Healthy Weight Loss

[RockOn]

JustJo, I am the same way about Big Macs. I have to order 2 to make it worth my while. One only leaves me with the "wanting" feeling. Not that it really helps but I do take out the middle piece of bread. I do it because I am not that fond of bread and it really only serves as bland filler for me.

[JustJo]

Originally Posted by ZimmygLrL

When I stopped drinking soda and when I craved one, I would keep a natural fruit soda called, Izze soda. It is fruit juice and sparkling water.

That's a great suggestion Zimmy! I love soda and miss it, but know that I can't drink regular soda...and diet soda isn't great for me either. Last time I was in AZ my work buddy turned me on to Zevia soda also...sweetened with Stevia, so no sugar, no artificial sweetener...and stevia actually has a stabilizing effect on diabetics' blood sugar levels. It's expensive, and I need to order it.....although I just discovered Amazon will deliver it free.

Originally Posted by Brock

JustJo, I am the same way about Big Macs. I have to order 2 to make it worth my while. One only leaves me with the "wanting" feeling. Not that it really helps but I do take out the middle piece of bread. I do it because I am not that fond of bread and it really only serves as bland filler for me.

I am convinced that Big Macs are addictive Brock....there's something about them! I do like your idea of taking out the center bread for those times when I do cave in and get one though...at least I can feel a tiny bit virtuous, even as I'm cheating!

I pretty much blew it yesterday....had such a busy day of shopping that I didn't get my walk in...so my exercise was pushing shopping cart and dodging people in WalMart, walking in BJ's, and carrying in bags. Not great. I also ate too much...and was just getting ready to be all hard on myself when I remembered that the last time the WW points thing worked for me, I took one day a week "off." I followed the points 6 out of 7 days, walked at least 5 out of 7....and it worked. So....yesterday was my day off....and I don't even have to feel bad about it!

Cheers to you all!

[RockOn]

JustJo, make sure you scrape all the dressing off the middle piece of bread and back in to the burger when you remove it. It makes the experience so much better.

Damn, it is 8:30 a.m. ... our city is preparing for an ice storm ... and all I can think of now is a couple of Big Macs. Must get a couple as soon as they start serving burgers at 10:30 a.m. - forunately I have less than a mile to drive.

Gotta have ... the craving has hit! LOL!

[sylvie]

Originally Posted by Brock

JustJo, make sure you scrape all the dressing off the middle piece of bread and back in to the burger when you remove it. It makes the experience so much better.

Damn, it is 8:30 a.m. ... our city is preparing for an ice storm ... and all I can think of now is a couple of Big Macs. Must get a couple as soon as they start serving burgers at 10:30 a.m. - forunately I have less than a mile to drive.

Gotta have ... the craving has hit! LOL!

omg, i haven't had a big mac in ages, LOL.. *pushes that thought out of my mind fasssst*
ice storms suck Brock, i remember a bad one we had this way some years ago, knocked electricity off for a week ! stay warm and safe !

[sylvie]

tomorrow is my really big day - ive been workin alot the last 2 days, but im sooo pushing myself into getting seriously seriously serious (lol) about this..
ive been doing great for drinking lots of water - think ive got that down, and it *is* helping for curbing the appetite some..

my doctor gave me a prescription for a medication called xenical (i think its called that) and i havent picked it up yet, but she says its very, very safe to use when i talked to her about my worry with my appetite.. i hate feeling like im hungry after ive eaten something healthy, lol.. she said that if i stopped taking this medication i wouldnt gain my weight back, like you would with diet pills, that these arent diet pills.. she explained it to me, however i want to do a lil research on it first to be sure .. but in the meantime, maybe drinking all this water will help and i wont need the medication at all, i'd much rather not take anything..

i am starting off at the gym tomorrow, i can DO this.. =)
i feel extremely motivated to do this, actually! it's a great feeling!

