January Weight Loss Challenge To All Ducks

[old] rhorva@hotmail.com · Post by **[old] rhorva@hotmail.com** » December 31st, 2005, 5:40 pm

My brain is too small to digest any chemistry stuff these days, but know that fructose occurs naturally in fruits, which is why the low-carb diets ban fruits, and most veggies. But I think I want to bend more toward this "Maker's Diet" philosophy, and eat MOSTLY fruits, vegetables, and some meat (low on the red side... but LOVe my red meat too). If I can just stay away from the processed CRAP of any kind, and cut out or cut WAY DOWN on the chocolate consumption, I should do great on this challenge/diet. Good luck everybody.. its nearly zero hour! Rubber Ducky

[old] kit44 · Post by **[old] kit44** » December 31st, 2005, 6:34 pm

<table border='0' align='center' width='95%' cellpadding='3' cellspacing='1'><tr><td><div class='genmed'>QUOTE(rspenger @ Dec 31 2005, 03:48 PM)</div></td></tr><tr><td class='quote'><table border='0' align='center' width='95%' cellpadding='3' cellspacing='1'><tr><td><div class='genmed'>QUOTE(woolsmith @ Dec 31 2005, 12:44 PM)</div></td></tr><tr><td class='quote'> Fructose can also be found in some corn syrups, too. It's in a LOT of stuff now, so poor Kit, if you have an intolerance to it, you have to really check those labels, hey? Thanks Kit and BobS! So BobS or Susan H., what's your theory on this?? --Jen </td></tr></table> As I mentioned in my message, I didn't know how fructose is metabolized. I just did a quick Barney on "fructose" and "metabolism" and came up with the following as the first hit: <a href='http://web.indstate.edu/thcme/mwking/no ... olism.html' target='_blank'>http://web.indstate.edu/thcme/mwking/no ... tml</a> It is pretty heavy on the chemistry side, but it does refer to fructose intolerance as being a very serious inherited disorder. </td></tr></table> You're both right - I have to do a lot of label checking, but after 46 years plauing this game, I've learned to trust my sense of taste and smell to detect the hidden sugar. And it is a serious inherited disorder - an enzyme deficiency which prevents the body from metabolizing fructose, and most of the other "ose's" as well. It's non-life-threatening once one gets past infancy (my body has learned to purge the offending substance as quickly as possible - quite unpleasant, but effective!), but serious enough until one learns how to deal with it. At least now, there's a wealth of info on the internet, and a parent can google the symptoms and take the information to a doctor - when I was a kid, the doctors told my mother she was crazy. Luckily, she was a picky eater herself, so let us pick and choose what we could eat. The main reason I mentioned it was because of the increase of sugar in food today - it's been a slow, insidious process of addiing sugar in some form or other until people can no longer enjoy food without it. And we wonder why we'r getting fat. Or worse - we blame outselves and our lack of will power for our excess baggage, when as I said, unless you can't tolerate any "-ose" at all, you dont' even notice how much sugar there is in food most would not consider to be sweet at all. Big Sugar is every bit as dangerous as Big Tobacco, and these days, affects a far larger portion of the population - but no one seems to realize it yet. That's enough ranting for New Year's Eve! Happy New Year, everyone - I'm off to enjoy my sugar free evening - yes, it IS possible! (if not fun to ignore the chocolate fondue )

[old] woolsmith · Post by **[old] woolsmith** » December 31st, 2005, 6:37 pm

Hey Rubber Ducky! I aced chemistry in nursing school, but that was 23 years ago! Like anything else, if you don't use it, ya lose it, so most of the chemical stuff would be way over my head, too. Waaaay over! So probably the best route would be to follow Mother Nature as closely as possible, hey? Hmmm, I'd better be careful...if I'm a duck, I'd be eating lots of bugs! Okay, let's say that my best bet would be to avoid as much processed food as possible. Kinda like what Kit's doing now, but she has some solid reasons. Much easier said than done, unfortunately, but I've been trying to go that way the last few years. I've been trying to keep more fresh fruits and veggies in the house, making "real" meals in quantities that I can freeze for later. But I still down the Dr. Pepper and hit McD's waaaay more than I'd like! Darn. Scary to think about all the chemical sludge I'm consuming on a regular basis. You plan sounds good! I'm going to try to eat better stuff and limit my Dr. Pepper to one can daily. --Jen in WI

