Nesties Get Fit

A weight loss update from Nestie Ashley_T

Nest Anni — Tue, 21 Jul 2009 15:59:00 GMT

Remember Ashley? We just checked back in with her for an update on her progress, and here are the stats:

Her total weight loss: 61 pounds total!

Her husband’s total weight loss: almost 115 pounds!

Ashley_T and her husband

Her first race will be the 5K leg of the Toronto Waterfront Marathon in September, and she'll do the 5K Run for the Cure in October. She also said she's "looking for an earlier 5K as I don't want to wait for September to race!" In the spring, she's going to race in her first sprint triathlon.

Amazing work Ashley! If you've been working out (on your own or with the help of the H&F Nesties), share your progress below!

Nestie jackiback on new foods, new workouts and new ideas!

Nest Anni — Thu, 18 Jun 2009 14:38:00 GMT

Nest Anni: So what’s your overall goal? Weight loss? Getting toned? Running a race?

jackiback: When I started, my overall goal was weight loss. Now I only have about 15 more pounds to lose, and my focus has shifted to just being a more overall healthy person.

Nest Anni: What was the breaking point that provoked you to make changes?

jackiback: I had been kind of working out and making kind of better decisions for a few months and finally I lost a pants size. It seemed like that's when I realized that I could be healthy and change my body. This is when I really took it up a few levels and started working out with intention and paying more attention to what I was putting into my body. From then, the weight just started to drop off and I felt much better overall.

Nest Anni: What kind of changes have you made so far?

jackiback: I think that the change that has made the biggest difference is that I started making all of our meals. We've been out to eat only a handful of times in the last six to eight months. To be honest, we don't miss it. I make menus two weeks at a time, and we go on a massive grocery trip and get everything we need. There are several benefits to this: There are less chances to impulse buy unhealthy, snacky items, we have 14 full meals laid out ahead of time, and it tends to save us money, which is always good! I made it a point to make healthy, clean meals that are tasty and good for us. I love to eat and wasn't willing to sacrifice taste and meal enjoyment. It's been tricky, but the difference in my body and how I feel has been stunning.

Nest Anni: What’s your favorite healthy snack?

jackiback: I eat more fruit than any person I've ever met. I love apples, bananas, berries, and grapes most of all, but I don't discriminate. I eat tons of fruit. To be honest, I don't even really limit my fruit intake. If I'm hungry between meals, an apple will fill me up. If I want something sweet, a handful of strawberries will do the trick.

Nest Anni: What’s your biggest obstacle?

jackiback: Right now, my biggest obstacle is just making the time. Summer is so busy that I feel like I don't have a spare minute, and when I do, I just want to relax. The trick has been fitting in workouts in little time chunks or incorporating them into what I'm already doing. I can spend a day lying out by the pool if I swim some laps. A long walk in the park is even better if it's at a brisk pace. These type of things. I've also started waking up early on days I know I won't have time in the evenings so I can get it out of the way first thing.

Nest Anni: Do you have any secrets to your motivation?

jackiback: The best part about all this for me is that I don't shy away from mirrors or scales anymore. While I never had this horrible self image or beat myself up a lot, since I've lost weight, I've realized that I got into the habit before of avoiding looking in mirrors on purpose. I'm not even exactly sure how much I've lost because it had been so long since I ventured near a scale. I never consciously thought of these things, but in retrospect, I wasn't happy with who I was. As my body has changed, I've learned to become more comfortable in it and that motivates me to no end!

Nest Anni: What HASN’T worked for you in the past?

jackiback: What hasn't worked for me is just working out. I've been fairly active on and off for my whole life, and at some points, I could run even farther than I can now, but I never really watched my food intake. I had always heard that abs are made in the kitchen, but I'd go to the gym and then come home and eat a meal that was probably worth double what I'd just worked off. It didn't phase me to eat fried food, candy bars, and other things that I tend to shy away from now. I know that I couldn't have made these changes in my life without changing how I ate, and really my whole attitude toward food.

