VeganDeVil

Yeah, I've never gone past parallel. I tend to feel it in my back when I do that.

And sheer laziness. Vegetarianism may take a little getting used to, but it's not that freaking hard.

Hmmm.... perhaps you're starting out with weights that are too heavy? You should be able to do three reps of 10-15, starting to really fatigue at the 12th rep. At least that is what I was taught, and has always worked for me. Pick three or four different exercises per session, and do them that way (3 sets of 12ish). (ie: squats, ballet squats, lunges, and something else you don't find torturous! maybe jumps landing in squats??) How heavy are the weights that you are using? If using dumbells, and just starting out, don't go higher than 5 or 6 pounds. Then push that weight up every week. I remember starting with 3 pounds, and eventually moved up to 15. My legs were hella toned. On machines, I obviously went much heavier. Here's a site I find helpful about the value of squats and proper squat form and such: http://www.stumptuous.com/cms/displayarticle.php?aid=123 Hope that helps, VegannNY! I'm routing for you!

Remembering that just put my original post in perspective for me. Hah! Silly brain.

Greg, It's unfortunate, but it makes a certain amount of sense. I do remember a time when I was an omni, and had a certain contempt for vegans. It doesn't make any sense now, looking back, but at the time I had pre-conceived notions of them as elitest, preachy, overly serious party poopers. I think ultimately, it was the selfish side of me acting out. Knowing there was a truth out there that would make me feel bad about the burgers I loved oh so dearly. In the end, you are lucky these people aren't in your life. The word 'Vegan' filtered them out of your compassionate sphere. Don't know if you're still single or not, but when you find a vegan or vegan friendly lady, it will be worth waiting for!

D.C. does sound like the most logical spot.... but Asheville is such a wonderful place!!!

That was very helpful, thank you for that! I've been exercising my abs at least every other day, and I aim for every day. I can feel them getting stronger quite quickly! Thanks for everyone's advice!

No, it does not go too far. Yes, it is jarring to see children talking about something as serious as cancer. But so much of the health and obesity epidemic in America is due to misinformation and a love of convenience. I wish there were more 'jarring' commercials like this about nutritional health and welfare. Maybe some people will wake up and do a little homework.

Well, definitely post when the meet-up is! I'll be in nyc for a week or two in mid/late october and would love to join y'all. *I'll definitely be there October 9 and 13/14/15. Outside of that I'll be upstate with the fams. *update - never mind those dates. The boyfriend can't travel with me then, so we're not sure of the week we'll be there. Well, hopefully it works out.

Oh dude, that sounds AWESOME! I'm definitely going to try that. And I'm just under 5'8. 5'7 1/2, to be precise.

I just realized, that if I stay on track.... I should reach my weight loss goal in THREE WEEKS! Blimey! I'm so jazzed, and so ready for this new chapter in my life. *edit* That's totally wrong. At 2 pounds per week, I should reach my goal in 5 weeks. I really should go back to grade school.

WEEK 2! Heeeeeells yeah.... Day 8: V, 1400 calories, 350 cals burned/Elliptical machine Day 9: V, 1400 calories, sculpt class, solo ab work, 400 cals burned/Elliptical trainer Day 10: V, 1600 calories, no exercise Day 11: V, 1400 calories, sculpt class, solo ab work/leg work, 370 cals burned/Elliptical trainer Day 12: V, 3600 calories, worked a double shift and walked quite a bit Day 13: V, 1350 calories, sculpt class, 200 cals burned/Elliptical machine Day 14: Veg., 2000-2500 calories, no exercise A few days there where I wish I'd restricted a bit, but overall a good week, methinks. Worked out like a mad woman and am starting to see results--- got on a scale two days ago and I weighed just a skosh under 130 pounds. A pretty healthy 4 pound loss in two weeks! Woo hoo! Also, my transition to a Vegan lifestyle is going quite well. It definitely took a period of adjustment and 're-training,' but now it's easy. What made my last day non-vegan this week was a night of drinking. Vegan booze isn't exactly readily available. But even then, I didn't have anything with a blatantly dairy base. *edit* - I take that back, Vegan booze IS readily available, I just hadn't found the proper resources online (yet. Still, the booze I had wasn't on the 'veg friendly' list.) NOW, I can trash my body compassionately!!! (I kid, I kid.... it's very rare that I drink). GOALS for this 3rd week: attempting to stay under 1400-1500 calories. Stay on track with the sculpting classes. I'm sure at some point I will want to transition into solo weight room work, but for now the classes are doing it for me.

what's wrong with them? They keep these vids posted, and easy to find.