[Toughy]

info on xenical.............. http://www.drugs.com/xenical.html

basically it blocks fat from being absorbed.....which means any and all fat you eat gets pooped out almost immediately......get ready for some seriously abnormal stools and gas.....close proximity to a bathroom is a requirement...

here is the side effects part from above: http://www.drugs.com/sfx/xenical-side-effects.html

I know folks who tried it and lasted maybe two weeks before they stopped taking it......because of the gastrointestinal problems.

-------------------
Safeway grocery stores sell stevia.....there are a couple of different brand names....so does Trader Joe's and Whole Foods...it should be in most big chain grocery stores where you find sugar.

[JustJo]

Originally Posted by Toughy

info on xenical.............. http://www.drugs.com/xenical.html

basically it blocks fat from being absorbed.....which means any and all fat you eat gets pooped out almost immediately......get ready for some seriously abnormal stools and gas.....close proximity to a bathroom is a requirement...

here is the side effects part from above: http://www.drugs.com/sfx/xenical-side-effects.html

I know folks who tried it and lasted maybe two weeks before they stopped taking it......because of the gastrointestinal problems.

-------------------
Safeway grocery stores sell stevia.....there are a couple of different brand names....so does Trader Joe's and Whole Foods...it should be in most big chain grocery stores where you find sugar.

Hey Toughy....thanks for posting this. I was interested to see that xenical is the stuff that's marketed as Alli.

The company I work for (a wellness company) has a whole system of health coaches and programs for us....and the weight loss program provides Alli to anyone who wants it free....however, they specifically do not allow diabetics or others with any kind of chronic condition to take it through their program. When I asked why, the nurse hemmed and hawed a bit, then said...."well, it's pretty tough on the body. We don't recommend that anyone who isn't in ideal health take it."

That was enough for me!

[sylvie]

Originally Posted by Toughy

info on xenical.............. http://www.drugs.com/xenical.html

basically it blocks fat from being absorbed.....which means any and all fat you eat gets pooped out almost immediately......get ready for some seriously abnormal stools and gas.....close proximity to a bathroom is a requirement...

here is the side effects part from above: http://www.drugs.com/sfx/xenical-side-effects.html

I know folks who tried it and lasted maybe two weeks before they stopped taking it......because of the gastrointestinal problems.

-------------------
Safeway grocery stores sell stevia.....there are a couple of different brand names....so does Trader Joe's and Whole Foods...it should be in most big chain grocery stores where you find sugar.

ohh, wow, thank you Toughy..
see this is why i want to research anything, my doctor is very much a pill pusher, and i'm very much against taking medication for no good reason..
i really, seriously appreciate the link, don't think i'll be trying that , seems the water is curbing it and if i can get over a one or two week period i'm sure the appetite problem will start to get easier. (least i hope so)..

[Julie]

Originally Posted by Toughy

info on xenical.............. http://www.drugs.com/xenical.html

basically it blocks fat from being absorbed.....which means any and all fat you eat gets pooped out almost immediately......get ready for some seriously abnormal stools and gas.....close proximity to a bathroom is a requirement...

here is the side effects part from above: http://www.drugs.com/sfx/xenical-side-effects.html

I know folks who tried it and lasted maybe two weeks before they stopped taking it......because of the gastrointestinal problems.

-------------------
Safeway grocery stores sell stevia.....there are a couple of different brand names....so does Trader Joe's and Whole Foods...it should be in most big chain grocery stores where you find sugar.

Another thought of Fat and it's importance, especially to ones brain. Which my 19 year old informed me about last night, during our discussion of dieting and people who choose no-fat diets.

What are we doing to our brains?

Healthy fats are essential to good health
The human body uses fatty acids to do everything from building cell membranes to performing key functions in the brain, eyes, and lungs. The functions of fats include:

Brain – Fats compose 60% of the brain and are essential to brain function, including learning abilities, memory retention and moods. Fats are especially important for pregnant women, since they are integral to fetal brain development.

