Motivation

Options
24567…195

Comments

  • pk0199
    pk0199 Member Posts: 586
    edited March 2009

    Hi All,

    Good job everyone! l just finished up on the elliptical and some floor stuff. Need a shower badly!!

    Still need help with the food issue though. Weighed myself again this morning, the pound I lost I have apparently found again! Very frustrated. I know sugar is my downfall and I am at a lost in what to do about that. Suggestions??

    PT would love to try kickboxing. Think though, I am going to try to find a yoga for BC people. There was one at the community center, think I will look into that again. Need to work on my flexability and own peace within, so think that may work.

    Off to shower now.

    Keep up the good work everyone.

    Penny

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • dlb823
    dlb823 Member Posts: 9,430
    edited March 2009

    Penny ~  Do you know that sugar feeds cancer cells?  There's a whole chapter explaining it in Patrick Quillan's book, Beating Cancer With Nutrition.  Hopefully after all of our treatments, we don't have any bc cells left in our bodies, but since reading that sugar feeds cancer, I really think twice these days before reaching for any refined sugar.  I've switched to Agave Nectar for my tea, but question how much better that really is for us.  I also try to substitute honey or maple syrup in baking & cooking when I can, but it's really hard to totally get rid of the sugar.    Deanna

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Springtime
    Springtime Member Posts: 5,355
    edited March 2009

    Deanna, good for YOU!!!!!

    I have to do some stuff, still very sedentary today! I will think of you ladies and try to get something done!!!

    Spring.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • pk0199
    pk0199 Member Posts: 586
    edited March 2009

    Deanna-yes I do know that ca is a sugar feeder, but try as I might, I cannot stop! I rarely drink, don't do drugs, not a shop-a-holic (despite what my hubby thinks), but I like my food! I am a stress, boredom and any other reason one can think of eater. I am truly trying!

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • dani42
    dani42 Member Posts: 423
    edited March 2009

    pk0199

    Once you get away from sugars, white flours and fried food, the more you have a distaste for it.  I too like sweets.  Not cakes, or donuts but candy.  I started having small boxes of raisins on hand to feed the sugar craving and even the yogurt covered raisins.  It helps if you don't have the sugar in the house.  Since my surgery people are bringing me brownies, starbursts and chocolate.  I haven't been able to resist so I have asked that they stop because I am trying to increase my immune system. 

    My friend is coming for lunch tomorrow and I am having such a hard time figuring out what to serve.  She eats very healthy and so do I but it is hard since I am not up to preparing anything. The only types of food to have delivered is pizza. 

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • PT63
    PT63 Member Posts: 329
    edited March 2009

    Dani

    My favorite lunch on the fly (for women callers, not men)

    Mixed greens with craisins, almonds (honey almonds are best), mandarin oranges, and gorganzola (or feta) cheese. - all of these things can be bought in pre-cut/pre-packaged versions.

    Dressing:  Premade: any of the Fat free Raspberry/Walnut or something to that effect or you can make your own with olive oil, cider vinegar, parsley and black/red pepper and a pinch of sugar.

    Serve with whole wheat baguette from the bakery of your local store.

    I keep this stuff on hand in case a female friend stops by.

    Just a thought.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • PT63
    PT63 Member Posts: 329
    edited March 2009

    Nice Job Penny

    Go Spring Go!

    Today was a brisk hour walk with the dog and 30 minutes of weight training.  Tomorrow I think I will try the Kickboxing again....I am still walking and I am not too sore.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • mumito
    mumito Member Posts: 4,562
    edited March 2009

    Deanna I read the same book have you added the supplements the book recomends?  I have cut all sugar but that was never my weakness.For me it is the carbs,bread chips potatoes.Oh ### now I am hungry.  I will go to the gym early this morning. I am using the machines until I am in better shape to join the ladies in those classes.  Way to go Ladies we are all moving our butts.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • SingaporeChris
    SingaporeChris Member Posts: 612
    edited March 2009

