have any abdominal strength.  At all.  I cannot lift my feet off the floor while laying flat.  I can do a plank for about 7 seconds before experiencing sharp pain.  I did some static contractions and "sets" of tightening my abs, and just that little bit was enough to make me sore today.

I don't know what to do to strengthen my abs.  All the exercises I know, I'm unable to do.  My 10 week old daughter has stronger abs than I do at the moment.    I just bought "Restore the Core" to try to help myself...  Has anyone used that program?  Any suggestions?
 

Talk to your doctor about your options.  First on the list should by physical therapy - they will be able to help you with stabilization and strengthening in a way that will help with long term results. And give yourself some time - be gentle with yourself!!!  Your baby isn't even 3 months old yet.  

[Dmitrizmom]

Final weigh in for this challenge!!!

166.0 - I bounced... ILs were here all weekend and man, do they cook fabulous food!

[MarieP]

Final weigh in: 129.2!!! 
 

[lilacvioletiris]

244.0 - where do I sign up for round 5?

[IsaFrench]

163 still

sorry blue team, didn't realise it would be so difficult not to regain the few pounds i started losing ...

[nobodymove]

Yay! 133.4 this morning!  After staying 136.4 for 4 weeks straight I finally lost a little.

This has been a great motivator for me and I would love to sign up for another challenge. 

[Valid28]

Final weigh in at 156.2.

[Buzzer Beater]

135 again.

I am going to try one more challenge and if I don't lose this will be my end weight and I will be fine with it. I've been working out, very active, eating well and it's not a bad place to be at all. Hopefully I can move some of the weight around eventually. I am still so thick in the middle I don't think it's healthy. Certainly not comfortable. Anyway, I seem to be very commited to this level of health (after a year of working out and eating less) as a lifestyle and not a diet... it's not something I have to make myself do, it just is.

[diana_of_the_dunes]

164

[PixieLittle]

163 for the final weigh in. Thanks ladies for keeping me accountable and motivated!

[Amandamarie]

I still don't have a replacement scale. I'm planning on going to buy one tonight. I'll post my final weigh in tomorrow morning.

[incorrigible]

243.4

Thanks for all the inspiration and support, everyone. I'm looking forward to the next round!

[tillymonster]

219.4 today. Again. Le sigh. I think I might throw my scale out the window... My sister said just yesterday I was looking great but that's the happiness with a new pretty summer dress!

Dmitrizmom-- Weight Watchers! Yes! I lost about 75 pounds back in '05-06 and I tell you right now, the meetings and positive energy was what worked for me. I just wish I could afford it. I was seriously considering just buying a membership for 3 months and seeing what happens. Like I said at the beginning of this challenge, the scale just wont move. I'm thinking I'm one of those lucky gals who can't lose ANYTHING while nursing. Then I have to remember I have a thyroid disease and the inability to lose weight is a hypothyroid symptom. I almost feel like my obsession with losing weight is becoming unhealthy so working on me is so in order and I'm really inspired by you!

I will totally sign up for another challenge, but am going on vacation Oct. 10-16th so I'm not thinking I'll do so well... 

[thecoffeebean]

Same weight. Lots of stress these past two months. I wish I'd had a better weight loss, but I'm going to cut myself some slack and keep trying to make healthy choices. Thanks for the support, all!