Nest Anni: Any advice for others trying to get on track?

jackiback: Just go for it. One piece of advice that's always thrown around on The Nest is to just get into your workout clothes and shoes. Sometimes getting started is the hardest part. Tell yourself from the get-go that if you aren't feeling it in 10 or 20 minutes, you can quit. Just having this 'out' will make it easier for you to keep going. Also, don't be afraid to try new things. New foods, new workouts, new ideas. The same ol', same ol' will get old after awhile, and if you aren't careful, you could fall right back into your old routines. Do different stuff, eat different stuff, and keep it fun and exciting.

Thanks so much! Jacki is the moderator of the Health & Fitness board. Keep an eye out for her daily workout check-ins!

Before: After:

AngieEatsPeace on achieving the unthinkable!

Nest Anni — Thu, 28 May 2009 14:32:00 GMT

Nest Anni: So what’s your overall goal: Weight loss? Getting toned? Running a race?

AngieEatsPeace: When I first started, my main goal was to have a more healthy and balanced relationship with food. I yo-yo dieted for years and was a huge emotional and stress eater. I was so sick of sabotaging my best efforts in the gym by turning to food whenever I was stressed.

Currently, my goals are to beat my past marathon time and increase my strength training. I get in enough cardio with running and swimming, but strength training is definitely where I need the most work.

Nest Anni: What was the breaking point that provoked you to make changes?

AngieEatsPeace: Once I got engaged, we took pictures for our save-the-date cards. I was appalled when I saw myself in them and so upset that I had let my weight get all the way back up to 162, when I had been 20 pounds lighter at the beginning of our relationship. I was determined not to hate the way I looked in my wedding pictures, and I worked hard to lose 20 pounds by my wedding day.

Nest Anni: What kind of changes have you made so far?

AngieEatsPeace: When I first started losing weight, I was a junk food vegetarian. I started really cleaning up my diet and concentrating on whole, unprocessed foods. I began cooking much more at home and reducing the amount I ate out. I also started tracking my calories, which became a real eye opener for me. I was able to see what my triggers were and how much mindless snacking I did. In March of 2008, I went vegan and cleaned up my diet even further. It felt amazing to eliminate animal products from my diet. In August of 2008, I made a decision that would change my life; I joined my running group, The Loma Linda Lopers. I joined to just "check it out" and see if I enjoyed running. I never thought I'd run a marathon.

The group's enthusiasm and knowledge were contagious, and I was instantly hooked. On February 1, 2009, I did the absolute unthinkable and ran my first marathon. I never, ever thought I could accomplish something like that. I was never naturally athletic, and I thought marathons were only for the extra-talented and fit. It was definitely one of my most proudest moments.

Nest Anni: What’s your favorite healthy snack?

AngieEatsPeace: Peanut butter! I love it with sliced apples, a banana, or on Ezekiel cinnamon raisin bread. It's a great, quick way to get in protein and healthy fats and a yummy, post-workout snack.

Nest Anni: What’s your biggest obstacle?

AngieEatsPeace: I work two jobs and run about 15 to 25 miles per week. It's all about planning ahead and packing my food for everywhere I go. I spend a few hours each weekend cooking meals for the week. I generally make my oatmeal, one or two big meals that I can pack for lunches and dinners, and chop my fruits and veggies, so I can easily grab them and go. It can be time consuming, but I know if I'm not prepared with healthy food, I'll resort to eating junk, so it's definitely worth my time.

Nest Anni: Wow, that's a busy schedule! Do you have any secrets to your motivation?

AngieEatsPeace: I always want to be the best me that I can possible be. I never want to settle for less than the best, I expect the most out of me, but I also try to set realistic and attainable goals for myself.

Nest Anni: What HASN’T worked for you in the past?

AngieEatsPeace: Low-carb dieting. I developed a very unhealthy relationship with carbohydrates. I lost 20 pounds initially with the Atkins diet, but I realized how quickly the weight would come off and come back on. I'd binge on carbohydrates just because I knew I'd quickly lose the weight by eliminating them. I was stuck in this unhealthy cycle for about a year, when I finally started counting calories instead and eating a more balanced diet.

Nest Anni: Any advice for others trying to get on track?

AngieEatsPeace: Set realistic goals and get out of your own way. You didn't gain the weight overnight, so don't expect it to come off overnight. Don't beat yourself up if you have dessert, or if you skip a workout, tomorrow is a new day and a new chance to make healthy choices.

