WorldSims Fitness Club!

[surprised_by_witches]

Hey everyone,

This is just an idea and you can feel free to veto it if you like ... but how would everyone feel about this being a diet/exercise support thread?

We all sit on our keesters a lot more than we probably should playing this game we love so much, and I for one have the shape to show it. :p

What I thought was, we could post our goals and successes. For example, if you don't need to lose weight (lucky you!) but just think you should exercise more you could say, "I would like to lift weights/jump rope/walk two miles this many times a week." Or, if you do want to lose weight you might say, "I'd like to lose 2 pounds a week for a total of 20." Or whatever. (And no, you don't have to say what you weigh!)

And then, when you reach a goal for the week, or day, or if you just need a kick in the pants to accomplish your goal, you can post your success/excuses/pleas for help here. We can also share tips on dieting, exercise, whatever. And I'm sure we'll ramble off topic. :rolleyes:

I just thought, we're all friends here, we spend time on this site, it might be nice to give each other some moral support.

So, what say you?

[Lynet]

I logged in specifically to say, "Hip, Hip, Hooray!" :rolleyes: And Hip is the operative word here. I like the idea. When I get home this evening I'm going to give it some careful thought. Unattainable goals are only frustrating. I've got to set realistic goals. :o

[MegRen]

I think this is a wonderful idea! I've been back at a gym since October (with about a month vacation over Christmas--I know, the worst time to take a break).

I'm trying to lose another 20 pounds--I've already lost 10. I work out with a personal trainer 6 times a month (kaching!) and try to go to the gym at least 3 times a week (4 if I include working out with JJ twice that week). I'm working with JJ today and we'll be working out arms and shoulders, and probably abs. Ick. But it's better than working out legs when he puts me on the StairMaster, or makes me run up the actual stairs 15 times. Or worse--he gets his hands on the resistance knob on the Spin Class bikes. I almost hit him on Monday when he put me on that! :shocked:

[surprised_by_witches]

Way to go, Meg! That's great.

I haven't officially started my diet yet. Like Lynet, I'd like to set some realistic goals. Right now I'm trying to walk to work and back at least 3 times a week. That's 4.5 miles.

Sounds like you're already achieving your goal! Good for you.

[babewithbrains_14]

It's a really good idea! I'd like to get fit. I can't right now, but when the sumer nights come I'm going to see if my friend and I can go jogging after drama on a sturday evening. Dark nights are just not possible.

[alliekat]

I keep meaning to do something about getting fit but it just doesn't happen. I try and eat better and that has been going ok since I'm back at work. Once puppy has had all his shots I'll be walking him more often. That'll be my exercise regime. :weightlifter:

[suitemichelle]

Actually Allie I heard that a young lady started walking her dog twice a day and it made a huge difference weightwise. also don't forget to drink plenty of water. also saw on a newscast that cutting out soda can also make a huge difference too.

[Lynet]

You're all making me feel like a lazy sack of potatoes. OK, so I'll check in on the forum here for 2 minutes :o then go do 5 minutes of exercise. I'm going to do anything I can think of as long as it's physical. 5 Minutes isn't very much but believe me, it's as much as I can handle right now. I'll work my way up. I'll keep you posted. Yikes, my minute's almost up. Better post and run.

p.s. Michelle, I really do have to drink more water. I'm going to do that, too.

[suitemichelle]

me too! me too. I'm trying to choose between health clubs. Curves is just for women. Bally's which has more equipment and a different regime. advantage there is I end my work day in their parking lot. a little more expensive tho. there are a couple more nearby that I have to check out too. lately it's just way too rainy in the greater Seattle area to go walking on a regular basis. sigh

[surprised_by_witches]

I like Curves, it's great! The only problem is the ones near me have weird hours. I think it's better than a typical gym because you don't have to wait for a machine. You can keep your heart rate up while you do the circuit, so it's aerobic and strength-building at the same time. I was starting to get in such good shape, and then my schedule went kablooey. Sigh.

I missed my goal this week. I walked to work twice, and then I took a day off. I should have walked yesterday, argh! I had friends coming over and I wanted to get home to clean my house ... but the weather was absolutely beautiful.

I walked the dog to get my daughter at her daycare, so I got a little exercise. I wore my husband's spring jacket (I'm always stealing his clothes) and there were some puddles that would have gone to the dog's knees if she deigned to walk in them. (She's a little princess who doesn't like to get her feet wet ... )

This morning we woke up to cold, slippery and snowy. I fell earlier this week and didn't want to make it two for two so I wimped out and drove.

