The MakeMeThinner Support Forum

[bikipatra]

Sorry, I didn't realize you still wanted to lose that many pounds to be at your comfort level. I guess I had missed it in your journal. As you must know, exercising at the rate you are HAS to raise your metabolism eventually. The only bad thing about MF is that it does slow our metabolism over time or we would be stick figures considering the amount of calories we consume. The medizone is a great place to be to drop 3-5 a week but once you add the exercise the equation is altered. I don't know how many calories you should consume. I think it is something you should play with and it sounds like you are. 1000 calories a day is a dieting calorie count and you should be able to move beyond that at your fitness level. Sorry there are no easy answers but I do not believe that you will spend the rest of your life consuming 1000 calories a day. Sorry I couldn't be of more help but I still think it is great that you are feeling good. That's something. Have you consulted with a sports nutritionist?

[DogMa]

No. The trainer said to eat more - a lot more - but she doesn't know my system. Every time I increase calories, I gain.

I expected things to be slower for a while. But I've been working out regularly for nine months or so now. So you'd think things would have improved. But I started out with a very slow metabolism, and I've worked out before - although not for so long and so consistently or so hard - but it's never made a real difference. Even on Medifast and when following the program perfectly, I NEVER lost 3-5 pounds a week after the first two weeks. I was lucky to lose a pound or so.

The thing is, I raised my goal and transitioned to maintenance a little above where I wanted to be, figuring I'd lose the last few pounds with all the exercise I was doing and by still watching what I ate (because I knew I couldn't exercise the way I wanted to and continue to eat so little).

I'm just really frustrated right now. I'm tempted to just go back on the program till I lose what I want, but I can't see how I could do that and maintain my workout schedule. And while I might be willing to cut back on exercise for a week or even two, I know that given my system, it would take a lot longer than that for me to lose even just a few pounds.

[DogMa]

OK, I'm wavering again. I went to a nifty site that helps you calculate the number of calories you need to maintain your weight - taking into account, height, weight, age and activity level. I came out with 1875 to maintain at 120 pounds (even though I'm at 133 and would like to be around 125). So there's just no way I should need to lower my calories below my current level (1200-1300 most days).

[Serendipity]

Robin, When I get back from my conference next week, if I'm not below my goal weight, I'm going back on the 5&1 for a few weeks. Wanna join me?

I just really felt my best at 132 and lately it's been more like 135.

[DogMa]

I would, but I really don't think I can do my two daily workouts on a 5-and-1. That's my whole problem. I'm just not willing to give up my exercise for as long as it would take me to lose the few pounds I need to lose, let alone the extras I WANT to lose.

I really just don't know what to do. All I know is giving up the exercise for a few weeks or possibly longer isn't the answer.

[Sharon]

Hi Robin
Wow sounds like our doing great and staying very busy. Plus I like the area where you live. I lived just south of Ft.Worth for over 10 years before moving to New Jersey. I DO miss Texas!!!
I do know what you mean about the yummy ribs and briske there. No good bbq places here but that would be a good thing for me right now.lol

[bikipatra]

Hi Robin
Wow sounds like our doing great and staying very busy. Plus I like the area where you live. I lived just south of Ft.Worth for over 10 years before moving to New Jersey. I DO miss Texas!!!
I do know what you mean about the yummy ribs and briske there. No good bbq places here but that would be a good thing for me right now.lol

I'm from Dallas and miss the barbeque too. They have barbeque here but it is called "North Carolina" style BBQ and has an orange tangy sauce. Just not what I am used to...but as you said, not a good thing for me right now anyway.

[DogMa]

Yeah, I've had that Carolina stuff. Very vinegary, I thought.

Yesterday's plan actually worked pretty well. I ate Medifast all day (plus two pickles because I was hungry), then had a not-SO-awful-for-me dinner (chicken instead of sausage, and steamed broccoli instead of the cooked-in-fat green beans; the only fatty thing was three small ribs). I also only did my morning workout and a short walk outside instead of the tape, and today I'm down that same half a pound I keep bouncing. Usually if I eat out - especially ribs - I take a big bounce up, partly because of the salt. So this is giving me a clue that maybe I'm NOT eating quite enough for the workouts.

