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I can only give advice on what I know to be true for me. Hope it helps! I think the place to start is to look at your unconscious relationship with food. What is food to you? When I did this, (still am, it is a process) I began to realize that I was raised to look to food for good times, emotional support, celebration. I also realized I was a compulsive eater. I was force fed when I was growing up- well, my whole life around my family- and I found that I was using food to also punish myself. I would force myself to finish things, or feel like I "had" to. Well, because I did have to growing up. It has been a process of un-doing that. I learned that I didn't even know when I was hungry. I also lived on sugar. I thought I wanted sugar, and I was actually hungry. Or, I would want to eat at night- (still really working on this one) I realized I was really just tired. It is important too, I found, not to be too controlling. But knowing when I am hungry, and eating healthy food, and not at night, and stopping when I am full, and still eating a cup of ice cream a day (I love ice cream- I used to eat way more, so this is big for me!)- These are the things that make the biggest difference for me. Much more than fitness, although I do fitness- but I look at that as more... for my heart and to build strong muscles and bones. I used to count calories, but that is kind of exhausting. It became a little too OCD for me. I hope I helped! Good luck to you.
@cbee: THanks for sharing. You are so right about looking at my relationship with food. I am def an emotional and celebration eater. And I can find a celebration in anything..like its 5 pm..I deserve a king size candy bar!! Or I got a zit or my period will be here in a few days so I need food to make me feel better. I just dont know how I can get this out of my head. Also, I dont keep bad food around so I wont do it but if I want it I will get it (many stores walking distance). Plus DH stays at work later than me and the evening is the hardest time of day for me. Sometimes I eat so much junk after work I cannot even eat dinner I am so full on junk. I just tell DH I ate something else...
So, how have you helped yourself get over your emtional eating?
yup, i did years ago. it was only when i was ready & committed to making healthier choices on my own & just needed a little help during my transition into a healthier lifestyle. a lot of people just put the weight back on because they don't continue with their changes, it has to be something more than a 'diet', it has to be an overall lifestyle change.
as far as what i was given by the doctor, it was called phentermine. if you remember phen phen, the drug taken off the market years ago, it's related to that, not as effective, but safer. it is an appetite suppresant. if you have blood pressure problems or heart problems, it shouldn't be used. i have always had low blood pressure, so this wasn't a problem for me, but they did have me come in each month to just se how things were going. in the interest of full discloser, i was also on a med called remeron, which is known for causing a severe increase in appetite, and i needed something to combat that side effect. i was working out with a trainer 3 or 4 times each week. i kept a food log. it helped me to focus on making good food choices & learn about portion control when my mind wasn't preoccupied with thoughts of food. it is not covered by most insurance, and i think it cost me around $40/month. it is not intended for long term use and is considered to be addictive. i didn't have a problem coming off of it though, but i also didn't take it everyday & stopped using remeron as well. for better or worse, i was able to continue those weight loss habits for a long time after. also, for the sake of honesty in my reply about my experience- my weight loss became addictive & all consuming. after i stopped the phentermine. i think this can happen to some people. i lost sight of being healthy. everyone making weight comments shifted my focus to the number on the scale. which ironically in the end led to me getting ill & gaining weight when i put on numerous restrictions & not able to be physically active.
try to keep your focus on being healthy and how things fit, the number on the scale shouldn't be the goal. do i regret my choice to take meds to help me? not at all. do i think it's for everyone? absolutely not! i would suggest planning all your food out ahead of time & using a food scale to divide portions. a therapist is also a very useful support during this time. i wish you the best in your quest and a long healthy, happy life!
hi there, i totally understand the frustration with the never-ending weight battle. i started dieting when i was a little kid - seriously, i was on atkins and putting myself in ketosis during middle school - and i dieted my way through high school, college, and adulthood.
i have spent more time crying about my weight than i care to admit.
what frustrated me most over the last year is that i'd count my calories and work out a lot, but still would lose practically nothing. i could NOT figure it out.
so this year i went to see a nutritionist and a personal trainer. they were able to help me figure out how to diet smarter, not diet harder. for the first time in my life, it has really worked. here is what i do:
i eat only whole foods. nothing processed, no sugar, no salt. this sounds awful but if you get creative you can make pretty decent substitutes for "bad foods". i've figured out recipes for spaghetti, lasagna, and pizza that are all natural and healthy. (can you tell i like italian, hahaha?)
i keep my calories to around 1500 per day. i watch my sodium like a HAWK - no more than 1500 mg per day. i strive for my protein intake to be 30% of my calories each day. (using fitday.com makes it very easy to input your foods and see your fat/protein/carb breakdown each day.)
i exercise at least 5 days per week, usually 1.5 hours each time (a mixture of weightlifting and cardio).
is it hard? YES. but do i feel healthier and stronger? YES.
and the two biggest perks:
1. my appetite is lower and i'm almost NEVER hungry. this is a big change because i was so accustomed to diets that left me STARVING - no more of that!
