miladyelfn

I agree with most of the points Jacqui makes. The point about some celebrities starting off with huge egos, self-centered attention seeking, etc. illustrates that some people who go into "celebrity" generating fields maybe aren't the most sane and balanced to begin with. However, there are many who go into those fields who are artistic, creative, well balanced etc. as well-and they manage to avoid the celebrity feeding frenzies. If someone (Oprah) is going to make a living promoting certain lifestyles and making pronouncments about how people should live, then they are putting themselves in the eye of the storm. And unfortunately, much of "celebrity" culture consists of tearing down previously venerated idols or creating drama. Personally, I don't follow "advice" from people I don't know if it conflicts with my own common sense, whether they are celebrities or not. And I don't view actors and musicians or whatever, as having some special insight on life just because they may be famous (or infamous). I prefer to look for inspiration and role models on personal behaviour closer to home. So, while I may admire someone's talent (like Ella Fitzgerald as I am a singer) I wouldn't look to her life as a blueprint on how to live mine or pursue my dreams.

I am weight training. I got a new book about lifting for women called "the new rules of lifting for women" and have begun using that as my starting off point in my workouts. Prior to that I was doing 2 small group weight training classes, 3 times a week. I have changed gyms and so am on my own right now, but I am thinking of setting up an appointment at least once a month with a personal trainer. Just to make sure that my training is covering all that it needs to and to keep me accountable.

I think I am just being silly...I had a fill about a week ago and have been eating a lot less than I was (from about 1 1/2 cups to about 3/4 cups). I tend to be very conservative with my fills, wanting to go the slow and steady route to weight loss, so it has been about 5 months since my last one. I guess I just forgot what it was like! I am feeling pretty good about my diet....while I listen to my doctor, I also educate myself and like Jacqui I eat a lot of whole grains, etc. I want to make sure that I am eating enough of the right stuff to fuel my muscle building activities. Jacqui, do you eat several small meals a day or do you stick to the 3 a day with maybe a snack or shake in between?

For those of us who exercise a lot-has anyone asked their Dr. or nutritionist about whether or not 800-1000 calorie per day is healthy with the amount of exercise you do? If so, what was the response? Are the dietary guidelines set up for those who will not be exercising as intensely? I am just concerned about whether I am getting what my body needs to handle the intensity-I am doing a lot of muscle/strength work and the books I read have much to say about diet (make sure you eat and do not starve yourself). They tend to recommend not going below 1500-1700 calories per day. Do you think that there is an expectation that many of us will not exercise and so the calorie count is based on that assumption? I know that Drs. recommend exercise but considering the amount of people who don't follow the other recommendations......:eek: Anyhoo, I would appreciate any input....sorry if this is long and convoluted..I wanted to be clear on what I was asking.

Thank you Jachut! For those of us who exercise a lot I think it is important to get complex carbs-I agree with you on the low carb diet, I know it has worked for some, but I have to have carbs due to my energy output. I just make sure that the carbs are the good kind! I have been successful so far as well, although I have noticed some slowing as I put on muscle. I was expecting that so no biggie. I am in awe of your accomplishments-you have given so many here hope! You are inspiring!:thumbup:

Hi Everyone, I am a pretty heavy exerciser, 4-6/ 30-45min cardio sessions, 2x/1hr weight/strength training and 1x 45 min Gravity session per week. I am wondering about what to eat and how much-do you have certain foods that you eat a lot of? Do you find that you eat more when you exercise heavily? What foods are best for supporting the demands I am putting on my body? I want to make sure that with my heavy exercising I am getting the nutrients I need to fuel my muscle building. Currently, I eat between 1000 and 1500 calories a day (some days are lighter/some heavier) but I worry that I am not getting enough nutrients from veggies etc due to the focus on Protein. I do take supplements-Iron, Vitamin e, multi and Calcium. I would appreciate any input you can provide.

I am all five :biggrin:! What is the difference between stones and crystals or are they the same thing? Is that what determines whether they try the meds?

Hi everyone, I was wondering if anyone has heard of any alternative treatments (other than surgery) for gallstones? I have been doing great since my surgery-80 lbs. down now, since 10/07. However, I recently had a gallbladder attack...very scary! With no frame of reference, I thought I might be having a heart attack. My subsequent ultrasound revealed a "string of pearls" as the tech said. I have not had another attack, and my pcp initially said to take a 'wait and see' position, but my surgeon says it might be best that I get the gallbladder removed. The issue for me is that I would prefer to not have surgery and I haven't been offered any options other than leave it or take it. Sounds silly maybe, but prior to having the lap band the only surgery I had was a c-section and I would prefer to keep it to a minimum. Any help or suggestions would be appreciated. Milady

Thanks, I will check it out! I usually buy mine at Trader Joe's, but I have seen it in the health/organic foods section at the regular grocery store also.

So, I have been exercising 5-6 days a week (cardio/strength mix) for the last 5 months. I have definitely gotten in better shape since surgery. I started a weights class last week and the day after could hardly move-omg the pain:eek:-I literally had to fall back to sit down! I pushed through it and went to class again and it actually helped to relieve some of the soreness. My question is: What can I do to mitigate the soreness on the day after? What do you do? Thanks!

I used to be a big saccharine user...don't like splenda or aspartame. Recently, I started using an herbal supplement called Stevia because I wanted to get off the saccharine-I really like it, but it is more expensive than the others. I just wish I could get sugar free stuff that didn't have all the other sweetener blech in it.

Make sure that you look up the specifications for any model you are interested in. Many of the home type treadmills have weight limits such as 250lbs max. If you are over that limit, sometimes the tread/motor will not work correctly. The professional heavier (literally and figuratively) treadmills may not have this problem, but they cost A LOT more:faint:. Pro-Form has been good for me-but I am a little heavier than the limit and I can tell when I have been on it that it is straining. That is why I am working out at the gym currently on the big machines;). Miladyelfn