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 Author Thread: winter blahs, weight, any success stories?
 average_anomaly

Joined: 11/16/2007
Msg: 1
winter blahs, weight, any success stories?
Posted: 1/19/2008 3:29:48 PM
Hello from Michigan

I've battled the bulge all of my life. I lost weight during the spring and summer and due to my inactivity it is piling back on regardless of what I put in my mouth. This cold weather and snow makes me want to sleep for a few months and I am becoming increasingly less motivated, bored, and bummed with each passing day.

Has anyone else had these problems and sucessfully conquered them? I can't afford a gym, the mall opens too late for walking in the morning and I take classes in the eve, plus I am a single mom so - it leaves little room for anything besides me working out in my undies to a DVD (gets real boring real quick.)

Suggestions? Comments, anyone else feeling this?
 superteach

Joined: 2/22/2007
Msg: 2
winter blahs, weight, any success stories?
Posted: 1/19/2008 4:21:44 PM
Is there a Planet Fitness in your area? My best success came from joining them at $10 a month. I also use a little stair-stepper I can hide away and go on it while watching TV if walking around outside in the cold is too daunting.
 Smitty82

Joined: 7/13/2007
Msg: 3
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winter blahs, weight, any success stories?
Posted: 1/19/2008 4:26:03 PM
get a used stationary bike or rowing machine for while you watch tv?

I dunno.. if you really and truly can't find time for exercise then you won't have much luck.

Do you not have a local YMCA? You said you can't afford a gym but I know at least up here in Canada it's a non-profit thing and they charge very little for a gym membership. And in fact I've heard from people who have done this that you can just tell them you can't afford their full price and they'll work out a cost that you can afford (since they're non-profit there's some legal issue about them having a defined monthly rate or something of the sort).

If all else fails then just try to do the little things:

-take the stairs instead of the elevator/escalator
-walk to your destination whenever you can
-really pay very close attention to what you eat (you probably have a slow metabolism, but working out at a gym will help to raise that if you can go)

all those kinds of things will help but there's no quick fix for it, and I would strongly suggest that you stay away from any type of diet pill out there, instead go for more natural supplements that will help you.

Look into these things to find which might be best for you:
-CLA (conjugated linoleic acid) natural substance found in meats which helps to burn fat and promotes lean muscle
-Lecithin, another natural product which is a fat emulsifier (breaks down the fat before your body absorbs it)
-Apple cider vinegar (liquid or pills), also supposed to help with weight loss
-Green tea extract

there's lots more out there but anything like "hydroxycut" or other thermogenics are bad news and you should avoid them at all costs.
 average_anomaly

Joined: 11/16/2007
Msg: 4
winter blahs, weight, any success stories?
Posted: 1/19/2008 5:49:00 PM
No cheap gyms here and the YMCA here is $75 a month! I have some time to work out but not a great deal of it, willing to give it an hour a day six days a week if I can find something to do.

The only weight loss luck I've ever had is working out - diet does almost nothing for me, so little its not worth the sacrifice. I eat pretty healthy - not perfect but probably better than most. It seems my metabolism is almost immuned to diets.

smitty - do you know anything about why apple cider or these other products work?

I can't take any of those "hydroxycuts" or anything else with stimulants, makes me sick and jittery.

Any other winter workout suggestions?
 dancestildawn

Joined: 6/24/2005
Msg: 5
winter blahs, weight, any success stories?
Posted: 1/19/2008 5:58:51 PM
Get a great set of head phones with a very long extension cord, put your favorite hard hitting music and dance up a storm for an hour, just let it go. You'll get a great workout and feel fantastic afterwards.
 average_anomaly

Joined: 11/16/2007
Msg: 6
winter blahs, weight, any success stories?
Posted: 1/19/2008 6:01:29 PM
thanks -good idea dances!
 clarissa kent

Joined: 7/25/2006
Msg: 7
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winter blahs, weight, any success stories?
Posted: 1/19/2008 6:17:51 PM
Look up the carbohydrate addict's diet online.

If you take the test and it's turns out you have a carbohydrate addiction, the diet is pretty amazing. I hate to even describe it as a diet; it's really just a diffent way of eating.