2. i've lost 22 pounds since mid-january. it feels good to put on those smaller size jeans!
i hope this is helpful. if you want more info about what i'm doing, feel free to PM me. i know that fitness definitely doesn't work the same for everyone, but i wanted to share my experience because i have spent so much time and money trying to fight my weight issues.
wishing you all the best of luck in your journey!
hi there! i too have struggles with my weight all my life... but i was active in highschool and it only recently became a major problem for me... i rocketed up to 250 (im 5'6) and a size 22 and i was in the obese range... i decided to see a doctor and get some labs run... so it was my thyroid... i got on meds and we are still messing with the dose because my body doesnt wanna cooperate... anyways... my doc suggested weight watchers and i started that in may 2010 and havent looked back since... ive lost 51 lbs and im down to a size 14! :) i have also started to exercise more and am planning on running a 5k next month. yes its hard, its frustrating... but its worth it to me... when i was bigger i had borderline high cholesterol, trouble breathing, trouble walking up a few steps... etc (and heart problems and diabetes run in my family... scary). and now i am running 2 miles a day! :) i think writing down what your eat is so important... it keeps me in check. and a good support system is a must! best of luck to you and if you have any questions or just wanna talk feel free to pm me :)
My weight has been as issue for me for the better part of my 20's and now 30's. I am obese as well. When I was diagnosed with high blood pressure at 37, and put on medication for it, that was the final kick in the pants I needed. I realized I was literally digging my grave with a fork and spoon, as my grandpa used to say. :) It was huge for me to come to terms with it, and finally admit I had a problem.
After trying a few "diets" I wound up reading a lot about holistic and organic nutrition and I began eating more in lines what with what @Miss PumpkinPenguin described; low sugar and sodium, non processed, whole foods. I cook a lot more, and even make a lot of the processed things that I used to buy myself, like almod butter, jam, yogurt, and soups and sauces. *Full disclaimer here, I have been umemployed for most of the last year, so my Martha Stewart transformation would probably not have manifested itself so fully had I not had so much time on my hands. LOL.
I don't count calories, but I am very aware of what I am eating. After slowly transforming my eating habits I rarely feel hungry anymore. I am not biting my nails waiting for the next meal which is so different for me. I have lost about 20 lbs, and I have a lot more 20 lbs to go, but I have so much more energy, and already a lot of the aches I was getting from carrying so much excess weight have subsided.
I also finally found an exercise I don't hate. I go to a Jazzercise class in my neighborhood 4-5 times a week. It super cheesy and fun, and an awesome workout.
You can also PM me if you want to chat at all. It helps to have people to talk to who know your struggle. :)
Thank you so much for sharing your experiences! I think I will talk with my doctor at my next appointment and see her suggestions. THanks again. keep them coming!
@stephanie63087: congrats on your weight loss lady! you are such an inspiration!!!!!!
@Miss PumpkinPenguin: congrats on your amazing transformation of eating habbits!
@MrsE.ToBe : thanks so much for sharing. I am glad the pills helped you. how did they make you feel? did they make you tweek? I dont want to feel different or anything. My BP is on the higher end but not considered high...
@bestbuddies: I've been struggling with my weight the past 3+years. Since I met my husband, I have gained about 40lbs. Pathetic. I used to be active and worked out. But I fell off the wagon and started to eat out---A LOT.
About two years ago, I started weight watchers online and lost 7 lbs in one month. I gained it back and then some. Depression really set in and I just sat around and cried. After that meltdown, I joined a gym and started working out with a trainer in hopes of losing weight prior to my wedding. Of course I lost a few inches and toned up, but I still tear up when I look at my wedding photos. Once again I am back at the gym doing kickboxing, yoga, and personal training. My DH and I are making a conscious effort to eat in and cook. It's working!! Slowly but surely.