Forgive me, thread, for I have sinned. :p

[babewithbrains_14]

My Mum days she isn't on a diet (actually, I don't think we should call it a diet. We should call it a live-it.) But she goes to a keep fit session twice a week and the weight has just dropped off her. She's getting nearly skinny now actually.

Yes - there's a word of warning! Skinniness is NOT fun. It's so hard being the only one out opf your friends who has to buy clothes in kid sizes. I got my first pair of adult jeans the other night - was buzzing!

[Lynet]

Quick check in from work :o . I did the 5 minutes. You're thinking: 5 minutes? Sheesh, is that all? But I have been too lazy for too long. Don't want a stroke. I'm planning on increasing the time devoted to this exercise business. Promise. I also got to work 10 minutes early. :) That's also a novelty for me.

Sure glad no one can see me exercise. :p Obviously, I wait 'til my husband's left for work. And he's working Saturdays now because of tax season so the only day off from exercise I'm allowed is Sunday.

I've decided that food isn't really my problem, although I'm cutting back on that, too. I haven't for years done snacks or soda or the Dunkin Donuts thing. Lack of any exercise whatsoever is definitely the disease I've got to cure. :(

Think time is up on my quick check-in here. See ya later.

[surprised_by_witches]

Hey, Lynet, maybe you should talk to your doctor, get a physical before you start exercising, if you're concerned. We want to keep you around!

And Babe, I do sympathize. I was never skinny like you, although I've only recently become uh, pleasingly plump. But I know it's hard to not fit the norm.

Don't worry. When you're an adult your friends will all envy you because you'll be the one who can eat chocolate cake whenever she likes. (Or whatever your particular poison is ... )

The secret is to exercise, no matter what, and try to love the shape you've got. Cuz you're not going to get another one. :)

[babewithbrains_14]

Chocolate cake - mmm....

[Lynet]

Hey, Lynet, maybe you should talk to your doctor, get a physical before you start exercising, if you're concerned. We want to keep you around!No worries. ;) 5 minutes isn't very much, anyway. Did 5 more this morning. Monday, I'll go for 6. :p Moderation in all things is my motto. Slow and steady, etc., etc. Lots of cliches to fit the situation. :rolleyes:

I decided to take a tape measure and make a record (not here) of my boundaries at the widest point, if you get my meaning. I will let you know if and when this circumference is reduced. My regimen (if I dare call it that) is aimed at that measurement.

Which reminds me -- I've got more to write about Errol and Harcourt. Goodness, I left them trekking through the desert. Time to get where they're going.

[surprised_by_witches]

OK, since I started this thread it's time to put it to use. Today is the first day of my new routine. Note that I am not calling it a diet. I like Babe's term, "live-it." Maybe I'll use that instead ...

So anyway, here's what I'm attempting. It helps that my husband is doing it with me. It doesn't help that he's a man, and therefore will have much faster results than I will. :(

As of today I am giving up red meat, poultry, dairy (but not eggs), and empty white starches (white rice, potatoes, pasta, and white bread). I've done this before, just got to stick to it.

It goes without saying that I am also giving up deep fried foods. Sweets aren't such a temptation for me, though I will miss apple pie and may occasionally indulge. I'm no saint, as you all know. I am not giving up alcohol or dark chocolate. Again, not a saint.

I am also attempting to exercise every day.

All of the above is for my heart. I don't have the best health in the world, but my heart is strong and healthy. I'd like to keep it that way.

My goal is to lose 2 pounds a week until I've lost 40 pounds. Eek. I can't believe I've piled all that on. It comes from sitting on my arse all day. Sigh. To do that I'll have to count calories as well as all the above.

Once I've lost it my goal is to keep it off. I've done the yo-yo for ten years now and it's getting old.

I used to be thin. I'd like to be there again.

Wish me luck.

So I'm stating this here because hey, you guys are cheaper than weight watchers. And if I say it out loud, I'll be more inclined to stick to it.

[person123]

I didn't think it was ok to give up dairy--it's one of the main food groups, after all.

[surprised_by_witches]

It is OK, especially as an adult. There was a large coalition of doctors that wanted the food pyramid to show meat and dairy as optional.

You can get calcium and vitamin D from sources other than cow milk. Cheese made from cow milk is really bad for you. I'm not so sure about the milk itself, if it's skim, but you don't need it in your diet. From what I've read, goat and sheep milk are a little better for you than cow. But there are other products, like soy milk, that provide the same nutrients.

And a lot of people are lactose intolerant and grow up just fine. However, you're a growing kid, so if you can handle milk, drink it. My daughter will still have some every day.