So what I'm going to try: a modified 5-1 on days I don't go out (modified meaning I'll still have my normal 200-calories, low-fat, low-carb breakfast and I might have some added lean protein if I'm finding myself a little too weak to do the workouts). On days I AM going out to eat, I'm going to try to eat just Medifast (the lower-carb ones) the rest of the day, so I can save up my calories/fat/carbs for the meal out. And when I eat out, even if it's ribs, I'll get half ribs and half something healthier instead of my usual sausage (like smoked chicken or turkey, if they have it). And broccoli or salad instead of green beans when I can, but most places don't have it.

[bikipatra]

Hey, congrats on the half pound loss. That's a lot for me right now! I am glad you have a plan, too.

[holberry]

dogma, you and those ribs
I havent started heavy exercising yet, but Im listening to you and others to see how you adjust your eating when "sweating"
hb

[DogMa]

I really wouldn't be having ribs nearly as much if it weren't for JDG.

And I'm back to wondering how long that's going to last. Last night I actually had to just shut up and stop talking to him before I got really angry. Turns out he doesn't vote - didn't even vote in the last presidential election. And doesn't CARE that he doesn't vote. And doesn't see what voting has to do with things like the war or the economy. And says he has no interest in local politics, where his vote would actually make an even bigger difference. Sigh.

I spent most of the day hooking up the TiVo I gave him (my old one that I dont use anymore because it's Series 1 and can't be networked with the others or the computer). I told him I'm going to come back and set up Season Passes for stuff like "Meet the Press" and "The Daily Show."

Meanwhile, not bothering with weight today. Yesterday I had almost no water, plus I had some carbs and a lot of salt. So there's no way to get an accurate measure right now. Today I had my normal breakfast and I'm going to brunch with a friend whose mother is also gone (had the breakfast a few hours earlier because I figure that way I won't be starving and won't eat as much at brunch - I hope; I specifically chose a buffet that includes steamed veggies and lots of low-fat, low-carb options), and the rest of the day will be Medifast.

[DogMa]

Weight's OK, given my weekend and my lack of water both days. Today I'm going to have a lower-cal day, or at least try to. Walked/ran this morning, and will do the tape this afternoon.

Ugh. And Mojo got hold of a young bunny this morning. Sigh.

[Sojourner]

Robin ~ sorry about the bunny , but congrats on the Ducks!!
DH watches hockey, but I've never gotten into it much. I did watch part of yesterday's game 'cause DH's family was over our place for Mothers' Day and it was on. The husband of one of our nieces is a huge Detroit fan (and a total putz!), so everyone else was rooting for the Ducks! It was great when they won and we could all bag on him mercilessly!! I thought of you and Alex, and it made it that much sweeter!

[DogMa]

a huge Detroit fan (and a total putz!),

Talk about redundant!! Heh.

And this is it. I think I'm breaking up with him over this. It's just not something I'm willing to live with. So now I just need to figure out how. Because he's going to be upset. And he's going to want to say goodbye to the dogs. And he's going to try to talk me out of it.

I hate this. I don't want to hurt anyone. It's not his fault he's so completely wrong for me.

[Sojourner]

Robin ~ I'm sorry that you have to go through this!
You know, though, that you've really put in an honest effort, and he has to appreciate that. Well, he doesn't HAVE to, but he should! Yeah, the voting thing would've been a complete deal-breaker for me, too. I don't get that at all.

True, it's not his fault that he's so completely wrong for you, but it's not your fault either! And if you can be talked out of it, it's not something that you really want ~ but I don't believe this to be the case...stick to your guns, girlie! (Though I don't think anyone has to tell you that!)

I'll be thinking of you...and sending Sojo's Mojo your way!

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