    Hi Girls, I would like to join you. I see lots of familiar faces from September chemo girls.  I am trying to get back into shape and lose some weight, so could do with some support for exercise.  I usually walk the dog for about 20 mins each morning. I am English and live in Singapore, so I have a different problem than the snow, it just sooooo hot here and very humid, exercising outside is a very sticky business.  I went to watch the ladies golf championship today and was exhausted walking around the golf course, great side effect!  I have been posting a postive thought for the day on another site, if anyone likes, I will post it here too, the one for today is:

    The turning point in my life has comel.  I am open and receptive to living a life I love"

    Singapore Chris

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Springtime
    Springtime Member Posts: 5,355
    edited March 2009

    Chris, I feel the same! It is spring here now in RAleigh NC USA, and I feel a reawakening in myself! Post chemo, surgery, rads...  Welcome!

    OK ladies. Last night I hauled my tukus onto the eliptical cross trainer during "America's Next Top Model" and went for 45 minutes! And I never would have done it except I wanted to come on here and tell you I did it!!! 

    Chris and all, remember, 30 mintues (or more) of walking per day 6x a week has been shown to reduce a woman's reoccurance risk of BC by 50%!!! I keep holding onto this. It is like a treatment therapy that is non toxic and good for us!

    Mumayan, I have stopped sugar as much as I can, and white flour, and am now using Stevia and Agave Nectar as sweeteners, even when I bake. (This was in that Anti-Cancer book I read). 

    PT, let us know about the kickboxing!!! (IT sounds so cool!)

    Spring (Beverly)

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • DianneMS
    DianneMS Member Posts: 105
    edited March 2009

    Hi Folks

    I am hoping this helps me get motivated.  I had a bilateral in Sept.  It was great lost 5lb. Since then I have gained 10lb.  while trying to lose 10 more.  I am hoping to keep reading everyones entries and keep myself on track.  I am great at making excuses  of taking my kids somewhere, cleaning the house, it really doesn't take much.  I have a great family who is helpful, it is mainly me and my feelings about taking care of myself at the expense of my family.  

    This afternoon after I take my daughter to Math, (I homeschool my youngest)  I will get on my tread mill.  I will hope to do at least 30 mins.  Then I will vacuum the house.

    Thanks for listening

    Dianne

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • lisasayers
    lisasayers Member Posts: 850
    edited March 2009

    I used to be a carb junkie...but started eating clean two years ago...prior to BC.  I lost 25 pounds and 15 of it melted off just by cutting out the white stuff...sugar, white flour, white rice, white pasta.  I don't crave the carbs any more!  I wasn't able to eat as clean through chemo, thanks to my taste buds, but I'm back on track.  I highly recommend reading Tosca Reno's book The Eat Clean Diet...not a diet, just a way of life.

    For exercise, I teach Zumba 6 days a week...so I get at least an hour of cardio on those days and often more.  I continued to teach through chemo and it really kept the side effects at bay!

    Looking forward to spring....it is a new beggining!  I'm getting my implants on March 20th...so that is the best way I can celebrate spring!

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Springtime
    Springtime Member Posts: 5,355
    edited March 2009

    Lisa, I will have to check out "Eat Clean", Glad you are here. What is Zumba?? Do tell! Maybe you can teach us over the internet, ha ha ha.

    Dianne, let us know how you felt after doing the treadmill and vacuuming!!! Sometimes I just need to put on my work out clothes and sneakers to get myself in the mood. Getting off the couch and into my sneakers is often the longest journey!    : )

    Spring

    PS, I haven't done mine yet today. I am planning on stopping work at 4 to walk or crosstrainer. I am thinking an outside walk, it is so beautiful here today! Sun, snow melted, spring flowers budding!!!