[jupitershana]

About time I post on this thread. I went grocery shopping last night and bought quite a bit of organic food. I as well have given up most dairy, except using butter to cook with. And actually 123, if you're taking a daily calcium suppliment, or even eating enough calcium rich foods it's fine to skip out on the dairy. I've found that eating dairy products actually makes my allergies worse. It causes your bodily muscuses to get even more...mucusy? errr...in other words, thick. I actually learned that from my chiropractor and didn't believe him. Then I tried cutting out dairy for a week and my allergies were so much better!

Just a hint for those trying to lose weight as well, drink lots of green tea. And if any woman wants any hints for supporting the "female system" give me a pm, I've been doing a lot a research on it lately on makeing sure you're regular, I know lots of herbs to help out with it. I've been diagnoised with PCOS, which causes my insulin to be high, but not diabetic. So basically everything I eat gets converted to fat instead of energy, and losing weight is basically impossible for me. I was working out a gym with a personal trainer for a period of a month every day for an hour straight work out...and eating salads and only poultry during that time. Wanna know how much I lost...nothing, zilch. I didn't even lose inches. Now that I know what's causing my issue, I could either go on a med to help reduce my insulin levels, or go a more natural route. Brandon and I have discussed it and I've been off all medications for almost a year now because of other reasons, so we've decided to go a more natural route. I've been working with my Chiropractor on which herbs to take and researching it on my own as well. I feel better and since I've been doing the herbal regiment I've actually lost 5 pounds over the past two months. It may not seem like much but with my diagnosis it's a ton. Just wanted to share all that, sorry if it seems like I rambled.

[surprised_by_witches]

Your problem certainly makes my problems seem petty, Shana. Having a baby did bad things to my blood pressure, and I've got genetic high cholesterol, but I had my heart checked and it couldn't be in better shape, so that's good, especially for someone who doesn't exercise much.

I do lose weight if I stick to it. My problem is I go off a diet and the bad foods start creeping back in. Which is why I like the idea of a "live it" instead.

I don't buy organic, mostly because with a growing child I can't afford it. I do shop at my local co-op but we only buy the items there that we can't buy anywhere else, like real dark chocolate (and no Hershey's doesn't count).

But sheesh. $4 a pound for tomatoes? And that was before this year's pitiful harvest drove tomato prices through the roof. Considering that it seems like I'm buying my punkin new shoes every other week, that money could be better spent elsewhere.

I think if you're in good shape and you and your s/o like the way you look than a few extra pounds are no big deal. I'm glad to hear you're making some progress with the natural route.

I say whatever works, do it. As long as it doesn't involve pills or extreme measures. Some people go a bit too far, and I just don't trust those "natural weight loss" pills. I just wonder what the long term effects are.

[jupitershana]

I'm not on any pills like that, those aren't actually natural. I'm taking a strong multi-vitamin geared towards woman, which is actually created by a company that only distributes to doctors and chiropractors because of it's high quality. I am also drinking at least one, or two cups of organic raspberry leaf tea a day. And I'm taking something called "Female Drops" created by Dr. Schultze of herbdoc.org. All these I'm taking are under the advice of my chiropractor who I trust more than any doctor because he's studied more natural ways. Not that I don't believe in doctors, as I won't hesitate to go if I need to. I just think that things can be cured by using supplements rather than drugs in most cases. But if I need to have surgery...bring on the drugs! Lol, just don't like the daily meds. Like with my allergies. I had been on meds for them since I was age 9. I went off them last march, and was adjusted by my chiropractor at least once a week. I also avoided dairy as it makes allergies worse. I had the best allergy season I've ever had, and I wasn't on any meds. I also used to get migraines about 1-2 times a month. Since I've been getting adjusted it maybe once every 4 months. I'm a true believer of chiropractic practices, and I'm trying to go the more organic route now. It is a little more expensive, but it's worth it.

[surprised_by_witches]

Oh, I didn't mean don't use natural supplements. I just don't trust those "miracle pills" they sell on TV.

I take a lot of vitamins, drink a lot of tea, and trust me if I could afford organic I would buy it. I feel guilty not giving my daughter organic foods, but that's the facts of life.

I'm glad your chiro was able to help you. That's great!

[person123]

Oh, ok. Well, goes to show that 12 year olds aren't all right. And our family always drinks soy milk--my brother has a skin problem and dairy foods make it worse, so we have soy everything: soy cheese, soy milk, soy ice cream, even. Although I still eat cheese in my grilled cheese sandwiches (Becoming more like my sims).

I don't think I could give up dairy completely. I don't like milk very much, but I love cheese and yogurt and all that other good stuff, and a lot of other things I like, like pudding, has milk in it.