Thanks Angie - that's great advice!

Nestie DevonStiles on losing weight for the wedding and keeping it off!

Knot Anni — Wed, 13 May 2009 16:14:00 GMT

Nest Anni: So what’s your overall goal? Weight loss? Getting toned? Running a race?

DevonStiles: My overall goal is to run a marathon. I feel like if I can get my body in that sort of physical shape, I can be truly proud of myself. I never saw myself as a runner, and now that I can run several miles at a time without stopping, I feel like I can do anything.

Nest Anni: What was the breaking point that provoked you to make changes?

DevonStiles: I knew I had to change when the scale kept creeping up. At 5'3", I was nearing 150 lb. My wedding was rapidly approaching, and I knew I wanted to be a fit and toned bride. I started running a little more and did C25K to get myself in better shape. I also started running races. I've lost 15 lb. since then! I hope to lose another 5 to 10 lb.

Nest Anni: What kind of changes have you made so far?

DevonStiles: I've completely changed the way I eat. I used to eat out for most of my meals; now I eat at home. I make sure I eat fruits and vegetables throughout the day. I also monitor how much processed foods I'm eating. I also track all of my food intake on my iPhone with the LoseIt! application. It has made a huge difference for me.

Nest Anni: What’s your favorite healthy snack?

DevonStiles: Hummus and carrots are a big favorite with my husband and me. Our fridge is always stocked with healthy snack options.

Nest Anni: What’s your biggest obstacle?

DevonStiles: My biggest obstacle is resisting sweets. I have a major sweet tooth, and once I had one treat, it's hard to stop. I've discovered that avoiding them helps me crave them less.

Nest Anni: Do you have any secrets to your motivation?

DevonStiles: The Nest Health & Fitness board helps keep me motivated. Whenever I see someone post about a new PR, it helps me strive to keep it up.

Nest Anni: What HASN’T worked for you in the past?

DevonStiles: Avoiding carbs does NOT work for me. I get so cranky without carbs. I'd rather cut off my arm to lose 10 lb. than not eat carbs.

Nest Anni: I could not agree more! Any advice for others trying to get on track?

DevonStiles: Find something you like: running, soccer, Zumba, cycling. Sign up for races. Get a workout buddy.

Thanks Devon! Keep up the awesome work!

Nest Caitlin answers our questions about getting back in shape!

Knot Anni — Wed, 06 May 2009 15:03:00 GMT

Nest Anni: So what’s your overall goal? Weight loss? Getting toned? Running a race?

Nest Caitlin: At this point, weight loss is my goal. In my mind, getting toned goes along with that.

Nest Anni: What was the breaking point that provoked you to make changes?

Nest Caitlin: I attended one of my sister’s college basketball games this past January. It’s a regular occurrence for me in the winter, but I was irrationally annoyed when my dad told me that our high school basketball coach would be in attendance. He knew me as an over-achieving, spunky, three-sport varsity athlete who never quit. And now -- I was 24 years old, overweight, out of shape, and completely unhappy about it. I was totally embarrassed for him to see me. It wasn’t just because I was an overweight person (I mean come on, I’d gone through the last two years this way), it was because I knew that it wasn’t the “real me.” Just chatting with him during the game about my high school athletic career, I was reminded of how active, competitive, and -- damnit -- happy I was then. Until recently, I had fooled myself into thinking that I couldn’t be that way again, making excuses like “I was younger” and “I blew out my knee (ACL tear) in high school” -- but HELLO! I’m only 24, it should be a good six years or so until I even attempt to use that excuse. That week, I rejoined Weight Watchers (for the third time in two years) and committed to finding the real me that I know is still under there.

Nest Anni: What kind of changes have you made so far?

Nest Caitlin: I’ve been religious about working out at least four to five times a week. I don’t just “get to the gym” -- I push myself every day, it really helps to feel like I’m making real progress, even on a day-to-day basis. I also reenrolled myself in Weight Watchers to get control of my eating habits. This time only online. I’ve heard people say they like the meetings because there's a sense of accountability, and I finally figured out this time that I'm the only accountability I should need. I’m the only person affected by and in control of my health. I shouldn’t need a meeting leader or someone behind a counter weighing me in to achieve that feeling. I also look at it as a lifestyle now, not a diet. I make changes by asking myself if I could really keep them for the long haul.