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • dlb823
    dlb823 Member Posts: 9,430
    edited March 2009

    mumayan ~  I've been into nutrition and taken supplements (all the usual stuff) all of my adult life.  While I was on chemo, I'd added B6 to ward off neuropathy.  After chemo, I added Biotin and Kelp.  Post-rads I've started Indole-3-Carbinol (I3C) and occasionally take Curcumin, which I haven't quite made up my mind about.  These additions came from a number of sources, including these boards.  At this point, I really want to see a nutritionist for an evaluation.  How about you and anyone else?  What are you taking that you weren't taking pre-bc?

    Spring ~  Had to laugh at your sneakers comments!  So true!   Lisa ~  Thanks for the book recommendation.  It sounds really good.  Chris ~  The only benefit of working out in the heat -- which we have plenty of here between April and October -- is that all that sweating leaves your skin glowing.  Dani ~ Love the salad idea.  I often order salads like that when I'm out, but with guys in the house, I haven't bought Raspberry dressing in ages, and I remember Girards has a really good one. 

    This was the first a.m. I felt like attempting my pre-bc work out route, which includes a couple of bigger hills.  It was just under 3 miles, and I did it in 50 mins.  This accountability has been THE BEST!    Deanna

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • pk0199
    pk0199 Member Posts: 586
    edited March 2009

    Hi All,

    Good to see everyone posting their accomplishments. Just got off the elliptical myself, not a great workout today but I am going shopping with my sister and ladies if you ever want a shopping workout, you may borrow my sister!

    Lisa -will have to check out that Eat Clean book. I have been trying to rid myself of fried foods, that one was easy, then it was white flour- doing better but still room for improvement. Again it is sugar, Deanna I am going to try your suggestion and do raisins, love raisins, I have also tried dried cranberries, problem is finding them without the added sugar and sunflower oil (allergy to sunflower seeds). Can't do the nut thing as my boy is highly allergic and can have a contact reaction and did just 2 weeks ago so, can only do those at work and I don't go back to work until the end of the month.

    So keep on posting your workouts and all food suggestions are welcome.

    Have a great day all.

    Penny

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • DianneMS
    DianneMS Member Posts: 105
    edited March 2009

    I started today.  I did 50 min on the tread mill just over 3 miles.  Took a shower and was so hungry.  Did fairly well. lunch meat sandwich with  a glass of soy milk.  Thanks to all.  I will let you know how I do tomorrow.  I didn't get my vacuuming done.  Oh well

    Deanna, I am working with the Block Institute out of Chicago and I am on a variety of supplements. except for my weight I know they are making a difference in how I feel and my energy level.

     Dianne

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • mumito
    mumito Member Posts: 4,562
    edited March 2009

    Pre bc I wasn't taking anything.  Now I am taking Omega 3. vitamin c, d e, B complex and ginseng. that i boil daily. Trying to boost the imune system.  Could be a waste of money but what the ### its worth a try.

    I worked out today ladies did the machines and the weights.   Maybe next week i will try a class.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Springtime
    Springtime Member Posts: 5,355
    edited March 2009

    Every body is DOING IT!!! Go Girls!!!

    I took a walk with hubby in the late afternoon. 3.25 miles that we did in about 57 minutes. It was beautiful! Not too cold, sunny, light winds. GEORGOUS!!!!

    I still need arm and ab workouts!

    As for supplements: Fish Oil, CoQ10, Vit D (4000), baby asprin, Folic Acid, Vit C, Biotin (ala Deanna for hair!!!) Multi, I think that is it? It is a lot of pills! I wonder if I need another B vit?

    GO GIRLS GO!!!

    Spring..

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • dani42
    dani42 Member Posts: 423
    edited March 2009

    pt63

    That sounds delicious!  I am going to try that.  I did end up driving to applebees for their grilled chicken caeser salad, caesar salad, and turkey club.  All dressings on the side.  I love their grilled chicken caesar salad, they sprinkle shredded parmisian cheese on it so I don't end up putting dressing on it at all.  I was disappointed when I gave my friend the turkey club and caeser salad and it was only half a sandwich!  They didn't say that anywhere on the menu and was a little embarrassing but I think it was filling for her.   