Anyways, it's worth a try. It truly can have amazing results if you stick with it... and it's not a quick fix. It's long term and absolutely sustainable.
 Joe_Banks

Joined: 7/1/2007
Msg: 8
winter blahs, weight, any success stories?
Posted: 1/19/2008 7:15:00 PM
Send pics of you working out in your undies!!!

Seriously, it is hard in the Winter. Try to do something each day. Write down what you did you today...start a workout diary. Each day, try to put something in the diary. Even if it's only doing 5 push-ups. Next week, try to do 6 push-ups. If you did 10 minutes of your DVD workout today, next week, try to do 11 minutes.

Even small improvements can add up. In 10 weeks, you'll be doing over 20 minutes a day. Make a habit of it...instead of a negative habit, this will be a positive.

Don't try to plan for next Summer, next month, or next week. Do a workout today, and make a plan for tomorrow. If you plan to far ahead, you get overwhelmed and it sometimes can seem like "I'll never be able to do it".

Best of luck.
 scorpio85

Joined: 3/22/2007
Msg: 9
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winter blahs, weight, any success stories?
Posted: 1/19/2008 8:07:39 PM
Make sure you drink enough water... at least 6-8 glasses a day. It flushes all the toxins out of your system and keeps you from retaining water.

Why not get some hand weights and do a few sets of strength training moves? Do the dvd's... work up a sweat... make appointments with yourself to workout. You'll feel sooo much better afterwards. Diet and exercise together are key but I would say exercise makes the most difference. Stop making excuses... motivate yourself by posting fitness pictures and words around... or only allowing yourself to listen to music when you're dancing in your livingroom.

Try affirmations:
"I am increasing my physical activity everyday."
"I'm taking charge of my body by making healthy choices."

Things like that.
Just DO it. Don't even think about it... don't give yourself time to complain and make excuses... just get it over with and go on with your day.

Getting enough sleep also makes a world of difference.

Best of luck to you.
 christianmom

Joined: 10/11/2006
Msg: 10
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winter blahs, weight, any success stories?
Posted: 1/19/2008 10:28:49 PM
I too have the same battles that you do, especially the battle of the bulge. I do agree with Scorpio though you are making excuses to make yourself feel better and I know because I was there before the first of the year when I decided to quit making excuses for my weight and that I was the only one who could do something about it. I took a weight loss challenge that makes me hold myself accountable so maybe that is what you need to challenge yourself. I require myself to workout minimum of 30 minutes a day, no excuses. I too am a single mom but what we have to realize is that if we do not set an active example for our children then they are going to be in the same place that we are in years to come. Go join weight watchers you get the most important stuff in the first meeting and then you really do not have to go back if you can follow the system on your own. I would suggest buying the complete food companion (you can get last years right now for a reduced price, same stuff) and a points calculator (it is just easier than trying to use the card). All this should cost you about 60 bucks tops. You said you go to class in the evening try parking farther away and walking further to class, I know it is cold but it will make you walk faster and get your heart rate up. I own just about every excercise DVD collection that has been a fad in the last few years and I still continue to do my Billy Banks Tae Bo basic workout on VHS ( you can find it on ebay or sometimes in thrift stores. Come to the conclusion that I come to if you do not like what you see in the mirror looking back at you, you are the only one who can change it!

Now that I am through preaching if you need someone to hold you accountable then by all means leave a comment and I will be happy to support you.

Good luck and keep your head up! CM
 Random Entry

Joined: 12/30/2006
Msg: 11
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winter blahs, weight, any success stories?
Posted: 1/20/2008 12:14:05 AM
Motivation is always a tough one during winter. But if you're feeling that bummed you might had SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder) and the most typical treatment is bright light which can turn on the brain and help produce more vitamin D (or is it K? One of those -- been eons since I read about this stuff, google will know more than I do at this time of the night. )

"Daylight" bulbs, 40 minutes of bright light NEAR your face.

I agree with the green tea but skip the extract and brew and drink your own tea. Fresher has much higher levels of antioxidants.