Nest Anni: What’s your favorite healthy snack?

Nest Caitlin: It’s a toss-up between fat-free kettle corn in 100-calorie bags and Laughing Cow light cheese wedges.

Nest Anni: What’s your biggest obstacle?

Nest Caitlin: I detest vegetables and really don’t care for fruits. I’m learning that to sustain this new lifestyle, I’ll need to break those barriers down for good. I’ve taken baby steps by having a vegetable soup everyday and making recipes that sneak veggies in, like lite mashed potatoes with secret mashed carrots (I know, I’m like a 5-year old).

Nest Anni: Do you have any secrets to your motivation?

Nest Caitlin: I find that writing down your goals is really important -- even better if you post them around your home, desk, car, etc. It’s important that I remember that it’s not just about weighing less, so I write down all the reasons why I want to lose the weight.

Nest Anni: What HASN’T worked for you in the past?

Nest Caitlin: 1) Eating the same old crap with portion control. It’s not sustainable; that’s why I quit Weight Watchers the first two times. I was only modifying my habits; I wasn’t changing them.
2) Weight Watchers meetings. There was way too much coddling going on there for me.
3) Setting short-terms goals that were too intense. When I didn’t meet them, I got discouraged, quit, and probably packed on five more pounds each time.

Nest Anni: Any advice for others trying to get on track?

Nest Caitlin: First thing, don’t think of it as a diet -- it’s a change in lifestyle, that’s the only way you’ll keep it off. You also need to be ready to be completely honest with yourself; it sounds simple, but until you get to the core of why you’ve been making the kind of decisions that made you overweight, you won’t be able to figure out how to change them for good.

So far I’ve lost 20 pounds. My goal is to lose 55 to 60 pounds by the end of the year. Maybe I’ll pay my basketball coach a “thank-you” visit over holiday break.

Thanks Caitlin!

This month you will see Caitlin and me on the Shape-Up Challenge board. Stop in to share advice with other Nesties who are getting bikini-ready for summer!

Nestie daisysle keeps setting new goals for herself (and won't settle for a bad race time!)

Knot Anni — Wed, 29 Apr 2009 19:36:00 GMT

Nest Anni: So what’s your overall goal? Weight loss? Getting toned? Running a race?

daisysle: To continue to run and exercise for life. I want to stay healthy and live a long life for me and my family. I also want to be like my father and great uncle. My father runs various distance races and competes in duathlons, and my great uncle, who's in his mid-70s, runs a race almost every weekend!

Nest Anni: What was the breaking point that provoked you to make changes?

daisysle: I realized after my wedding in 2005 that I wasn't in shape and weighed the most I've ever weighed (aside from my pregnancy). I wasn't overweight, but I certainly wasn't happy with what I saw in the mirror. I knew I needed to begin exercising more regularly and change my eating habits.

Nest Anni: What kind of changes have you made so far?

daisysle: I began to eat much healthier and really put forth an effort to exercise on a regular basis. One day in January 2007 while power-walking on the treadmill at the gym, I decided to start running. I started off slowly on the treadmill doing a half mile and began to increase the distance from there. I told my father, the runner, about my accomplishment (I was NEVER a runner), but also told him how my shins and feet hurt. He suggested that I get fitted for a good pair of running shoes.

In February of 2007, my father took me to a local running shop to get fitted for my first pair of running shoes. I continued to run the indoor track and on the treadmill and was able to run three miles without stopping to walk.

Once spring of 2007 rolled around, I finally got the courage to run outside. I say "courage" because I was scared of how much harder it would be to run outside versus on the treadmill or track. I started running outdoors regularly, and by the summer of 2007, I registered for a fall 5K.

On October 6, 2007, I ran my first 5K race with my dad. We crossed the finish line side by side. When I realized how well I had finished and how great I felt during and after the race, I instantly became hooked!

Since my first 5K race, I've run numerous 5K races, 10K races, 4-mile races and two half marathons! In June I'll begin training for my first marathon: the Detroit Freepress Marathon, which will be held on October 18, 2009. My father and I will be running together, side by side.