[suitemichelle]

I just finished 4th workout today... increased from 10 minutes cardio to 15 and followed the stretching and balence routine that the personal trainer suggested to fill out approximately an hour. am reading a couple of books about fitness will touch bases here occasionally for moral support. Starting weight: 245. Honestly I don't know how I got there... :confused:

[surprised_by_witches]

Suitemichelle, congratulations on working out so much! That's hard to do, I know. I didn't go to work today and I drove to get my daughter at daycare because I was late. Day two of the new diet, haven't blown it yet, but lordy am I hungry ...

I guess the upshot is, I know how hard it is to stick to a routine, so good for you for doing so.

Please! Keep checking in. That's what this thread is for.

123, we do a lot of soy at our house too. It's better for you anyway. My husband can't tolerate milk at all, though my daughter loves it. I prefer cow milk but am coming to appreciate soy more and more.

[suitemichelle]

walked half an hour today and the routine the pt set up. but didn't reach any where near the cardio goal ... oh well... maybe tomorrow. thanks for the encouragement. by the way stretch island fruit leather is 40 cal, counts as one fruit 12 grams carb no fat, all natural.

[surprised_by_witches]

I didn't walk at all today so you've got me beat. I did clean my house and shop for new clothes, does that count?

Speaking of shopping for clothes, need incentive? Just stand in your undies in front of a dressing room mirror under harsh light. Yeesh. Made me want to never eat again.

[suitemichelle]

LOL I thought for a moment I was in the wrong thread... You are so funny SBW

[babewithbrains_14]

Phew, I hate dairy. Always hated milk, cheese and eggs. I should start taking calcium supplimets. Keep going, guys!

[suitemichelle]

if you do, babe, remember to get the kind with vitamin d, because according to the label it helps you absorb the calcium. look for a balenced multiple, too.

[Lynet]

I didn't walk at all today so you've got me beat. I did clean my house and shop for new clothes, does that count?

Speaking of shopping for clothes, need incentive? Just stand in your undies in front of a dressing room mirror under harsh light. Yeesh. Made me want to never eat again.I've always considered housecleaning a substitute for exercise, especially scrubbing the tub, which I did on Wednesday.

Speaking of shopping for clothes, I haven't bought any in a couple of years because of those dressing room mirrors. Worse than that, I'm a 1/4 inch shy of 5 feet. Capri pants are ankle length on me. :p Nothing fits right. :rolleyes: I really hate shopping for clothes. I think it shows, too, when I dress for work. Good think I'm a bean counter in the back room, out of sight.

(every time I post tonight it starts a new page, at least on my computer screen. It's so lonely on a new page.)

[MegRen]

Awwww. Well, you're not alone on this page anymore!

Here's my weight-loss news: No news. I've been sick for over a week, so I've had to cancel my personal training sessions, and I haven't been able to do a cardio workout either. I really need to get well so I can get back to the gym. I want to lose some more weight before I go visit my aunt over Spring Break. She says she'll put me back on the plane if I don't look skinnier. :(

[suitemichelle]

That is not the moral support you need when attempting to treat your body better. Don't forget to drink liquids... hope you're up and around soon.

[surprised_by_witches]

I think our families, and society, are the reason we feel so bad if we get a little overweight. I know people mean well but the message becomes, you're worth less if you're fat. How dumb is that? I'm the same person no matter what.

I have been sticking to the no meat part of my diet, and that in itself is an accomplishment for me. Next week I'll start counting calories, but I figure, one thing at a time. I know I'm eating less already just because I'm not shoveling down a hamburger every other day. Hard to overeat when all you have is tofu. ;)

[suitemichelle]

A book I'm reading says that a serving size of meat, fish etc should be about the size of your palm. the correct size of a potato or rice about the size of your fist. and drink a cup or water before you eat your meal, a cup with it. Also the best time to exercise is in the morning before you eat. and the author also recommends alternating days of aerobic and strength training. and claims 20 minutes a day is enough. it's sounds good but we'll see.

[Lynet]

I've read about smaller serving sizes, too. I try to do that. It works pretty well as long as I'm fixing dinner and serving the food. When my husband cooks he cooks too much and heaps up both plates equally, He's a tall, thin guy who needs to eat 3 times what I do just to keep from losing weight (which he does too easily.)

I guess I should now get off my tush and go do some morning exercises. Can't blame him for my lack of exercise. :o

[Rowanstaff]

My diet changes: No sugared pop.

My exercise: Tae Kwan Do.