Moral of the story is don't quit! Find what works for you. Get a fitness partner that can offer encouragement and support. YOU CAN DO IT!
@gvsusara: Thank you for sharing. It seems that you really found what you need to do to loose weight! Congrats on making smarter choices!
I know exactly why I am over weight. Its because I depreive myself all day and then at the end of the day I finally break. Sometimes I make it a few days maybe even a week but it never lasts long. I have been doing this for years now and it is obviously the reason I am staying overweight. But, I am not sure how to break this cycle. I have always been very active but the past 3 months I hav barely exercised and my clothes are getting tight :( I am honestly concerned about my health and I am affraid that this unhealthy relationship that i have with food will continue and I will just keep getting bigger.
Unfortuanlty, I dont have any "friends" here yet because I just moved here. So, I dont really havev anyone that could be my fitness partner. I am thinking of joining Bally because it is by my work and there is one by my house too. That way I can go on my lunch break or after work. Because if I go home...forget working out..lol
First off, i'm so glad you are not worried about your weight for a simple esthetic reason but more for being healthy. That is a step in the right direction. I have never had this problem so I really cannot relate. However, I work in a field that is primarily about fitness, exercise and weight loss. We all know that weight loss is based on calories in<calories out. For a lot of people, the issue is much deeper than that. Usually it's an unhealthy relationship with food. For losing weight, especially if it's a significant number, it is more of a lifestyle change. Being able to accept who you are, noticing where you can make differences in your life to make it better for yourself and taking many steps in a different direction. Going to a gym, pumping weights, running on a treadmill are measures that work for some people but not for all. Try finding something that you enjoy doing, eating those quality foods, not starving yourself and maybe lowering your stress and anxiety over these issues are ways that may help. In my experience, doctors don't know much about weight loss except to prescribe medication, which we all know has side effects. Find someone who can support you and work with you who has the same goals and try and find what it is that is holding you back from achieving your goals. You can do it!
@Lindsay05: thanks for your advice. do you have any sugggestions on where I could get advice or help on loosing weight that would be specific to me and my situation? Thanks so much!
@bestbuddies: I've used phentermine before too, and it works wonders. I'm actually going to try to get a prescription for it again next time I go to my Dr's office....I was on it for about two months three years ago and I lost 45 pounds. I've since gained it all back (as you know from the FBB boards) and am super obese and disgusting, but now my weight is causing all kinds of other problems for me (back pain, achy joints, skin infections...) so I think they may be open to putting me back on it.
It did make me a little bit...hyper while I was on it because it is a stimulant, but nothing so terrible that it was unbearable. I'd do it again in a heartbeat.
I'll let you know if I get back on it anytime soon!
@MissMedic: Good luck at your drs! Let me know what happens!
I can tell you what worked for my fiance. He had struggled with weight his whole life too. He had a terrible self-image and was scared he would die young. Yet he still couldn't do it. Then finally last summer, something inside him changed. He started exercising every. single. day. He cut out all processed foods and all added sugar. About 2 months into this, he saw a doctor for the first itme in years and found out he was pre-diabetic. That was enough to scare him into cutting out ALL carbs except those in fruits, veggies, beans, etc. Not even brown rice.
So now all he eats is fruit, vegetables, nuts (lots of nuts), fish, meat, moderate amounts of olive or vegetable oils, and dairy. He went from 260 in July to 180 now, and he's been maintaining at 180 for the last 3 to 4 months. When he had blood tests in December, he'd already brought down his blood sugar, blood pressure, and cholesterol a substantial amount in just 3 months.
But for him, it HAD to be an all-or-nothing rule. Which was hard for me to understand, since I'm an "all things in moderation" person. But I've come to realize that my way simply didn't work for him. If he let himself have one cookie, his mindset would be, "well, I've screwed up again, I might as well eat hte whole box." So he just banned these whole categories of food from his diet, and started exercising every single day, no exceptions unless he's injured or sick.
@MissMedic: Oh, it hurts me to read that. You are not disgusting. I totally recognize that you might need to lose weight for your health to improve or to look the way you want, but your weight does not make you disgusting. And it makes me so mad at our society that it's made you feel that way.
Sorry if I'm overreacting; it just makes me so sad to hear that kind of self-shaming.