Cells – Fatty acids help your cells stay moveable and flexible, as well as being responsible for building cell membranes.

Heart – 60% of our heart’s energy comes from burning fats. Specific fats are also used to help keep the heart beating in a regular rhythm.

Nerves – Fats compose the material that insulates and protects the nerves, isolating electrical impulses and speeding their transmission.

Lungs – Lung surfactant, which requires a high concentration of saturated fats, enables the lungs to work and keeps them from collapsing.

Eyes – Fats are essential to eye function.

Digestion – Fats in a meal slow down the digestion process so the body has more time to absorb nutrients. Fats help provide a constant level of energy and also keep the body satiated for longer periods of time. Fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E, and K) can only be absorbed if fat is present.

Organs – Fats cushion and protect your internal organs.

Immune System –Some fats ease inflammation, helping your metabolism and immune system stay healthy and functioning.

Obviously there is lots on the subject. I have been contemplating going on a fat free diet - have done this before and lots tons of weight. Never thinking the ill effects it might have to the rest of me.

[DapperButch]

Originally Posted by JustJo

That's a great suggestion Zimmy! I love soda and miss it, but know that I can't drink regular soda...and diet soda isn't great for me either. Last time I was in AZ my work buddy turned me on to Zevia soda also...sweetened with Stevia, so no sugar, no artificial sweetener...and stevia actually has a stabilizing effect on diabetics' blood sugar levels. It's expensive, and I need to order it.....although I just discovered Amazon will deliver it free.

I plan to try this soda. Just heard about it and found out I should be able to get it in my area.

Personally, I don't like Stevia as a sugar substitute, but I am going to see what it is like in the soda.

Until recently I used this: http://www.wheylow.com/ as my sugar substitute and it was far the best I have found.

Recently I started using Agave Nectar, natural, made from the juice of the agave. This is the brand I have acccess to in my area: http://www.madhavahoney.com/AgaveNectar.aspx

Good thread, Jo.

[Gemme]

Originally Posted by Brock

JustJo, make sure you scrape all the dressing off the middle piece of bread and back in to the burger when you remove it. It makes the experience so much better.

Damn, it is 8:30 a.m. ... our city is preparing for an ice storm ... and all I can think of now is a couple of Big Macs. Must get a couple as soon as they start serving burgers at 10:30 a.m. - forunately I have less than a mile to drive.

Gotta have ... the craving has hit! LOL!

For some cravings like this, I make my own version at home that's better for me and often more cost effective. After all, the special sauce is derived from simple, ordinary household foods.

Originally Posted by sylvie

ooo Zimmy, interesting, thank you! ive not thought of that..
i know what i 'was' doing was allowing myself a can when i truly, truly craved it .. which seemed to work for about the first week but, then i kinda fell off the wagon and so i'm thinking i just need to stop it altogether..

one day i was watching Dr Oz (I LOVE DR OZ!!!) and the program had a bit in it about diet soda, and i learned that diet soda although low in calories really isn't great and a lot of people cannot lose weight while drinking it, kinda screws things up.. wonder if i could find the article on his site somewhere...
ANYway, i've been a diet pepsi drinker, so i know i really need to quit it! lol..

finding something as an alternate for when i really crave it would be a great idea, thank you! i'm going to look for something like that.. because i know if i drank mostly water and then had a craving, a small glass of something would be enough to curb my realllllllly wanting that diet pepsi, eh! hehe..

Diet drinks have formaldehyde in them. While it may help to keep you looking younger, I'm not sure the inside of your body will be as lucky.

Originally Posted by JustJo

Hi sylvie,

I'm so glad you posted this! I was hunting for a link that I (thought) I had put in the diabetes thread...but now I'm not finding it....grrrrrrr....

Anyway, there have been studies that show that diet soda (and artifical sweeteners) while having zero calories themselves, actually increase your cravings for sweet foods...and also change the way your body processes the calories it receives from other sources and makes you more likely to store them as fat.