[old] holladay · Post by **[old] holladay** » December 31st, 2005, 10:16 pm

I do avoid aspartame (NutraSweet) because of headaches. Bob S. was right on with his explanation of sugars. Sucrose is a disaccharide (two sugars) specifically glucose and fructose. I’ll have to read more about eating fructose directly. It is amazing how many foods contain added sugar. Corn syrup is one of the first ingredients in so many foods. As far as carbohydrates go, I try and eat the complex carbohydrates like whole grains because it takes longer for the body to break them down. Thus I feel fuller longer and don’t have a spike in my blood sugar. I will measure myself tomorrow. That’s a good idea. I did not lose a thing (or gain anything ) after rowing 200 K. I will put my list of dos and don’ts on the fridge. This is my list of dos and don’ts for January. I can revise it for February. I am giving up all fried foods for January. Most importantly, I WILL NOT eat any sausage biscuit meals from Burger King in January. OUCH. I will write down everything before I eat it. (I use a great easy computer program called “diet watch”). It is the think about how far I would have to row if I put that in my mouth approach! I echo what has already been said, that if you have a bad day or do something on your “don’t” list, tomorrow is another day. I find if I really want something, I allow myself a taste. Then I am not focusing on all the ways I have deprived myself and I move on. Woo HOO! We CAN do this! Happy New Year! Susan aka Wood Duck

[old] rhorva@hotmail.com · Post by **[old] rhorva@hotmail.com** » January 1st, 2006, 4:15 pm

Woolsmith is right.. we have to eat a lot of BUGS this challenge... as we power our boats along the virtual water. This morning rowed 45 minutes to get some Duck meters in.. that's the longest I've rowed to date one sitting. I got so THIRSTY... what do the other ducks do for hydration while rowing, so you don't have to stop?? Do you wear those Camel Back drinking things? Or do you just stop for a second?? Feeling strong as I power into 2006 though.. I KNOW we'll make it.

[old] Citroen · Post by **[old] Citroen** » January 1st, 2006, 4:27 pm

<table border='0' align='center' width='95%' cellpadding='3' cellspacing='1'><tr><td><div class='genmed'>QUOTE(rhorva@hotmail.com @ Jan 1 2006, 08:15 PM)</div></td></tr><tr><td class='quote'>This morning rowed 45 minutes to get some Duck meters in.. that's the longest I've rowed to date one sitting. I got so THIRSTY... what do the other ducks do for hydration while rowing, so you don't have to stop?? Do you wear those Camel Back drinking things? Or do you just stop for a second?? </td></tr></table> Try rowing it as 3 intervals of 15mins with 30secs rest until you get used to pausing for drinks. That gives you plenty enough time to put down the handle, pick up a bottle, drink, put down the bottle and start rowing again. Eventually you'll be able to row for upwards of 1hr 45' non-stop (which is what you'll need for a half marathon - 21097m). You need to avoid taking drinks at random times / random distances as you'll find that they don't quench your thirst [due to being in a rush to get rowing], they just make your rowing turn to rubbish [pace and stroke per min go wonky]. Either work on "I'm only drinking after 15mins" or "I'll row nearly 4000m between drinks" [fill in your own variables].

[old] billandmargaret · Post by **[old] billandmargaret** » January 1st, 2006, 11:33 pm

<table border='0' align='center' width='95%' cellpadding='3' cellspacing='1'><tr><td><div class='genmed'>QUOTE(rhorva@hotmail.com @ Jan 1 2006, 12:15 PM)</div></td></tr><tr><td class='quote'>Woolsmith is right.. we have to eat a lot of BUGS this challenge... as we power our boats along the virtual water. This morning rowed 45 minutes to get some Duck meters in.. that's the longest I've rowed to date one sitting. I got so THIRSTY... what do the other ducks do for hydration while rowing, so you don't have to stop?? Do you wear those Camel Back drinking things? Or do you just stop for a second?? Feeling strong as I power into 2006 though.. I KNOW we'll make it. </td></tr></table> I try and drink a cup of water right before I start. Depending on weather, I don't need water again for up to an hour, but when I row longer than that, I break every 30 minutes for about 1/2 cup water per rest. I keep a water bottle within reach. For my long rows (half to full marathon), I added about 25% orange juice (that is, diluted with water, 1 part OJ to 3 parts water). Margaret