Net weight loss: 80 pounds.
Net size loss: 5 inches around my waist.
In addition I gained a ton of leg and hip muscle and broader shoulders. I'm as healthy now as when I was 20. All of you youngens out there that exercise I have 2 words for you: Don't Stop! It is so much harder getting back in shape as it is staying in shape.

[surprised_by_witches]

Wow, Rowan. That's amazing. Good for you!

My new diet seems to be working. Now that I can't just make a sandwich when I get hungry I don't eat as much. I'm going to start the weigh-ins next week.

Keeping my fingers crossed that I can stick to it.

[babewithbrains_14]

I may detox next week. Drink only smoothies and water, and eat only fish and chicken and baked potato. Mmmm! I'm detoxing as over the past 2 days, I ate over 10 Creme Eggs.

Ahem. :o

[suitemichelle]

2 weeks plus... and I haven't lost anything. alternating weight training with aerobic execise. but my bust is a little less saggy. got to get cooking but I hate the idea of 1500 calories.

[babewithbrains_14]

Does a fantastic snowball fight count as exercise? I dunno why I was so scared to go out!

[suitemichelle]

Yes... (wings a mushy one at babe's behind)

[Chee-Z]

I try to take walks when I can, but it seems like I get enough exercise trying to get from point A to point B in a crowded high school and dance DDR for 15-30 minutes a day. I also try to cut down on the portion sizes and try not to snack unless I'm absolutely dying from hunger. I probably need to do more...:o

[surprised_by_witches]

I lost ten pounds without really knowing how I did it ... other than watching portions. So it can be done, even if you're "old" like me.

My problem is, it's so hard to be good. Being bad just comes naturally.

[suitemichelle]

hooray! finally lost 6 pounds. and fall asleep almost the minute my head hits the pillow. trying to get psyched to go today... but it's cold and icy and the house is so warm and sims are here and....

[surprised_by_witches]

Congratulations! That's great! Keep it up.

I've been really bad. Need to get back on that wagon.

[Lynet]

me, too, as far as exercising. I'm still being good about eating less and eating the right stuff, though it doesn't feel like it's doing me any good. I know it must be, though. :o

[suitemichelle]

I actually went to costco today after exercising and didn't buy any junk food. well one bag of tortilla chips but we eat that with cottage cheese and salsa.

[babewithbrains_14]

I love CostCo! The birthday cake is fabulous - but for once I don't like the choclate one. It starts to taste bad towards the bottom. :(

[suitemichelle]

ran across something that suggests that a protein serving size is basically the size of your palm... any one agree with this or was the writer just blowing smoke?

Health@RealAge.com says that you should only have one red meat meal a week and 5 or more fish ones. or just use commonsense and eat what appeals. what do you think?

[Flameback777]

Yes, the correct serving of protein is the size of your palm. At least according to my girlfriend.

Myself? I eat what I want, when I want. Apparently I have my fathers gene, which is eat anything, stay thin. My girlfriend says it will catch up with me one day. :rolleyes:

[surprised_by_witches]

Is it OK if I hate you now? :p

I eat like a saint, most of the time, and still have a figure no one would kill for. I have to exercise like a fiend if I want to lose weight, and I hate exercising for its own sake.

Sigh.

[Flameback777]

Is it OK if I hate you now? :p
Meh, a lot of people hate me. :p

[babewithbrains_14]

I'm the same as you Flamey. Hate me too!

Only, my fathers gene is the 'Momenton the lips' gene.

[person123]

Well, seeing as I'm only 12, I'm not all that fat (though obesity is creeping into the younger generations as time passes, as we all know) but I could eat more healthy stuff. I mean, it's not like you keep fit just so you look good, after all.

[surprised_by_witches]

Right. That's just a bonus. :D

Not sure why, but I've definitely lost weight. I think it's because meals have gotten so boring at our house. None of us eats at the same time, though I try to encourage my daughter to eat when I do so I only have to be in the kitchen once or twice. I'd rather play sims than eat (hey! a health benefit to the sims!), or work on my writing (sims and otherwise) or play a game with my kid, or ... you get the idea.

Eating just seems like a chore now so I make something easy, eat a few bites and go back to what I was doing.

Anyway, must be working because my jeans are loose. That hasn't happened in a while, LOL.

[suitemichelle]

Good job! It feels good doesn't it. I put on a shirt I haven't worn in over a year because the sleeves were awkward and it was comfortable. Looking forward to a smaller pant size.:p

[babewithbrains_14]

That's great! Keep it up, Michelle!

[surprised_by_witches]

I just reread one of your posts, Babe, and now I'm depressed that there are CostCo's in England.

The world is turning into one big generic shopping mall.

Sigh.

[babewithbrains_14]

Yay!