As to the fitness stuff, what about looking for used? I got a $800-1000 nordictrack skiier machine for fifty bucks through a church fundraising sale and the money went to send kids to camp.
 Smitty82

Joined: 7/13/2007
Msg: 12
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winter blahs, weight, any success stories?
Posted: 1/20/2008 7:33:02 AM
Ok here's a brief blurb on each of those things I mentioned earlier, hope this helps:


CLA:

Studies on CLA in humans shows a tendency for reduced body fat[7] particularly abdominal fat, changes in serum total lipids and decreased whole body glucose uptake. The maximum reduction in body fat mass was achieved with a 3.4 g daily dose[8]. CLA supplementation has, however, been shown to increase C-reactive protein levels, to possibly induce oxidative stress[9], to reduce insulin sensitivity and to increase lipid peroxidation.[10]. However, the significance of these findings is unknown, and other studies suggest that CLA may protect cells from oxidative damage by increasing glutathione levels without inducing lipid peroxidation.



Lecithin:

Lecithin (Nervous, Circulatory) is a fatlike substance called a phospholipid. It is produced daily by the liver if the diet is adequate. It is needed by every cell in the body and is a key building block of cell membranes; without it, they would harden. Lecithin protects cells from oxidation and largely comprises the protective sheaths surrounding the brain. It is composed mostly of B vitamins, phosphoric acid, choline, linoleic acid and inositol. Although it is a fatty substance, it is also a fat emulsifier. Hence, it supports the circulatory system. Its choline is useful for making acetylcholine.



Apple Cider Vinegar:

Apple cider vinegar breaks down the body's fatty, mucous and phlegm therefore improving the health and function of your liver, bladder, and kidneys. It also helps thin the blood, which prevents high blood pressure. It promotes digestion, the assimilation and the elimination processes. It helps get rid of toxic substances that can be harmful. It has been said that if you take a mixture of cider vinegar and water before a meal it will help prevent diarrhea or digestive upsets. This works especially well for picnics when food is left uncovered and not refrigerated for long periods. The potassium in apple cider vinegar also is helpful in easing the symptoms of common colds and allergies. Potassium is essential to healthy bones and teeth and it’s good for hair loss.

Multiple trials indicate that taking vinegar with food increases satiety (the feeling of fullness) and so reduces the amount of food consumed.[13][14] Even a single application of vinegar can lead to reduced food intake for a whole day.



Green Tea:

There are four primary polyphenols in green tea and they are often collectively referred to as catechins.

Powerful antioxidants, catechins have been shown in recent studies to fight viruses, slow aging, and have a beneficial effect on health. Clinical tests have shown that catechins destroy free radicals and have far-reaching positive effects on the entire body.

Epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), an antioxidant found in green tea, is at least 100 more times more effective than vitamin C and 25 times more effective than vitamin E at protecting cells and DNA from damage believed to be linked to cancer, heart disease and other serious illnesses. This antioxidant has twice the benefits of resveratrol, found in red wine.

Green tea also boosts the immune system because of its high concentrations of polyphenols and flavenoids.

Green tea antioxidants have been shown to lower cholesterol.


Fish body oils (Omega 3 fatty acids):

Here are seven major fish oil benefits:

1. Lowers blood triglycerides - high levels of triglycerides are known to be a risk factor for cardiovascular disease.

2. Helps reduce likelihood of blood clots - fish oil benefits include the prevention of blood platelets from sticking together and forming blood clots.

3. Lowers mild high blood pressure - fish oil helps lower blood pressure when it is due to high cholesterol and hardening of the arteries.

4. Reduces inflammation from rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis and gout - fish oil health benefits come from the DHA and EPA that reduce the amount of inflammation-causing substances.

5. Lowers risk of developing Altzheimer's Disease - studies have found that fish oil seems to help protect the nervous system.

6. Reduces depression rates - the lack of DHA has been linked to higher incidence rates of depression.

7. Improves immune system function - fish oil benefits and studies have linked lowered risk of breast cancer and prostate cancer to the consumption of fish oil.