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • dani42
    dani42 Member Posts: 423
    edited March 2009

    lisasayers

    I have Tosca Reno's book and love it.  I also get Oxygen Magazine, where she is a contributor, along with her husband.  I have osteoarthritis and was noticing that when I don't exercise, I have trouble walking.  I also made the connection between carbs and painful joints.  If I avoid carbs and exercise, I don't have symptoms of arthritis.  When I decide that I deserve a "treat" and eat food that is full or carbs or sodium, I pay for it the next day, if not more.  Maybe in time my brain will stop thinking of those foods as treats. 

     After my mastectomy last week, I suffered with horrible nausea.  The next morning I was finally feeling better and was actually looking forward to breakfast.  My morning breakfast is usually oatmeal with flaxmeal and soy milk.  Well, I lifted the food cover to find french toast with syrup and a round sausage patty.  I wanted to hurl.  I was amazed that anyone would think that would be a healthy breakfast, let alone a healthy breakfast for a patient.  Needless to say, I didn't eat breakfast!  

    When I was a teenager, I developed hypoglycemia (low blood sugar).  I literally used to pass out frequently so I had to follow a special diet.  Low carbs, high protein, and six small meals a day.  My whole body type changed.  As years went by, my symptoms decreased and I didn't have to be so strict with my diet.  However, if I were to eat syrup, donuts or foods of that type, I feel the effects and need to sleep until it passes.

    Sorry to ramble but I think if we really pay attention to the effect foods have on is, our bodies let us know what works and what doesn't.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • lisasayers
    lisasayers Member Posts: 850
    edited March 2009

    Hey ladies...just got home from teaching Zumba class.  I worked their butts off...literally!  Did lots of squats for warm-up.  For those of you who don't know what zumba is, you can check out a video on youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qwVdBH4vjLU

    I LOVE it....bought the DVDs and was doing it at home a year ago this past October and then I decided I wanted to teach it...so I went and got certified.  So now I can share it with others.  The people love it...because it is fun!  Exercise in disguise! 

    Yes...Tosca's book is great!  And she has some wonderful recipes in there as well. 

    I eat six times a day.  I start out with crockpot oatmeal in the morning, along with my green tea.  My next meal is a chocolate protein shake with my fiber boost and some instant coffee...who needs starbucks!  Then I have my lunch around 1pm, snack at 3 pm, dinner and then another snack before bed.  That keeps your metabolism moving!

    As far as supplements...I was taking quite a few before bc and now I've added more to my aresenal.  I take my women's power pack which contains a multi-vitamin, multi-mineral tablet, two calcium, one super food blend (antioxidants) and a digestive enzyme.  I also take CoQ10, Turmeric, Iodine from kelp, Vitamin D, and will be adding DIM to my list.  I may add more of the B vitamins...still doing some research!

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • dani42
    dani42 Member Posts: 423
    edited March 2009

    I'm also having chocolate whey protein shakes.  I believe it is suppose to aid in healing.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • PT63
    PT63 Member Posts: 329
    edited March 2009

    Well I did it.  My second kickboxing class.  I signed up for the next 3 months.

    Dani, I agree with you about the meals at the hospital.  I get nauseous every time I have anesthesia.  Last summer I had a hysterectomy.  The first meal that came to my room was tuna salad and a fruit cup.  Nasty!

    As far as supplements, prior to this year I never took them.  Now I take an Omega-3, B-vitamin, and Calcium/Vit D on top of my tamoxifen.

    Great Job to those who put in their time today!!!!!

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Springtime
    Springtime Member Posts: 5,355
    edited March 2009

    Lisa!!!!

    I love the look of Zumba! Is there a good CD for beginners that you'd recommend? That looks so FUN!!!  I would like to try it! Let us know.

    Spring...

    PT cool on the kickboxing!!!

