Way out of my league

eminenz2

Cathlete
After seeing so many fabulous pictures of the members on this board, and reading how petite so many of you (who definitely work hard) on the "5'4" weight" thread, I have come to a big conclusion.

I am WAY out of my league on this board. You ladies are WAY beyond whatever I can hope to accomplish! You are stunning - you're drive and discipline is enviable! I am overweight, I try to eat the best I can, I work out the hardest I can without getting myself hurt, but apparently I don't have what it takes. At least I don't have what you ladies have!

Maybe I don't want it bad enough?

The detailed discussions about different types of workouts and details about how much to lift, and what to eat and when, go right over my head! I can't keep up with it all.

For example - as a teacher I simply can't eat small frequent meals! I teach all day, and I think the principal would frown upon my eating in front of students :p. But I read over and over on the board that this is one of the ingredients to success. What do you do instead?

This is truly not a ply for sympathy and responses. (OK, maybe a little - ha-ha! Boo-hoo! Boo-hoo! LOL!)

You ladies are the real deal!


:p :7 :p :7 :7
 
Hi.

I am certainly not one of the ladies you speak of...There are plenty on here that go well above and beyond what I do so I just want to say that I can understand why you feel the way you do but please don't get discouraged!

Each person has to find what works best for them. Just do the best you can do with what you have and that's all anyone can ask of you! If you do that, you should be proud of yourself no matter what!!!

I am not sure how to advise you on your eating since you can not eat several times during the work day so I will leave that up to the others....but please know that you are just as awesome as any of these ladies and you will get results as long as you try!:)


Have a great work out!

~Wendy~

I smoked my last cigarette on March 17, 2004 at 10:00 pm!

http://www.picturetrail.com/gallery/view?WENDYMIN

http://lilypie.com/days/050519/1/0/1/-5/.png[/img][/url]
 
I'll give you a response but NO SYMPATHY! A lot of us have been doing this for years & years & at this point it's more for fun than for anything else.

Also, for every one thing I do well, there are probably 10 things you do better. You said you're a teacher, right? Well, the very idea of getting up in front of a bunch of kids on a daily basis makes my sphincter clench. :eek:

You just do what is right for you & don't sweat it. OK sweat a little but only to a Cathe DVD. ;-) Of course you have what it takes--it's more a matter of becoming comfortable in your own skin than being a perfect size 2. We all come in different shapes & sizes & are beautiful in our own way, so quit being so hard on yourself.
 
Could you have a drinkable yogurt, protein shake, protein bar, granola bar, etc. between (pr during) classes? If you disguise a drink correctly, nobody will even know that it is not water ;) Perhaps a half sandwich, piece of fruit, etc. Things that you can keep close and don't require cooking, heating or anything else that takes time or takes you from your classroom? You can feasibly keep a cooler bag under your desk and have these snacks between classes without interfering with your day, can't you?

I have days like yours (although not as often as you) when I am going all day long or can't stop and eat b/c of work. In fact, friends and collegues joke with me about it. I am an attorney and when I am wrapped up in a hearing or Court matter, we joke that there needs to be a "food break for Christine." I can usually find a few minutes to eat something in between, on the road, etc. to keep the stomach happy :) Sometimes I even jump out of a long meeting and take a five minute break. The key is to have it at your fingertips so when the opportunity arises, you are set! It isn't easy but with planning, you can do it! And once people around you see what you are doing, they will make an effort to give you your five minutes here and there.

As far as you being "out of your league," everyone started somewhere, If you are working hard, you are right in the league ;)
 
>Could you have a drinkable yogurt, protein shake, protein
>bar, granola bar, etc. between (pr during) classes? If you
>disguise a drink correctly, nobody will even know that it is
>not water ;) Perhaps a half sandwich, piece of fruit, etc.


Wouldn't a protein bar of granola bar be too many calories or fat/sugar? What is you opinion?

I do sometimes grab baby carrots from my lunch between classes...
 
Be positive. I'm no lightweight myself, but I consider myself to be very healthy because I workout & eat right....except right now I'm eating mentos candy. BAD.
 
Eminenz2 - PLEASE don't get discouraged!!!! Take it from a gal who joined this board 3 yrs ago - 30 lbs heavier than I am now (i'm only 5'3") and I had a baby 1 yr ago. When I was 30 lbs heavier my first was 2 yrs old.

I remember not knowing the difference between endurance or strength workouts, what "eating clean" meant (I thought a bowl of shells and cheese was healthy as it had both carbs and protien :eek: ) I remember lifting only 3-5 lbs on most Cathe wt tapes and modifying my way thru imax. I looked to this board more than any other support group. I learned so much from these ladies.

A lot of us have been where you are or are still there. I look at some of the pics on this board and am so motivated by how they look. Some of their before pics are my "GOAL PICS". Do not give up. It is a continuous learning to figure out how your body works, what works best for you. The most important thing is taht we are all different. What works for you may not work for me. Adapt it to your lifestyle and your goals.