And there are even more fish oil benefits! From lowered risk of age-related macular degeneration to reducing the risk of osteoporosis to benefits for Type II diabetics, fish oil health benefits are truly spectacular.
 average_anomaly

Joined: 11/16/2007
Msg: 13
winter blahs, weight, any success stories?
Posted: 1/20/2008 9:52:02 AM
thanks for all the help guys -

low-carb diets - can't stick to them, they make me feel weak and sick

weight watchters - didn't do ANYTHING for me, stuck to the diet for two weeks and didn't cheat - lost 1 pound for all that work (not worth it!)

I think the treadmill idea is a good one (I must go find an affordable one!)

SAD - for sure, I thought tanning beds were the ony answer to that, which I won't do, good to kn ow there is an alternative.

Anyone else deal with SAD?
 superteach

Joined: 2/22/2007
Msg: 14
winter blahs, weight, any success stories?
Posted: 1/20/2008 12:04:21 PM
I haven't personally, but I know there are SAD lights you can buy, and I know people who suffer from it. Best to see a professional about it.
 christianmom

Joined: 10/11/2006
Msg: 15
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winter blahs, weight, any success stories?
Posted: 1/20/2008 3:37:08 PM
Smitty,

Really good info I was doing most of this but did not know why. Now I do and thanks.

When I was looking for a quick fix as far dieting (which I have now given up on cause there are no quick fixes it takes good diet and excercise) anyway was drinking green tea with vinger and honey and now after reading your posting I understand why inpart it worked.

Thanks again!
CM
 Random Entry

Joined: 12/30/2006
Msg: 16
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winter blahs, weight, any success stories?
Posted: 1/20/2008 4:14:27 PM
I don't think I am directly dealing with SAD but perhaps on the borderline, I do have sleeping issues and the recommendation from doctors after 3 weeks of wearing an actigraph was to use bright light to help reset circadian rhythms. Anything that says "Daylight" or "Full spectrum" should be good... they have everything a tanning bed does except the potentially cancer causing UV A and B rays. Anyway I bought three of these 100W equivalents and put them in a old 3 bulb floor lamp and use them. You can spend a lot more money and end up with a lot less.

http://www.walgreens.com/search/search_results.jsp?term=light+bulbs&is2Query=Y&wsection=P&N=1000021+4294959505&Ne=1000014

It's one of the few that got good reviews:
http://www.walgreens.com/store/product.jsp?CATID=303408&navAction=jump&navCount=2&skuid=sku2419023&id=prod2419545


low-carb diets - can't stick to them, they make me feel weak and sick


Definitely your body telling you something there. The thing is, what exactly?

I think the reason no one diet works for everyone is different body types. I keep meaning to look into this blood type diet sometime just for the reading. Right now I think one of the best ways to figure out what is good for you is look at where your ancestors lived and try to eat a lot of the stuff they did. Most probably did for thousands of years, historically, and did not have processed foods. When I trace mine back there is a lot of fish in every individual ethnicity. It's no surprise fish is so widely recommended. There weren't many chickens running around 300-1000 years ago.
 average_anomaly

Joined: 11/16/2007
Msg: 17
winter blahs, weight, any success stories?
Posted: 1/20/2008 7:48:33 PM
great advice all!
 MrVitamix

Joined: 8/26/2007
Msg: 18
winter blahs, weight, any success stories?
Posted: 1/21/2008 2:58:57 AM
eat less overall and since its winter, make soup... have a cup twice a day and a very small dinner..... stop all sweets and eat only
one fruit daily in place of cookies, candy, cake. Drink water all day heavily until 6pm
( so you can sleep witho getting up to go to the bathroom all night)
drink only one diet soda a day as a treat, maybe 2 .. but no more.