[old] Mimi · Post by **[old] Mimi** » January 1st, 2006, 11:44 pm

Well, You guys have gone and done it. I've been lurking around the ladies forum for months and have been tempted to switch loyalties but always resisted. I just love the commaraderie (sp) on this board. It's so ALIVE!! So I just went ahead and made the change last night. The weight loss challenge was the icing on the cake. (YUMMMM - did I say CAKE?) I totally believe in rowing as one of the most effective exercises a person can do. I do have trouble with boredom sometimes but manage to get through it. I'm afraid I don't have a lot of meters to bring with me but am planning to ad to them. My life is full but I have the same amount of hours as everyone else so I'm going to have to prioritize. I'm in my church choir, take weekly knitting classes, am planning to begin this month with banjo lessons ( I play acoustic rhythm guitar), take care of my 3 month old grandaughter number 4 during the week (I'm 52 yo), and try to take care of my DH as well as my DD, her husband and their 2 toddlers (grandchildren 2 and 3). They have been living with us for 8 months while building their dream home. I also pick up my 6 yo grandchild number 1 from time to time. Also have an aging Mom with health problems that require a lot of my time and attention. Somehow or another, I have let over a hundred pounds pile on and my entire body hurts, especially my hips, knees and feet. I'm tired of it and am on WW but I know that I need to be more committed to my exercise. I'm bad to eat after dinner when I should not be in the *** DELETE - SPAM *** and am definitely an emotional eater, SOOOOOO: I am going to commit to sticking with WW, not eating after dinner, rowing 5 days a week and also stretching, maybe some yoga, 3 or 4 days a week. One thing I have noticed is that as I get older, I am not nearly as limber. I had a dirt bike accident back in July (jumping a bank - what was I thinking) and ever since then, even though the Dr.s said nothing was broke, my body hurts a whole lot worse than it did before. Aspartame has never bothered me but on the other hand, it can't possibly be good for me. I do tend, when I am eating normal, to lean toward whole grain, organic foods. Good luck to all of you - Mimi -

[old] rhorva@hotmail.com · Post by **[old] rhorva@hotmail.com** » January 2nd, 2006, 12:09 am

Thank you to Dougie and BillandMargaret for the water-drinking advice. I never thought about scheduling "rests," figured that was illegal but I'm a newbie.f I will follow both your tips, and see how I do tomorrow. Hello to Mimi, I have absolutley NO DOUBT that if we keep rowing strong during this challenge, we'll (a) be hooked for life on rowing, and ( have lost some weight. I picked up this great book, USED AND CHEAP, on Amazon.com called BURN FAT FOR FUEL, its kind of old, but it tells all about how glucose turns to glucosymne and how your muscle fibers can only store so much of the stuff, etc. It was written by a 5-year old woman who is gorgeous, and very fit.. but she doesn't ROW!!! As to not getting bored.. I thought I would, but I use the time to "let my mind roam free" and think about whatever it wants.. OR ELSE sometimes I do try the mindlessness meditation thing about Vinyasa.. try to concentrate on the MOMENT.. here I am.. I'm rowing.. I'm breathing... I feel my blood moving around... I hear the chain pulling.. sounds kind of wierd but its peaceful. Keep pulling that chain, Duckies, the holidays are over and the fat temptations are behind us now! Rubber Duckie