As for how to eat throughout the day? Could you possibly make a protein shake to drink a couple times a day? You could pre-make them or buy the ready to drink shakes and have them in a cooler under your desk? A lot of times I eat at 6:00 am (shake), brkfst at work in the cafeteria (oatmeal, cc or eggs) then I eat lunch, an afternoon protein bar, a late afternoon meal, then dinner etc.. Not sure of your sched but it sounds like the mid-morning and mid afternoon might be the hardest? Maybe a shake or protein bar could work?

Pls stick with us. We are all at diferent levels, have different goals. Do not get down on yourself! You are here, working out etc. and that is the first step! Stay motivated, strong and positive!
 
I just left you a long msg above but also thought of one other thing. You might want to try the EAS Myoplex Lite bars. I have a friend who won BFL and ate these every day and had amazing results! I would vote for 1 shake a day and one bar a day if you get desparate :)

p.s. I buy all of my EAS product at www.netrition.com They have killer prices over what you get at GNC. They have good customer service, fast shipping and items are always fresh!
 
I have felt the same way occasionally, especially after viewing some of the photos!! These gals are serious and in great shape!!! But then I remember that they have been at it a lot longer than I have and they have worked very hard for their results. So, that only motivates me to do better!!!

Hey, also check out LUNA bars-great little nutrition bars with low fat, good protein and now with more fiber and "good" carbs. Very tasty as well.

Good luck, stay motivated and you will do great!!!
 
What grade(s) do you teach? I'm a teacher too and I can sneak some things in there. For example, I eat breakfast at 6:30, usually egg whites and turkey bacon. Lunch is at 11:30, and that is usually a grilled chicken salad. (I buy the chicken tenderloins and put two on my George Foreman grill while I'm fixing the kids' breakfast and lunch). Five hours is a long time so I have a class change at 9:55 and I eat half of a zone bar that I have cut up and placed in a baggy in my desk. At 1:45, I have planning period, so I drink the protein shake that I would have made up in the morning. When I'm finally on my way home with the kids at 4:15, I eat the other half of the zone bar. Then, we usually eat dinner around 6-6:30. (Dinner is usually a salad and grilled chicken. ~ Thank GOD I don't need much variety in my meals!) I think the most important aspect of eating "clean" is planning. If you're caught without food at school, it's so easy to go to that machine and get a pack of crackers.

I know how it is to work full time, raise a family, AND try to eat clean and work out. Sometimes, it's exhausting. I was just thinking yesterday how much less stressed I'd be if I had the opportunity just to stay home, but I'd miss teaching so much. Teachers are master planners. You've just got to plan your workouts and meals just like you do your lessons!

Oops !! I forgot ~ Water, water, water, ALL DAY LONG!! Even during class! You've got to do it. I drink in front of them. They know that they can drink water too if they like.

Sarah
 
>What grade(s) do you teach? I'm a teacher too and I can
>sneak some things in there. For example, I eat breakfast at
>6:30, usually egg whites and turkey bacon. Lunch is at 11:30,
>and that is usually a grilled chicken salad. (I buy the
>chicken tenderloins and put two on my George Foreman grill
>while I'm fixing the kids' breakfast and lunch). Five hours
>is a long time so I have a class change at 9:55 and I eat half
>of a zone bar that I have cut up and placed in a baggy in my
>desk. At 1:45, I have planning period, so I drink the protein
>shake that I would have made up in the morning. When I'm
>finally on my way home with the kids at 4:15, I eat the other
>half of the zone bar. Then, we usually eat dinner around
>6-6:30. (Dinner is usually a salad and grilled chicken. ~
>Thank GOD I don't need much variety in my meals!) I think the
>most important aspect of eating "clean" is planning. If
>you're caught without food at school, it's so easy to go to
>that machine and get a pack of crackers.
>
>

These are excellent ideas. This is what I have eaten to day, so far...


6:45 a.m. colon cleanse shake - 10 oz skim milk w/2 T ovaltine & fiber

7:00 1C quick oatmeal

10:30 - clementine

I also drank my first 16 oz of water out of my 64 for today (because of the cleanse)

I also drank about 8 oz of hot chai with Splenda and nonfat creamer

11:30 lunch - 1 ww frozen meal, 1 large apple, 1 c nonfat yogurt, the remaining clementines (3)

That is a big lunch? A huge lunch? Too much food today already?

I have another apple for the drive home from work, and tonight dinner will probably be one of the prepackaged salads DH gets from the grocery store because I'm on my own tonight. I'll probably have some wheat crackers of a piece of light wheat bread with the salad too.

Before bed, I will drink a disgusting cup of herbal tea (for the cleanse). Sugar makes it taste even worse - LOL!

This is a typical day of eating for me. Sometimes dinner will be a little heavier for me - I usually eat a protein (example 1 chicken breast, baked), a carb (example - 1/2 - 1 c of pasta or brown rice), and veggies (A generous caup and I eat them first. I never reallized I did until DH pointed it out to me.)

Because of the cleanse I've been doing, I've been very good about staying away from chocolate (except Fridays, which is chocolate day!)and other naughty foods.