@bestbuddies: Coincidentally, I just noticed your avatar. I have two little nuisances who are constantly hampering my workouts too. I don't know why they love my yoga mat so much either.
Anyway, good luck to you. I understand what you mean about being "normal"-- wanting to fit into clothes, chairs, and all of that. Just be diligent in your efforts, and to the victor go the spoils.
@JulesSchnooks: lol!!! My cat is so funny. He LOVES my yoga mat. Everytime I lay it out he goes runnig for it and wont get off! lol He is overweight like his mother (lol) and I tell him he needs to actually work out on it not nap! Cats are so cute and entertaining. Thanks for the well wishes.
@mightywombat: I have similar thoughts as your FI when it comes to food. If I eat one cookie...I get down on myself and then just eat the whole bag :( But all or nothing is SOOOO hard! Congrats to him for his success...that is very inspirational and I really appreciate you sharing his story. Thank you.
@bestbuddies: I resonate with a lot of what you've been through. I only recently (like in the last week or so) made a MASSIVE breakthrough with my relationship with food and came to grips with what I need to do to both maintain and lose weight. It's been the most liberating experience of my life.
I've written a lot about my journey on the boards, but in a nutshell: I'm 5'6" and was about 230 at my highest. I went down to high 160's doing low-fat, high-carb and lots of cardio. I have a massive sweet tooth and food was always a 'reward'. I also went through a period of illness (colds every other week) and ate myself silly with comfort food. I ended up almost 190 before the wedding and was introduced to the "Paleo" way of eating through a trainer. I did a modified version of that way of eating and that helped me get to my wedding weight of 145. But, post-wedding, I went back to old ways of eating (for the most part) and rewarded myself with lots of snacks and sugar, etc. I put on 15 pounds VERY quickly and in January decided to go back to a strict Paleo diet and was surprised that the weight wasn't coming off as fast as I thought it should (even though I was being more strict about my diet than during pre-wedding time).
I guess my point is this: you can lose weight lots of different ways. For me, it's no longer about calorie counting but listening to my body about what it needs. Your body will tell you, once you cut out the things that don't allow you to listen to it. It's still a work in progress, but I'm learning how to eat when I'm hungry and stop when I'm full. I don't weigh food anymore and I'm not stressed out about food anymore (that was my big breakthrough). I used to be SO anxious and worried anytime I ate - being scared that I'd have a massive setback. I've also received INCREDIBLE support from the hive - there is a wealth of information and support here!
Here are a couple sites that work from me.
This is the way I'm currently eat:
http://www.archevore.com/get-started/
This was something I did which resulted in me really paying attention to how I felt about food (and cravings). I have to be honest - it wasn't until a few weeks AFTER the challenge that I connected the dots - during the challenge I was too caught up in the restriction, than realizing how much I was actually learning.
http://whole9life.com/2010/12/whole30-2011/
@oracle: Thank you so much for sharing! congrats on your success. I am really relate...I am 5'8 and weight 220-230 (it fluctuated so much between these two numbers) I read these sites you listed and they really make sense but I am trying to figure ou what you do eat? Nuts and meat? So, what do you eat? maybe you could share with me a normal day for you during both phases? Sorry for all the personal questions.
@bestbuddies: i didn't have any problems while taking phentermine. the first couple time i tok it i think i felt a little buzzy, kind of like if you drink caffeine. eventually, you don't get the same level of effect from it, but if it can work while you establish new habits, then i think it can be a really helpful tool for some people. i think i will talk to my dr about getting a new script for it, i don't know if they'll go for it since i'm not technically 'obese', but i'm certainly overweight & would rather nip this in the bud before i get there!
@bestbuddies: am totally happy to share. Eating this way was a little overwhelming to me at first because I needed to change my habits of what I was used to eating. I don't need a lot of variety with what I eat - so I pretty much have the same bfast and lunch M-F.
Bfast: 1 or 2 eggs, sometimes with egg whites mixed in (if I'm particularly hungry or worked out this morning). If I do 1 egg, I'll usually throw in whatever I had left over from the night before (ground turkey, chicken, etc.). Some sort of veggies: I love broccoli, so I'll eat that all the time. At first, I'd just fry up an egg and eat veggies on the side - now I'll make a scramble of sorts. So, I'll throw a little bit of coconut oil in the pan (I used to use olive oil), throw in some diced onions, today I cut up half a zucchini, a small stalk of broccoli... as that's cooking up, I'll crack the eggs in a bowl and whisk them up and then throw them in the pan and mix it all up as it cooks. Towards the end, I'll dice 1/2 an avocado and throw that in. It ends up being a TON of food and if I find myself getting full (this only started happening this last week), I'll take the rest to work in a tupperware and eat it when I get hungry.