[old] jannabanana · Post by **[old] jannabanana** » January 2nd, 2006, 2:33 pm

<table border='0' align='center' width='95%' cellpadding='3' cellspacing='1'><tr><td><div class='genmed'>QUOTE(rhorva@hotmail.com @ Jan 1 2006, 03:15 PM)</div></td></tr><tr><td class='quote'>Woolsmith is right.. we have to eat a lot of BUGS this challenge... as we power our boats along the virtual water. This morning rowed 45 minutes to get some Duck meters in.. that's the longest I've rowed to date one sitting. I got so THIRSTY... what do the other ducks do for hydration while rowing, so you don't have to stop?? Do you wear those Camel Back drinking things? Or do you just stop for a second?? Feeling strong as I power into 2006 though.. I KNOW we'll make it. </td></tr></table> It might help to concentrate on breathing through the nose more, too. Sometimes a thirsty feeling is because the throat gets so dry. I've heard that inhaling through the nose and exhaling through the mouth is good because the nose warms and moisturizes the air. I usually start my row with that in mind, but then I get into 'the zone' and don't really remember to keep it going. I like the programmed rests too. If I'm going to do a long row, and particularly if my energy level when I start the workout is low, I'll set the PM for 2000 meters with 1.5 minute rest. Then do as many intervals as I have time (or energy) for. The 1.5 minute rest is enough to grab a swig of water and rest a little, but not enough to get up and get distracted with something else. Cheers, Janna

[old] Mimi · Post by **[old] Mimi** » January 2nd, 2006, 2:43 pm

Thanks for the Welcome, Rubber Duckie I went to the Golden Corral just now and ended up with a grilled chicken salad so I'm really proud of myself. A funny about "meditating" while rowing: Several years ago, I went to see a hypnotist to work on my fear of flying. I wanted to go to Las Vegas and Denver but could not bring myself to fly. The lady commented after several sessions that I was very easy to work with - I can almost hypnotize myself. Anyway, one day I was rowing and started in with mental imagery, kind of like what you were saying and I was rowing on a beautiful lake, right along the shoreline - so still and quiet - and the next thing I knew, I almost fell backward off of the rower. My husband laughs about it yet. He has horses and loves to ride so the first thing out of his mouth was "Careful, Hon - Don't let that thing throw ya'!" So I usually listen to music or something. You guys have a great day - It's raining puddles and puddles outside today Mimi

[old] woolsmith · Post by **[old] woolsmith** » January 2nd, 2006, 7:52 pm

Well, You guys have gone and done it. I've been lurking around the ladies forum for months and have been tempted to switch loyalties but always resisted. I just love the commaraderie (sp) on this board. It's so ALIVE!! So I just went ahead and made the change last night. The weight loss challenge was the icing on the cake. (YUMMMM - did I say CAKE?) <snip> ***Hey Mimi! Welcome to the Duck Pond! I'm glad you're wanting to jump right into some of the fun as well. The January Weight Loss Challenge and C2's January Virtual Team Challenge just kinda fell into place together--each one should help with the other.*** My life is full but I have the same amount of hours as everyone else so I'm going to have to prioritize. I'm in my church choir, take weekly knitting classes, am planning to begin this month with banjo lessons ( I play acoustic rhythm guitar), take care of my 3 month old grandaughter number 4 during the week (I'm 52 yo), and try to take care of my DH as well as my DD, her husband and their 2 toddlers (grandchildren 2 and 3). <snip> ***Ah, that sounds like that "Sandwich Generation" stuff I've read about. Folks like you are "sandwiched" in the middle between caring for children as well as ailing older parents. What kind of knitting are you doing? I used to sell spinning wheels, so I knit with a lot of handspun wool and other fibers. I kinda/sorta play guitar and mountain dulcimer, and I dink around with an Irish tinwhistle as well.*** Somehow or another, I have let over a hundred pounds pile on and my entire body hurts, especially my hips, knees and feet. <snip> ***I've lost 40, got 50 more to go! ONe of our former members, KathyS., lost over 100 pounds I believe...maybe even more--I'd have to check on some of her past notes. So, IT CAN BE DONE! *** I am going to commit to sticking with WW, not eating after dinner, rowing 5 days a week and also stretching, maybe some yoga, 3 or 4 days a week. One thing I have noticed is that as I get older, I am not nearly as limber. I had a dirt bike accident back in July (jumping a bank - what was I thinking) and ever since then, even though the Dr.s said nothing was broke, my body hurts a whole lot worse than it did before. <snip> ***Jumping with a dirt bike? I need training wheels for my rower, I can't imagine what I'd dow with a dirt bike!! *** Happy New Year, Mimi!! --Jen in WI Good luck to all of you - Mimi -