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • lisasayers
    lisasayers Member Posts: 850
    edited March 2009

    Springtime....you can find some of the DVDs on Ebay....the four disc set is the older set which I started out with...good place to start.  Then you can look for some classes in your area! 

    dani glad you found a shake to use...the protein shakes I use are not whey...they are vegan ...made from cranberry, yellow pea protein and rice.  Protein does aid is healing!

    Hospital "meals" are the worst!!!!!!!!  After my bilateral they brought me liquids...I told them I was ready to eat and and they brought me a "turkey sandwich"...made with the awful white bread (like wonder bread) and that fake turkey.  The next morning I told my husband to bring me food when he came to get me...as they tried feeding me fake food again! LOL  I'm taking my own food when I have my exchange surgery! LOL

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • mumito
    mumito Member Posts: 4,562
    edited March 2009

    They offer a Zumba class at my gym I will have to give it a try.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • LorenaB
    LorenaB Member Posts: 937
    edited March 2009

    Hello ladies, just reading all this makes me want to get up and run around the block (except I'm still in my pajamas, LOL).  I joined a new gym in October, a month after I finished rads (4 months post-surgery, 5 months post-chemo) and I've managed to take an aerobics class at least once a week since then, usually twice,more if I have the time.  As a single mom with an 8-year-old and a FT job, time is definitely the issue --even more than motivation. I am so thrilled to be feeling stronger and healthy again, that really is my motivation to keep going. Last night I wanted to go to the gym but I called too late and they didn't have space in the child care room -- I was really disappointed. But I'll make it to my regular step class this Saturday no matter what!

    The weight loss is a different story.  I've been trying to do weight watchers but even when I am very careful about sticking to my points, it is very slow going.  I still have about 5 lbs of the weight I gained during tx to lose, and then about 8 more to get to where I want to be (not thin, just comfortable in my size 10 clothes). I don't know, maybe the tamoxifen is slowing my metabolism? It's never been this hard for me to lose weight before.

    I am having reconstruction surgery (DIEP) at the end of the month and I am hoping I'll be able to get back to exercise quickly. I feel so much better if I can at least take a short walk.  Any experiences with this surgery and recovery time?

    Keep moving everyone! :-)

    Lauren

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Springtime
    Springtime Member Posts: 5,355
    edited March 2009

    Lauren, Where are you getting your DIEP? I think you will be walking very soon!!! They like you to walk after all surgeries, and I really thnk it helps with healing... All good news!

    Lisa, Zumba DVDs on ebay, CHECK! (cracked up about the "fake food" LOL!!)

    Spring...

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • dlb823
    dlb823 Member Posts: 9,430
    edited March 2009

    Good morning exercise & fitness warriors!

    Lauren, I had Diep reconstruction right along with my mast (uni) in May.  I suspect the recovery when you do it all in one 8-hour surgery might be a bit different than doing it post-mast, but what I remember is -- 4 nights in the hospital; another week or so to get my 2 drains out; 4 weeks until cleared to drive; and maybe 10 weeks until I started feeling pretty good, at which point they hit me with chemo. Feel free to PM me if you have any specific questions or fears.  Also, there's another gal on here who just had her post mast Diep about a week ago with the same PS I had @ UCLA, so we've been in touch a bit.  I'll check her i.d. and PM you with it.  She'd probably be a good contact for recovery input, since she's just now going through it. 

    Since this is a motivation thread, I'm happy to report that all this talk about chocolate and sweets motivated me to make a pan of brownies last night!  And I ate 3 of them and didn't feel guilty at all.  In fact, I noticed this a.m. that my joints aren't quite so achey.  And with that confession, I think I'd better find my running shoes...     Deanna

    P.S.  Brownies were made from a gluten-free mix from Trader Joe's, and they were excellent!  (I hope this kind of news won't get me banned from this thread.)

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • lisasayers
    lisasayers Member Posts: 850
    edited March 2009

    Gotta live sometimes!  Dark chocolate is good for you...at least that is what I tell myself when I indulge! LOL

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter

Categories