Diet and Exercise 2014: I Want It Now

[MissThundercat]

Well, it's the new year... what are your fitness goals for 2014? Mine are as follows:

1. Weight wise, I want to get back to 190-210. Right now, I'm at 244, and that's not race weight. I feel I can run comfortably at goal weight.

2. Keep up the cross-training. I've already got the Biggest Loser DVDs (Cardio Max, Power Sculpt, and Boot Camp), plus Jillian Michaels' "30 Day Shred," but I want to add more to that. Once I can afford it, I'm thinking of ordering P90X3 or Focus T25.

3. Learn that just because I run 16 miles or more in a single day, that is no excuse to come home and empty the refrigerator or cupboards.

4. Stick to a training schedule. In 2012, for all races, I improvised a training plan and it cost me in the end. The plan I'm following for this year's Fifth-Third River Bank Run 25K has me doing tempo runs and runs at race pace.

5. Take up yoga. Assuredly the Muskegon Yoga Center has a beginner's yoga class I can take. If not, I'm sure I can find a couple of yoga DVDs.

6. Stay off the injured list. In 2009, it was my left hip and knee. In 2010, it was surgery for a pinched nerve. In 2011 and 2012, it was my right hamstring. And this year, it was bursitis. And I feel that between the yoga and the workout DVDs, something tells me injury prevention will be easy.

7. Log 1000 miles running.

8. Stop all caffeine after noon.

9. Do my workouts first thing in the morning.

 

[wolverineTrumpet]

Re: Diet and Exercise 2014: I Want It Now

Too often I set goals for myself, but I don't write them down, and I don't hold myself accountable. So posting my goals here is a big step for me.

I want to lose 32 pounds by my 32nd birthday. Then continue to lose more after that mid-April mark.

I intend to accomplish this by getting work outs in first thing in the morning. When I work out in the morning I feel good all day, I'm more productive, and I make better decisions on what I eat. Even though I'm aware of these advantages, I will still have to fight the evil temptress: snooze button.

As for diet, I need to not eat fast food 7 times a week. Really, I need to not eat fast food, but if I can cut it down significantly that will be a good start.

 

[alfablue]

Re: Diet and Exercise 2014: I Want It Now

My goal is to go through an entire year without a major injury- all while still exercising.

It's not that fun to do stationary bike + ellipical for an hour and a half since I have a foot injury. Then again, I'm not running in this horrible cold winter.

Would like to get back into the 170's. Didn't make that happen last year- but at least I got into good enough shape that vacations didn't pack on the big weight like they can.

 

[snc1]

Re: Diet and Exercise 2014: I Want It Now

Really strugglingwith the workouts lately. Two weeks ago the deck on my treadmill cracked. I ordered a new one and installed it last week. This one cracked from front to back today. Not very happy with the business I ordered from. Looks like I'll be out of running for a week or so ...again. I'm not running outside. Suppose to get to -40 with the windchill the next 3-4 days here.

 

[jen]

Re: Diet and Exercise 2014: I Want It Now

For a heart rate monitor, I'm thinking of going with the <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Polar-RS300X-Heart-Monitor-Watch/dp/B001W93YDS">Polar RS300x</a>.... because it's free for my service award at work. Seems like a good enough one, even if it's geared toward running (which I don't do). Mostly concerned about heart rate/calorie burn. I'm still worried that the chest strap will slip or be uncomfortable for things like plyometrics, kickboxing, etc.

 

[melmac]

Re: Diet and Exercise 2014: I Want It Now

For a heart rate monitor, I'm thinking of going with the <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Polar-RS300X-Heart-Monitor-Watch/dp/B001W93YDS">Polar RS300x</a>.... because it's free for my service award at work. Seems like a good enough one, even if it's geared toward running (which I don't do). Mostly concerned about heart rate/calorie burn. I'm still worried that the band will slip or be uncomfortable for things like plyometrics, kickboxing, etc.

I think that might be the one I have. I had more problems with the watch (I find it to be bulky) than the band.

 

[MissThundercat]

Re: Diet and Exercise 2014: I Want It Now

Just took my measurements:

42.5" waist
47.5" hips

Goal is 36" waist with 40" hips by the end of the year.

 

[DisplacedCornellian]

Re: Diet and Exercise 2014: I Want It Now

2014 Goals
1. Weight: Currently 185-190. Ideally, I'd like to lose another 5-10 pounds, but will settle for maintaining this weight. I'm comfortable, and much healthier than I was at the 290 where I started.
2. Diet: Try to stay clean during the work week. I've been slacking lately (particularly with the holidays), and all kinds of junk food has crept into my diet. Need to get back to eating clean during the week, and letting myself slack a bit on the weekends.
3. Exercise: More variation. I'm in a rut repeating the same body weight routine and running route. Need to mix it up, and run more often. I'm only getting out there once a week since my daughter was born. Might need to invest in a jogging stroller. Anybody have an recommendations on that front?
4. Switch to morning workouts during the week. I'm NOT an early riser, but need to start so I can relax with the family after work.
5. 22 minute 5k.