Lunch: the base is always some sort of protein - usually leftovers from the night before or a can of tuna or salmon, if I'm desperate and haven't cooked. I'll eat that with salad greens (either romaine or spinach), 1/2 a diced tomato and the other 1/2 of the avocado. (The avocado addition hasn't always been a staple - the other stuff sure has).
Dinner: this is the most varied and this is where DH comes into play the most. I try to do some protein and some veggie. Doing a stir fry type thing - with some sort of protein and mixed in veggies is easy. I've been trying to eat more fish - so we've been doing salmon (rubbed with herbs) and cauliflower. It's been warm here - so we've gotten the grill out: steaks, lamb, etc. with roasted yellow squash, zucchini. We do a rotisserie chicken at least once a week - it's easy and is great leftovers. Ground turkey and/or ground pork, pork chops are all options.... pork loin, pot roast, etc.
There really are a ton of options and I've found a key to mixing it up is playing around with spices. I have every seasoning known to man, and it really helps. I add it to everything. I tried to NOT add salt to flavoring.
Treats (once a week or so): bacon and turkey sausage (look for sausage with no sugar added into it).
Snacks were always the hardest thing for me. At first, I'd go CRAZY with nuts - so much so I was eating about a pound a week (and still losing weight, mind you). I think I was eating so many nuts because I was so used to snacking on things. Now, I eat enough in each meal, I'm not really hungry for snacks - or, if I need to munch, I'll grab a carrot. I wasn't so worried about the nuts (even though they are highly caloric) because I figured it was better than eating the office donuts. Now, I can just eat a handful when I want them... but before it was more like 1/2 a package.
The thing that was the hardest thing for me to give up wasn't bread or pasta (surprisingly), but flour tortillas. I'd have one occasionally, but now I don't crave any sort of bread at all. Your tastes, taste buds and awareness of what your body needs REALLY changes as you change your diet.... it really is a journey and one that took a lot of trial and error for me.
Stuff like discovering eating triggers - situations, people, etc.... why I gravitated towards sugar, dessert... things I could or couldn't do (I had to stop drinking wine completely), take myself out of situations where I knew I couldn't control myself.
It's a process and a journey - but where you CAN be is so liberating and freeing. I was little concerned about my cholesterol because of all the eggs I was eating and all the red meat - I went and got my blood work done a couple weeks ago and the results came back stellar and even lower than almost 2 years prior. I never EVER imagined I could be this weight, having struggled with my weight and eating for my entire life (I'm 36). Plus, as we age and lose muscle, I figured I was destined to always be big. NO MORE. That's not true - you can take control of things. You just have to be willing to play around with things and discover what works for you.
I'm totally excited about this new found freedom (can you tell?!?!?) and am happy to share any other experiences with you!
I am thrilled to see people start down the road of health, it is such an exciting and emotional journey to start upon.
In June 2008 I was at my heaviest (300+) and went on our annual family trip to Yosemite. Although I had done the mist trail to the top of vernal falls a million times before and even much more difficult backpacking adventures I couldn't even make it the 3/4 miles to the footbridge and had to turn back I was so heavy and out of shape. That was the bottom, the turning point so to speak, that pushed me to make a huge change.
Although it didn't happen right away in October 2008 I started cutting out bad foods that I often over indulged in and starting to break my addictions to the fattier options and replaced those cravings with healthier snacks like hummus, carrots, apples, cherries etc. It has been two years since I have eaten a donut because I simply no longer crave them.
I also started exercising a little at first with daily walks etc. Now I run and play volleyball around 30 hours a week and I am truly addicted to being active. The old me could never have kept up with the the new more fit me.
I am a little over two years out from my starting point and I have lost 120 pounds. I am now a size 12/14 and I feel amazing. I just did Half Dome last week for the second year in a row (an 11 hour very intense hike) and I felt great when it was done. I rode my bike all over the Yosemite Valley without feeling winded and couldn't wait to get up and go on our next adventure.