[old] Mimi · Post by **[old] Mimi** » January 2nd, 2006, 9:20 pm

Jen in WI You are so funny Training wheels on a rower paints quite a picture. Right now, with my beginners knitting, I'm sticking to the cheapest yarn I can find because a lot of it ends up in the trash after being pulled out and reknitted over and over. The lady started us with double yarns (one acrylic and one fake fur) and I had quite a time with that - kept pulling my stitches too tight. As far as instruments, you sound a lot like me. I have a 12 string, two 6 strings, banjo, mandolin, harmonicas,pennywhistles, piano, 2 accordians and I play all of them except the banjo just a little. The fact is, it takes time and I don't have much of that anymore. Haven't had for a long time. My dirt bike accident was scary/hilarious. I used to ride "back in the day" a lot and always loved jumping. Do a lot of that with jeeps too. Anyway, I had not ridden in years but I had been riding a bike a lot. And quite honestly, I had a huge brain fart and forgot what I was riding. So when I was airborne, I prepared to apply the brake when I landed and I did - with my right hand. No problem except that is the front brake. The rear brake is with your foot. The ambulance picked me up, put me in a full brace and on the way to the hospital, I heard the paramedic call in with "You ain't gonna believe this - I have a white female, aged 52 years old, just wrecked jumping a dirt bike, no helmet - that's right - no helmet, .........." and on and on. If I could have, I would have laughed. When they took the brace off, dirt and gravel fell out onto the floor and my husband was helping me pick it out of my teeth. My 6 year old Grandson saw the crash, and he just stood there staring - does not compute - does not compute The weight loss sounds very encouraging. The weight I have to lose sounds so huge, it bothers me but I'll just have to pray a lot and take it one day at a time. Shoot, even 40 or 50 lbs would put me in a good frame of mind but, hey, you gotta start somewhere. Like my youngest daughter told me, "Mom, if you had of stuck to WW in years past, you would already be healthy" And she's right. Well, I'd better quit yapping and get on the rower. I don't see how in the world these people do so many meters ! It just blows my mind. If I can do 10,000 meters, it makes my day but I have to break it up into smaller segments. No way can I do it all at one time. As my 3.5 Grandson says, "What's the dill, pickle?" Mimi

[old] woolsmith · Post by **[old] woolsmith** » January 2nd, 2006, 11:10 pm

Hey Mimi! Oh, I forgot my Irish Bouzouki! It plays kinda/sorta like a mandolin. You can use the same tunings for it anyway. Adds an interesting mix to the string section. The way I see it, the Women's Forum is better than WW. You still have to show up, you get to tell everyone what you did right and what ya didn't do right. You get to read what's worked for a lot of other people, then pick and choose what you think would work best for you. If it doesn't work, you come back here and get more ideas. And folks on these boards are some of the best cheerleaders I've seen. They'll help pick you back up and get you back on track. And, you don't have to pay anything!! That's the theory that we're all working with on our January Weight Loss Challenge, anyway. We've all posted what we plan to do to lose our 4-8 pounds in January. Just by making that public committment and putting the goals in writing--it all helps to make us more accountable to ourselves as well as each other. I'm sure you've read the rest of the notes on this topic, so I won't bore ya with all the repitition! But with a group like this, how can we lose?? So just lose ten pounds, then do that ten times. And stay away from dirt bikes! --Jen in WI

[old] woolsmith · Post by **[old] woolsmith** » January 2nd, 2006, 11:14 pm

I only had one can of my Cherry Vanilla Dr. Pepper yesterday, and one today...and I LIVED! Between that and the rowing I did, I got my 500 calorie deficit in for each day, yay! Now, I just have to find some place to bury these cookies that my husband brought home.... --Jen