 

[jen]

Re: Diet and Exercise 2014: I Want It Now

myfitnesspal users - has anyone else noticed that foods seem to disappear from the Recent category a lot more quickly than they used to? Things are gone when I added them last week. Very annoying.

 

[MissThundercat]

Re: Diet and Exercise 2014: I Want It Now

2014 Goals
1. Weight: Currently 185-190. Ideally, I'd like to lose another 5-10 pounds, but will settle for maintaining this weight. I'm comfortable, and much healthier than I was at the 290 where I started.
2. Diet: Try to stay clean during the work week. I've been slacking lately (particularly with the holidays), and all kinds of junk food has crept into my diet. Need to get back to eating clean during the week, and letting myself slack a bit on the weekends.
3. Exercise: More variation. I'm in a rut repeating the same body weight routine and running route. Need to mix it up, and run more often. I'm only getting out there once a week since my daughter was born. Might need to invest in a jogging stroller. Anybody have an recommendations on that front?
4. Switch to morning workouts during the week. I'm NOT an early riser, but need to start so I can relax with the family after work.
5. 22 minute 5k.

For running, check USATF.org or dailymile.com for running routes in your area. As for a jogging stroller, check your neighborhood running store, or you might find one at a baby store.

If you want to mix it up, try out various workout DVDs. Or you can invest in P90X or Insanity.

 

[jen]

Re: Diet and Exercise 2014: I Want It Now

I think that might be the one I have. I had more problems with the watch (I find it to be bulky) than the band.

I've used it a few times now, and agreed the watch band is more annoying than the chest strap (especially when doing planks or pushups - bending the wrist). I even forgot I had the chest strap on the other night until I went to bed.

 

[BassAle]

Re: Diet and Exercise 2014: I Want It Now

Into my 3rd week of my "wild 100" training. So far so good. So far lots of stair climbing, running, leg and core strength.

The Wild 100 Challenge is an event organized by the outdoor adventure program at my local YMCA where a group of us are training together for 5 months and then will attempt to hike the "100 Mile Wilderness" section of the Appalachian Trail in 3 days. (There are warning signs as you enter this section from either direction that say to bring 10 days worth of food, but a ~6 day pace is pretty typical.) Unlike most people hiking this section, we will have food and water drops, so we will be carrying very little (just water and some trail snacks). There are several unbridged river crossings in this section of the AT, and that might be what I am looking forward to the least -- with spring run-off, the water will be COLD. In addition to being fit, there is a big mental challenge. One has to be willing to suffer and grind out long days while being cold/wet/tired/hungry.

 

[FadeToBlack&Gold]

Re: Diet and Exercise 2014: I Want It Now

If you want to mix it up, try out various workout DVDs. Or you can invest in P90X or Insanity.

What are your thoughts on both? I know Insanity doesn't require gym equipment, whereas P90x requires at least a chin-up bar.

 

[MissThundercat]

Re: Diet and Exercise 2014: I Want It Now

What are your thoughts on both? I know Insanity doesn't require gym equipment, whereas P90x requires at least a chin-up bar.

I'm a workout minimalist, so I prefer Insanity.

And for running, I'm going to start making my own energy gel. All I need is honey, blackstrap molasses, and salt. If I add enough coffee to make the mixture runny, I can pour it into a 5 oz GU flask and take it with me. In the long run, this will save me some money.

 

[jen]

Re: Diet and Exercise 2014: I Want It Now

For those looking for sources for healthy recipes - Ellie Krieger has <a href="http://www.amazon.com/dp/1118409493/ref=wl_it_dp_o_pd_nS_ttl?_encoding=UTF8&colid=27GE0T8HXR3IZ&coliid=IJZ9ML71ZLZUE">a new cookbook out</a> with all 30 minute recipes. I really like her stuff - I have a few of her other cookbooks, and everything I've tried has been good. She doesn't use crazy, hard-to-find "fake" ingredents that are poor substitutes for the real thing, like some healthy coobkooks, and she doesn't follow any gimmicks or diet plans.

 

[MissThundercat]

Re: Diet and Exercise 2014: I Want It Now

For those looking for sources for healthy recipes - Ellie Krieger has <a href="http://www.amazon.com/dp/1118409493/ref=wl_it_dp_o_pd_nS_ttl?_encoding=UTF8&colid=27GE0T8HXR3IZ&coliid=IJZ9ML71ZLZUE">a new cookbook out</a> with all 30 minute recipes. I really like her stuff - I have a few of her other cookbooks, and everything I've tried has been good. She doesn't use crazy, hard-to-find "fake" ingredents that are poor substitutes for the real thing, like some healthy coobkooks, and she doesn't follow any gimmicks or diet plans.