I'll keep looking for the article...

Sweets do tend to create the desire for more in me. The same for carbs. I can eat both until it's coming out of my ears but once I break that cycle, it's harder to slip back into it.

Originally Posted by sylvie

ohh, wow, thank you Toughy..
see this is why i want to research anything, my doctor is very much a pill pusher, and i'm very much against taking medication for no good reason..
i really, seriously appreciate the link, don't think i'll be trying that , seems the water is curbing it and if i can get over a one or two week period i'm sure the appetite problem will start to get easier. (least i hope so)..

When I first started working out more, my appetite became rampant. In about two to two and a half weeks, it calmed down and a lot of my very intense cravings disappeared. I only rarely get cravings now.

[sylvie]

yess Gemme i heard that usually once you are over that 2 week hump, it gets easier (and yay you!! must be awesome to rarely have the cravings).. i seem to cave in prior to that 2 week hump - lol !!! but, i am going to do lots of water drinking, i actually find now that im being more faithful with getting lots of water into me, my appetite isn't all too bad!
i definitely won't be trying that xenical now, eesh!
i think my biggest thing i need to work on right now, is the diet soda..
from reading everything posted, and some articiles on sparkpeople, my appetite is probably increased more with all the diet soda drinking i was doing too.. so, my best bet is to quit it.. QUIT IT LOL.. (thats a message to myself in caps) and go from there.. the rest i am pretty sure i'm getting on track with...

so my plan is, not doing this one day and another one day.. but staying firm on working on it all together, now! =)

[sylvie]

ohhhh and today, i made it to the Gym bright & early.. the workout was great, i always feel so awesome and energetic after working out or getting outside and walking.. After the Gym, i walked to my appointment (also walked to the gym)

it's amazing how i not only feel energetic, but it really, really puts a super positive spin on the rest of my day.. i've been eating really well today and drinking lots of water too..

i really, really, really need to get some batteries for the pedometer now!
ohh and may purchase myself an mp3 player too, for when im walking outdoors.. the outdoor walks are refreshing, and although icy and snowy times i dont want to walk so much, when the nicer weather is upon us i know ill be outside cruising on foot much more often!

lastly, just want to say a HUGE thank you to everyone.. between encouraging rep, accepting friend requests and helpful posts, links and group encouragement here on the boards, you all rawk!

[JustJo]

I'm working on drinking a lot more water too...makes such a difference in how I feel, and it really does help to control appetite too. One technique I'm using was a suggestion I read (somewhere) that said most of the time that we think we're hungry...we're actually thirsty. The idea is that when you feel hungry, have a glass of water and wait 15 or 20 minutes. If you're still hungry...then eat!

I find that about half the time, I was actually thirsty.

I need to get to the farmers market tomorrow...I eat a lot more veggies and fruit when I have a variety of beautiful, fresh stuff in the house.

[Zimmeh]

I love my iPod shuffle for when I go powerwalking. My iPod shuffle is hot pink.

Have a good day,

Zimmy

Originally Posted by sylvie

ohhhh and today, i made it to the Gym bright & early.. the workout was great, i always feel so awesome and energetic after working out or getting outside and walking.. After the Gym, i walked to my appointment (also walked to the gym)

it's amazing how i not only feel energetic, but it really, really puts a super positive spin on the rest of my day.. i've been eating really well today and drinking lots of water too..

i really, really, really need to get some batteries for the pedometer now!
ohh and may purchase myself an mp3 player too, for when im walking outdoors.. the outdoor walks are refreshing, and although icy and snowy times i dont want to walk so much, when the nicer weather is upon us i know ill be outside cruising on foot much more often!

lastly, just want to say a HUGE thank you to everyone.. between encouraging rep, accepting friend requests and helpful posts, links and group encouragement here on the boards, you all rawk!