Oh man, this post inspired me to try and find a particular television commercial I remember from my childhood on youtube, and in the process was reminded of Teddy Ruxpin, Garbage Pail kids, the Campbells Soup SnowBoy... and came across these little videos.... (they're cheesy and HORRIBLY cut, but 80's-alicious and very nostalgic). Seriously, horribly horribly edited. But Alf, Duck Tales, Ninja Turtles, California Raisins, and jean jackets all make appearances! Woo hoo! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CSwAfZXNLiY

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uZDJZhZ187M

I agree, comfort eating IS just a distraction. Its just so difficult when you're already in that particular headspace. Kind of a "I've already 'ruined' my day, might as well keep going" mentality. But it's just one stupid day. Back on track. I like the idea of keeping a symbol/message close by. I may use that.

Ugh. Really bad day today, caloricly speaking. Just a very stressful day that I decided to deal with via food, which is so lame. I haven't done that since college. I'd say I had about 3600 cals all together. I feel like I must have undone so much of my hard work this week. I know wallowing won't make things better, but I felt like I needed to recognize it and own up to it. The rest of my week has been great, though. I'm really proud of myself for all the gym time I have put in. Looking forward to posting my second week's log. Blech.

Thanks, Richard!

Wow, that's fascinating. I've never thought about that before!

This one makes me smile. *DRATS!* I don't know how to post videos.

Oh...my.....god...... That is the most tragic thing I've ever heard. What a tool! "Maybe you were abused in childhood, maybe your mother has chemo.."

The Ez. bread takes a little getting used to, honestly. The consistency is different, but knowing how natural and good for you it is helps that process along. But my boyfriend is a big omni, and he doesn't care for it. He'll opt for something loaded with high fructose corn syrup anytime! The atkins/low carb thing has definitely worked for a lot of people, but it's not due specifically to the absence of evil carbs, it's that dieters unknowingly cut out over 1000 calories a day by eliminating buns on their burgers and the empty calories of fries and the like. Not exactly a healthy diet.... but all that fat is filling and very satisying. And cutting out that many calories will cause anyone to lose weight!!. If that worked for you, then perhaps the key is making sure all your meals have enough yummy fats.... portion controlled nuts, nut butters, avocado, olive oil, whole grain breads, oatmeal, oatbran and even potatoes and knishes, as long as you add a 'fat' to these 'whiter' carbs so your insulin doesn't spike and you stay full longer. I've been interested in the 'raw' thing too.... I really wish I was someone who could keep it up. The weight loss and health benefits seem freaking amazing. But the recipes are so long and complicated! Some of them take DAYS to prepare with all the 'sprouting' and 'soaking' you have to do. And you need so many machines. (Dehydrators are like 200 bucks!) Don't know if this helps, but I keep little baggies of 100 and 200 calorie portions of things in my pantry. Almonds, cashews, and trail mix specifically. If I'm having something a little on the sugary (or empty calorie) side, I'll add a portion of almonds to my meal to balance it out. And I aim for about 250-400 calories a meal (depending on my last meal), eating 3-6 times a day. Makes me feel like I'm always munching! Sort of my own little '3 hour diet'.

ha ha! I love it!

That's a better way of looking at it. But I'm not sure I have the patience, you know? But I suppose that's the way to do it: don't get defensive, don't get preachy, just make it a non-issue. But I do feel like this issue seems to bring out some true colors.... and I'm done with crappy people. Life is too short.