Nest Anni: What’s your favorite healthy snack?

daisysle: Hands down, my favorite snack is apples with peanut butter.

Nest Anni: What’s your biggest obstacle?

daisysle: My after-dinner sweet tooth! After almost every dinner, I instantly want something sweet. I now keep plenty of fat-free/sugar-free pudding and fat-free or lite cool whip on hand for a guiltless "sweet treat."

Nest Anni: Do you have any secrets to your motivation?

daisysle: Registering for and running races! I always want to beat my previous time, so I stay motivated to train for any upcoming races. I have yet to run a distance slower than a previous finish time, and I hope I can continue this!

I used to slack off when it came to strength training, but now that I can actually see the results, I always make sure to incorporate weights into my schedule.

Nest Anni: What HASN’T worked for you in the past?

daisysle: Sitting around doing nothing! Ha! Seriously, I'm blessed with a high metabolism, but I've come to the realization that a high metabolism doesn't tone your body or keep you healthy/in shape.

Nest Anni: Any advice for others trying to get on track?

daisysle: Set a goal for yourself, whether it's to register for and run a race, join a local gym, take up biking, etc. -- just make sure it's something you enjoy and can stick to. I'm also a firm believer that you can do anything if you put your mind to it. So if you tell yourself that you can do it, you can!

Thanks daisysle! I love how you keep striving for new personal records!

daisysle and her dad following a half marathon

Nestie kirkette on making fitness a family affair

Knot Anni — Wed, 22 Apr 2009 14:38:00 GMT

Nest Anni: So what’s your overall goal? Weight loss? Getting toned? Running a race?

kirkette: My overall goal is to stay healthy and keep running. I love running and racing. Standing at the starting line and crossing the finish line give me a thrill. Eventually, I want to be one of those women who are 80 but can still run marathons. I've also promised my husband that I'd do a triathalon with him next year before we start expanding our family. I need to get over my avoidance of cycling and swimming to make this happen. Ah...the things I'll do for love.

Nest Anni: What was the breaking point that provoked you to make changes?

kirkette: I've been a long-distance runner since my first year of high school. However, senior year, I got really sick. I'd overexerted myself by doing too much (three sports, AP classes, cheerleading, volunteer work, etc.) and by neglecting to eat nutritiously. I was so ill and weak. My hypoglycemia spun out of control. I ended up having to take a leave of school for three months, and I had to stop running.

With rest and medication, I eventually recovered. However, the medicine I was given made me gain about 80 lb. I'm only 5 ft. tall. Going from 107 lb. to 187 lb. was a total shock. It took about a year and a half to get down to a healthy weight. I ran my first marathon that year to celebrate. I guess I learned the importance of proper nutrition and life balance the hard way.

Nest Anni: What kind of changes have you made so far?

kirkette: Since then, I've really learned to listen to my body. I now know the importance of eating balanced diets and slowing down my pace of life. I'm still really active, but I now know when to say no. Burning the candle at both ends just doesn't work for me.

Nest Anni: What’s your favorite healthy snack?

kirkette: Pita bread & hummus, green olives, Morningstar veggie sausages, and Laughing Cow cheese.

Nest Anni: What’s your biggest obstacle?

kirkette: I'm a grad student, so there's beer and pizza wherever I go. Also, I'm lazy when it comes to strength training. My goal is to get better about lifting. Since I can't rely on me to push myself, I take group lifting classes at my gym. It's fun and it holds me accountable.

Nest Anni: Do you have any secrets to your motivation?

kirkette: Yes, I have two.

1. I sign up for my races well in advance and stick my registration forms on my fridge. It's a friendly reminder to keep training and be smart about what I'm eating.

2. My husband is my partner in life and fitness activities. Racing is a family affair. This makes it easier to meal plan, and long runs are fun because I have him there to keep me company. On long training runs, I like to run behind him and watch his booty!

Nest Anni: What HASN’T worked for you in the past?

kirkette: Skimping on meals. I can't believe that I used to skip breakfast. I didn't really like breakfast foods, so I didn't eat in the mornings. Now I know better. In fact, I usually eat four to six meals a day.