With soups, if you can't make a clear broth soup with vegetables... buy one of those progresso soups in a can to take with you to work...have one at 10am and one at 2...
have a small dinner when you get home
(3 oz meat, 2 cups salad, 1/2 cup potato or pice)
and fruit or air popped popcorn for dinner. Make some hot tea with lemon and sip that throughout the day too

you would not only lose weight, but never have a weight problem again.

a moment on the lips
a lifetime on the hips
 superteach

Joined: 2/22/2007
Msg: 19
winter blahs, weight, any success stories?
Posted: 1/21/2008 7:42:26 AM
Good advice except for the diet soda, which is dangerous and may lead to additional weight gain. Drinking these is linked with obesity. Here is only one link of many:
http://media.www.maroon-news.com/media/storage/paper742/news/2005/11/04/ArtsFeatures/Danger.Beware.Of.Diet.Soda-1047188-page2.shtml

You also don't want to overdo the water. Drink a lot, but not excessively. And if you need rich flavor, you can make richly-flavored soups that are low in calories. I like to make my own chicken stock, which I then mix with veggies to make yummy soup. With squash, it's delicious and filling! Need to make some this morning, in fact. I also like to substitute some of the low-calorie crisp breads for bread.
 Smitty82

Joined: 7/13/2007
Msg: 20
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winter blahs, weight, any success stories?
Posted: 1/21/2008 3:13:32 PM
a good guideline for water is 1 ounce per pound of body weight, ideally this is how much water you should drink every day. a side bonus is drinking all that water will help keep you feeling full throughout the day and not want to eat as much.
 wpg_chick_84

Joined: 1/23/2006
Msg: 21
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winter blahs, weight, any success stories?
Posted: 1/21/2008 11:20:31 PM
I would try buying a few work out videos. I've been able to find them pretty cheap and Winners and Zellers. (Not sure if you have those in the states... maybe try TJ Maxx?). If you have a wide selection it helps make things less boring. Also get some interesting ones, like strip aerobics or belly dancing. You probably don't have SAD, your blahs are probably caused more by the lack of activity and the weight gain than the lack of sunlight. Very few people actually truly have SAD.
 JUst Crazy Enough

Joined: 7/12/2007
Msg: 22
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winter blahs, weight, any success stories?
Posted: 1/23/2008 2:31:24 AM
I've dropped around 108 so far... But low carb :D So not sure what kind of help I can give you there... I did however start last february. One thing you might want to have checked is your A1C. If low carb left you weak than you may have been going hypoglycemic, which will do it everytime. Also when you went low carb, how long did you stick to it? And did you follow a plan? Or just eat meat all day (which is how a lot of people do it wrong and get burnt out). A lot of people assume "low carb" means no carb and think they cant eat fruits and vegetables, when in fact they are encouraged.

For home workouts, the biggest loser videos are actually pretty good from what I hear. I started by walking a mile every morning. Remember 64 ounces of water and than another 8 ounces for every 10-25lbs you want to lose. Regardless I hit one gallon a day if not more. Good for ya :D Just remember Coffee, Tea, kool aid, or propel or any of that stuff isnt "water".

Good luck and just take it one dayat a time, and no deprivation. That will kill ya everytime.
 Random Entry

Joined: 12/30/2006
Msg: 23
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winter blahs, weight, any success stories?
Posted: 1/23/2008 9:38:13 PM
Yeah, it's getting to me, too. Fifteen below lows bite. I miss my bikes with a passion!

Regular schedule. OP. Music that motivates you. Even ramping it up from slower to faster tempo tunes. Have you tried the Steak Run excercise routine?

You tape two steaks to your butt and start running. Let someone release the dobermans and you have more motivation than you'll ever need!
 TheS0urce

Joined: 1/3/2008
Msg: 24
winter blahs, weight, any success stories?
Posted: 1/23/2008 10:44:35 PM
Lack of exercises doesn't cause you to gain weight. Seriously you just eat too big of a meal or high sugar or high fatty foods. Also if you don't drink enough water you might gain weight. I can lose 10 lbs easily without any exercises. Just eat 5 six small meals, low fat foods with plenty of vegetables and drink water.
I walk outside no problem in the freezing cold, just wear enough layers to stay warm. If you move fast enough you will keep warm.
 Jadesque

Joined: 1/14/2008
Msg: 25
winter blahs, weight, any success stories?
Posted: 1/24/2008 1:15:06 PM
to counter the boring exercise routine DVDs, get several different kinds and mix them up for variety. if you have at least 14 different kinds, you dont have any reason to be bored. you can also amp up any current routines for faster results..."keep pushing play"
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