I know that it is hard and at first you can't imagine your life without those delicious foods you crave. While you don't have to cut them out completely one must learn how to control portion sizes and how often we eat them. I don't count calories, never really did, I just know what is healthy and what isn't (don't we all???).
It is a difficult but rewarding journey that I am still on in order to maintain my weight loss. It is worth every tear, frustration and craving to be where I am now.
@oracle: amazing! thanks for sharing. honestly, I am not a big meat person and I def cannot eat leftovers anything LOL. Because of my pickiness I think I might need to see a nutritionist for some help. THanks so much for sharing and congratuations on becoming a healthy woman! ;) very inspirational
@Treejewel19: wow, what a story. thank you so much for sharing. Very inspirational and you should be sooo proud of yourself! Thanks!
I have trouble with weight loss too--I am currently at my heaviest--210--and I know how I gained it all (FI's knee surgery and taking care of him and not myself, let alone no time for exercise), but now I just don't know how to lose it again--usually I just incorporate exercise into a normal part of my day--like getting to work--and it works like a dream, but it's just not working this time. I also have type I diabetes, so I know that had something to do with it, I just need a kick-start somehow--it's frustrating, and I have an unhealthy attitude towards food myself, so I feel you!! Nutritionist is a good idea--maybe a dietitian? I've never been fond of them myself, but it may be worth a shot.
@honeymead: I am sorry that you are going through this too. I really hope that you can push through this tough time and get to your healthy weight again. I can relate to how difficult it is. I just wish I could say that I am healthy. The only thing I can say know is that I am pretty healthy for my weight. I am pretty active and eat pretty good considering I am over 200lbs. But that is awful and means nothing. I should just be healthy. Its so frustrating. I know I will never weight 130lbs, its just not meant for me. But that does not mean I should weight 230! I just feel sick when I think about how much time, effort, money and emotions I have put into making myself healthier but I fail everytime. I feel like I am stuck and I dont know what to do. Meeting with my doctor tomorrow and plan on talking about it with her. Usually I go into an appointment hoping they never mention my weight but this time I am so anxious to talk about it. I am serious...very serious. As pathetic as it sounds, the other day I had to go to the ER ("allergic reaction") and I had to tell the nurse how much I weighed...right in front of my husband. I was so ashamed and embarassed. Sure, not many people want to share their weight infront of the man they love but it was awful. Honestly, my mouth would not even let me say it. ugh...it sucked. anywho...I just hope I never have to say that I weigh over 200 lbs in front of him again. he didnt care and did not dare say anything but it doesnt matter...its the fact that someone I love knows how much I really weigh and it bothers me (not that igt was a secret that I did not weight 130 :D). ugh...sorry I guess I needed to vent. thanks!
I personally had RnY surgery and have lost 113 pounds in just under a year. Can I ask why you are so against it?
@bebefly: congrats! that is amazing. You should be very proud of what you have accomplished. So cool!
What I am getting ready to say is not to offend you. Please do not take offense to anything I am saying...I apologize in advance if it does. :)
Many reasons I am against it:
I want to do it "on my own" - I feel surgery is known as the easy way out (even though I am sure it is far from easy)
I want to be confident I can keep the weight off
I am terrified of surgery
I dont currently weigh enough to qualify for any weight loss surgery
I guess I dont want to admit that I am in that bad of a position....
I want to do it the healthy/natural way.
That is all I can think of now. Its honestly not an option for me until it is the only option left.
Not a personal story, but my dad was really overweight my whole life, like a lot. He tried a bunch of different diets, took algae pills, went vegetarian and more, but what finally worked for him was joining Overeaters Anonymous. Once he finally committed to it, he lost over 150 lbs, no surgery or crash diets, and he's kept it off for a few years now. It does seem pretty restrictive, but it's worth it to him...might be worth checking out: www.oa.org
Good luck. I've gained a few these past months and your post is encouraging me to get healthy!
@bestbuddies: Fair enough. I just think you need to educate yourself about the procedure (and there's more than one) and the lifestyle(s) that follows it - a lot of your "concerns" don't hold water with some knowledge/education.
Not offended, just think you should do your research before dismissing it completely. That's all.