I like Ellie for all the reasons you posted; I have "The Food You Crave" and use it often.

Compared to "Hungry Girl" Lisa Lillien, who is essentially the low-calorie version of Sandra Lee...

 

[MountieBoyOz]

Re: Diet and Exercise 2014: I Want It Now

I was wondering if I could get some good advice from you guys. My wife and I have been hitting hard at the start of this year with a new workout program. I'm determined not to give up like I usually do. I've gotten some success, but my wife is stuck in neutral and she's really upset. She has PCOS (Poly Cystic Ovarian syndrome) where all of her weight goes to the middle. It also makes it insanely difficult to lose weight and to get pregnant. (Something we've been trying to do for almost three years.) She's been going to the gym, doing special workouts that my friend (a personal trainer) has assigned us and she's been eating better. However, she gained an inch and it's been really upsetting her. What does she need to? Does she need to different exercises? Cut even more calories? I've been trying to look up stuff, but I get conflicting information. What should I do? I feel guilty for being more successful than she is. I want her to keep pushing through because I know it'll change for her soon. Thanks in advance.

 

[leswp1]

Re: Diet and Exercise 2014: I Want It Now

I was wondering if I could get some good advice from you guys. My wife and I have been hitting hard at the start of this year with a new workout program. I'm determined not to give up like I usually do. I've gotten some success, but my wife is stuck in neutral and she's really upset. She has PCOS (Poly Cystic Ovarian syndrome) where all of her weight goes to the middle. It also makes it insanely difficult to lose weight and to get pregnant. (Something we've been trying to do for almost three years.) She's been going to the gym, doing special workouts that my friend (a personal trainer) has assigned us and she's been eating better. However, she gained an inch and it's been really upsetting her. What does she need to? Does she need to different exercises? Cut even more calories? I've been trying to look up stuff, but I get conflicting information. What should I do? I feel guilty for being more successful than she is. I want her to keep pushing through because I know it'll change for her soon. Thanks in advance.

Where is the inch? If it is in the but* having a firmer but* increases the inches (had this happen to me).

Certified Diabetes Educator? They may be able to deal with the metabolic stuff. It isn't cutting cals as much as when they are ingested. Eating heavier in the AM and lighter as day goes on is important. They did studies that showed same exact foods distributed AM heavy vs PM heavy made a huge difference. Focus more on fitness than on inches. Can she do more than she did before? That means metabolically things are improving. This is a journey, not an event. Most people with wt issues will go down in fits and starts, not steadily

 

[MountieBoyOz]

Re: Diet and Exercise 2014: I Want It Now

Where is the inch? If it is in the but* having a firmer but* increases the inches (had this happen to me).

Certified Diabetes Educator? They may be able to deal with the metabolic stuff. It isn't cutting cals as much as when they are ingested. Eating heavier in the AM and lighter as day goes on is important. They did studies that showed same exact foods distributed AM heavy vs PM heavy made a huge difference. Focus more on fitness than on inches. Can she do more than she did before? That means metabolically things are improving. This is a journey, not an event. Most people with wt issues will go down in fits and starts, not steadily

Thanks, les. I think it was around the waist, but I'll check.

 

[DisplacedCornellian]

Re: Diet and Exercise 2014: I Want It Now

I was wondering if I could get some good advice from you guys. My wife and I have been hitting hard at the start of this year with a new workout program. I'm determined not to give up like I usually do. I've gotten some success, but my wife is stuck in neutral and she's really upset. She has PCOS (Poly Cystic Ovarian syndrome) where all of her weight goes to the middle. It also makes it insanely difficult to lose weight and to get pregnant. (Something we've been trying to do for almost three years.) She's been going to the gym, doing special workouts that my friend (a personal trainer) has assigned us and she's been eating better. However, she gained an inch and it's been really upsetting her. What does she need to? Does she need to different exercises? Cut even more calories? I've been trying to look up stuff, but I get conflicting information. What should I do? I feel guilty for being more successful than she is. I want her to keep pushing through because I know it'll change for her soon. Thanks in advance.

I went through what (at least superficially) sounds like the exact same scenario a few years ago. Now I'm the proud papa of a 14 month old Unfortunately, there's no silver bullet in terms of a magic diet or exercise. My $0.02: Diet is 90% of the battle, and you can quickly undo any exercise benefits if you don't watch what you eat. My first suggestion would be to actively and HONESTLY track all calories you both eat for a few weeks. Keep a food journal, make note of everything you eat, and track your calories. I was astonished by my calorie totals when I first did that. Second suggestion: if you haven't already, make an effort to replace processed foods with real foods, and to cut down on fast food/convenience foods. From a caloric standpoint, you can eat more (in terms of volume) and feel full without blowing up your calorie total for the day. Third - drink lots of water.

From the exercise side of things - help her find an activity she actually likes and do it with her (long walk after dinner, dancing in the living room, whatever).