Most days I ride my horse for about 30 - 40 minutes, and will exercise after dinner - to a Cathe workout of course!

What am I doing wrong?

I am SOOOOOOOO grateful for your opinions!
 
This is just a real quick reply while my kids are silently reading their little eyes out.;) I'll look over it more carefully during planning but I think if I were you I'd try to stay away from any pre-packaged meals, even weight watchers and lean cuisine stuff. And please, anybody else chime in here cause I could be totally off track too, since I could lose a few pounds myself. (I'm 5'10 and weigh 162). I about choked on that one post that said someone was 5'9 and 125 lbs. I don't think I weighed 125 since I was about 11 years old! Anyways, I'll write back more later, but I don't think I'd go for those frozen meals. They could be full of sodium, additives, etc.

Sarah
 
Well, I'm not the real deal. I'm tall, and I still have some weight to lose. But I am a teacher, and I have figured out ways to eat all day long. I eat breakfast twice before work. I get up at 3:30 or 4:00. I eat again on the way to work at 7:30. I have another small meal during my 10:00-10:30 planning period. Then I eat lunch. I also eat right after school if I'm planning to stay for a while, or immediately when I get home at 3:30. Then supper (sometimes twice!) There are lots of ways to work it. It's tough at first. You'll feel like you get nothing done except eating. But it gets easier and more natural as you adapt.

Shari
 
Hi Eminez2! I had surgery 6 weeks ago & have had to come back to my own fitness regimen slower than I'm used to. I purchased Kathy Smith's Project YOU DVDs. They're great! Not at all as intense as Cathe. Kathy Smith at best is only intermediate level. In the package besides the DVDs there's also a Nutritional Guide eating 4 meals a day & from what you described regarding your job, I think this program would be more to your liking + you get an entire calendar's worth of how Kathy wants you to progress w/each DVD. You need to start somewhere. All of us weren't advanced exercisers right off the bat. I've been working out for 20 years & its been a process. You need to slowly get your body acclimated to exercising. Exercising should be fun not a chore or to feel stressful. My son is working out w/me to Kathy Smith & so far he's lost 14#s in 5 weeks. My son was 169.5#s & he's only 5'3". Please don't get discouraged. I hope I've helped you. Let me know what you think. You can find Kathy Smith on beachbody.com. Kathy :D
 
I used to be a middle school teacher before I moved overseas. Do you have a planning period or can you have a small snack when the kids go to specials or other classes?

I also used to weigh over 200 lbs. (I am 5'6") It takes some time and patience to get to a higher fitness level. But keep at it and it will come. Use these ladies as an inspiration. Alot of this info. is overwhelming at first but trust me, you will "get it". Just don't give up.:)
 
Thank you! You're sweet to say so. This is just my opinion, but I just can't let myself get so caught up in the poundage issue. I'd drive myself absolutely nuts. Some of the beautiful women on here are 2's and 4's, but I just don't see myself ever getting that small. I feel healthy at a size 8 and to be honest with you, I just don't foresee my scale ever going below 150 at my 5'10 height. Sure, I fluctuate between 155 and 165, but if I let myself get so depressed over the fluctuations (especially during pms times!) I'd go nuts. Just plan your day as far as meals and exercise, and the rest will fall into place. :)
 
Thanks for the reply Kathy H! I started with Kathy Smilth as well. years ago when I started exercising. I've been exercising onn and off for about 13 years - mostly on for the last 3. So I'm good with the exercise. It's the eating and weight loss that plague me.

I have lost and gained the same 20 pounds about four times in my life and here I go again. It sucks. It really, really sucks. Actaully the word SUCK is not big enough for how badly it sucks to lose and gain the same weight over and over again - LOL!
 
No. You are not out of your league. You are here to be part of the league. I am here for the same reason. I see your obstacles and that is what you are claiming. Look through those obstacles and find a way. I know drinking water is a challenge also when you have to teach because then, when do you get to use the ladies room. The shakes I wouild definately encourage. They taste great. you just keep coming back. Each day will find a reason why you are doing this and you are doing it for one reason and one reason alone. YOURSELF...You will find as you keep taking baby steps you will reach your goal. Yolanda Adams sings a song *don't ever give up on you* I sing that. I hum it when I get weak. Grab a song and hold on cause joy comes in the morning. Also.. you can crank it down a notch if you want and try another video series or single, like a firm tape. They are quite different. you can still get pointers from this group and move on. One thing, keep moving. I came here not knowintg what I would find. And voila!!!! a lady posting on where to get my Myoplex from. I had not clue. I had not bought any becuause it costs $44 around here. If I can get it from the net, part of my goal. I'm working on it. There will be tips galore to keep you steping. Heck make up your own routine and keep coming. Eating for life is a great book on recipes that are healthy and taste good. if the body builder Bill Philips uses them, they are good. YOu gotta plan. I don't but I have changed what's in the house so that when I want something, it will be in the eating plan.

Adjust and continue to bust that barrier.
 

Our Newsletter

Get awesome content delivered straight to your inbox.

Top