Nest Anni: Any advice for others trying to get on track?

kirkette: Get your significant other to join you as you pursue your health goals. It's a wonderful way to spend time together. If your husband won't join you, find a support group to keep you accountable. It's hard to pursue health goals alone. It's okay to listen to advice from others, but remember that everyone is different. Learn to listen to your body, and visit us on the Health & Fitness Board. We're here to help!

Thanks kirkette! Your advice is great!

Nestie Ashley_T on working her way up to a triathlon

Knot Anni — Wed, 15 Apr 2009 19:28:00 GMT

Nest Anni: So what’s your overall goal? Weight loss? Getting toned? Running a race?

Ashley_T: Originally it was to lose weight (and for health reasons). Now I'm training to run my first 5K and eventually work up to do triathlons.

Nest Anni: What was the breaking point that provoked you to make changes?

Ashley_T: When I realized that I was 212 lb. and only 5' 8" tall and that my husband was carrying over 345 lb. on his 6' 3" frame. My mum sat me down and told me she was concerned for his health and worried that we'd lose him before he was 30 if he kept gaining that way. It was hard to hear, but it worked.

Nest Anni: What kind of changes have you made so far?

Ashley_T: We started out walking 30 minutes a day and just watching what we were eating. We never gave anything up; we just made changes to portions and versions of different foods (example: switch from regular pasta to whole wheat pasta, buying nonfat options of foods we regularly eat, etc...). There was no "dieting" -- there were permanent lifestyles changes made. My husband continues to do this, but for me, it has evolved. I now work out five days a week before work, alternating between running (using the Couch-to-5K program) and swimming laps. I also loosely track my daily calorie intake to make sure I'm getting what I need. My next short-term goal is to quit smoking altogether (I've cut back, but I want to be 100% smoke-free).

Nest Anni: What’s your favorite healthy snack?

Ashley_T: Day: low-fat cheese strings and bananas. Night: 100-calorie bags of popcorn or vanilla frozen yogurt

Nest Anni: What’s your biggest obstacle?

Ashley_T: Snacking and portion control. I work on these daily and will probably continue to do so for a long time.

Nest Anni: Do you have any secrets to your motivation?

Ashley_T: No secrets...I wanted to do it for me. I was tired of being "the fat friend" and I was tired of being tired. I wanted to be healthy and I didn't want to be ashamed of who I was or what I looked like. When it finally hit me, it didn't take long for me to start making changes.

Nest Anni: What HASN’T worked for you in the past?

Ashley_T: Hands down, without a doubt, it was short-term diets. I felt deprived, locked in, and always thinking, When I can eat again, I'll have some chocolate. This led to either no weight loss at all or gaining it back very quickly when I was "done" with the diet. I didn't need a short-term solution; I needed to change my lifestyle and way of thinking about food/exercise.

Nest Anni: Any advice for others trying to get on track?

Ashley_T: In terms of exercise:
1. Find something that you like to do. Don't just start running with a friend because you know it's good exercise. You have to enjoy it or you won't stick to it. And really, why live your life doing some activity on a daily basis that you really don't like? Life's too short.
2. Have variety. Don't just stick to the same thing all the time. I alternate between swimming and running because I love them both so much. It adds variety to my mornings.
3. Move more. Everyone has heard it 100 times before, but it's soooo true. Take the stairs at work (even if it's not all the way, just take the elevator to a couple floors below yours and then hop on the stairs), walk to the store if you're just picking up bread, park at the back of the lot at the mall and walk in. These will only add a couple minutes to your day, but it'll do you so much good in terms of exercise. If you could add it all up at the end of the week, you'd be surprised (I did it and I was).

In terms of healthy eating:
1. EAT! If you starve yourself, you'll either get sick or your body will start to store everything. You must meet your minimum daily calorie intake and you must adjust your minimum as your exercise intensity/frequency increases.
2. Don't cut anything out that you plan on eating again. Example: If you cut out carbs to lose weight quickly, you'll definitely lose weight quickly. But then you have to be so careful reintroducing them or you'll balloon. Learn the habit of "everything in moderation."
3. Find quick, healthy, low-fat snacks that you like and eat them. Make sure to always have something on hand so you don't grab the cookies or chocolate bar from the office vending machine.

Thanks Ashley! Your tips are great!