I know this isn't a popular option, but Fi and I are both doing Atkins. We're doing it the right way, adding carbs back in every week, and I'm at 65g of carbs per day and I still haven't hit my carb threshold. I love that you don't have to limit yourself on Atkins. In the beginning, I was having giant salads with grilled chicken or shrimp, tons of broccoli, cheese for snacks... Now, I'm able to eat a bit of bread, rice, and even small portions of sweets. I've lost 18 lbs. in the last 2 months, and Fi has lost 28 (he has a very active job).
Read the website--Atkins is very sensible if done properly.
@Miss Longcoat: The Atkins diet is the same as the weight loss surgery diet. The only differences are you have extra help of not being hungry (EVER. It's been a year. Still not hungry), your portion sizes are controlled for you and SOME people have issues with processing sugar (which is a help, because eating chocolate and jellybeans and whatever else is what got you to this point in the first place).
@bestbuddies: I totally get what you're saying. Sometimes you can have a workout buddy who you don't actually work out with--cyber friend, if you will? Just someone to share your experiences with and to encourage each other. Might be worth a shot. And talk frankly with your doctor about it--they'll usually try to help in any way they can.
I lost 45 pounds doing atkins- I actually became underweight. I gained 20 back over the past 2 years and am now looking to lose 10- going straight back to knowing what works. I love atkins.
@bestbuddies: Wow - this thread was started two months ago! Where are you now in your journey?
I've never been super overweight - about 25ish pouds (I'm nearly 5'9, so I hide it well), but I've sturggled with food, diet, and body image for as long as I can remember. I've been at a really great weight with a great diet and exercise plan for a bit over 3 years now.
Here was my big thought: It can't be a diet. It has to be a lifestyle. I've fallen off of every diet known to man - Atkins, cabbage soup, that awful one with maple syrup and lemon. You name it, I've tried it. None of it was a long term thing. So, I changed my thinking - it had to be something I could do for the REST OF MY LIFE.
I researched the h*ll out of healthy living. I learned more about food than I thought possible. I assemebled healthy cook books. I bought a treadmill. I scouted out long walks in my city. I attacked this thing like nothing I'd ever done before.
I also refused to take my own excuses any longer. Normally if I had an early morning swim or run to do, I'd come up with a reason. I started cutting my own excuses - there was nothing in my life - NOTHING - more important than my own health.
The other big one I kept in mind was the concept of 21 days. It takes 21 days to make or break a habit. So, if I was able to eat a healthy salad with a protein every day, but the 22nd day it was second nature. And you know what? It totally worked.
So, more about you! How's the weight loss going? What have you accomplished in the past two months?
@honeymead: ok, thanks for sharing but its just not for me.
@Miss Longcoat: &@jouissance: I am glad that atkins worked for you! congrats! I did atkins for like three weeks and lost 15lbs but gained it right back. I could not live like that. too much fat and I dont eat much meat so it was REALLY hard for me.
@An Alaskan Bride: well said! I cannot follow a "diet" I need to cahnge my eating/life habbits. Thanks for sharing your thougths. I am tall too and hide my weight well....I am told too LOL. Unfortunatly, in two months I have not gotten far. I joined a gym, starting counting my calories. I have made some healthy changes in my diet, talked to my PCP about my weight issues, scheduled an apt with a nutritionist (2 months wait :( but worth it...they are the best). I also have a consultation with a personal trainer this coming monday. I have lost like 2 lbs I think :(
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Hello ladies!
As most of you already know, I have stuggled with weight my entire life. And I dont mean an extra 20lbs, serious weight issues. Even though I am technically obese, I "carry my weight well". But, its not my looks that are the problem. I honestly dont care that much about how "big" I look. I just want to be normal. I want to be able to go into a store and know that I can find something that will fit. I want to be confident that I will fit in that chair...etc. These are not things that "normal" people have to worry about. Now, I could go on forever on how depressing it is to be obese but lets not. so..on to the point of this thread....
I plan to go to a new doctor this month (just moved) and I think it is a great opporunity to be honest with my provider on my weight issues. I really need to loose weight and i dont think I can do it on my own. Pathetic...I know...but I cannot. I have tried for so many years and I cannot do it. I dont want surgery (plus I dont think I weight enough for that) and I am not a pill person. But I realize that those might be my only options.
So...my question is...has anyone here went to their doctor for weight loss help? If so, please share your experience (what did they suggest, did it work, any side effects?)
Thanks so much in advance ladies!