Healthy Weight Loss

[Leigh]

Hi everyone,

Well its summertime, and I've decided to kick-start My weight loss now even though I will be indoors most of the summer watching My sister. I don't mind it, but I also need to work on getting some of this weight off. I know that I will be supported greatly here, and just want to look for ideas to help Me in getting started but also to have that support that I may not always have here. I do have My parents and a couple of friends to support Me, however I think being among friends here too is going to benefit Me in the long run.

I put on My facebook status the other day that I was thinking of joining Weight Watchers, what do you all think of that? Should I just stick to trying exercise and eating right or would that be a good idea too? Does anyone have experience or know someone who has been to WW and if so, what was your overall opinion of it? Right now this is just a thought in My head but I'm just looking for feedback whatever it may be. I plan on using the summer to read over this thread, write down idea of things to try plus I'm also thinking of buying a bike this summer and getting a gym membership. I have a doctor's appointment next week and plan on getting weighed but three months ago I was 374 ~ thats the highest I've ever been.

I look forward to having this thread, and My Planet family, there to help Me to finally begin getting healthy :-)

[PinkieLee]

Hi Matthew

First, CONGRATULATIONS for taking that first step to living a healthier life! WW is a great program... for me, it keeps me accountable for what I eat and how much physical activity I do.

I would first suggest keeping a food journal and writing down every single thing that you eat. Sometimes, as we go about our day, we don't even realize how much & when we eat (out of boredom, stress). Once I started keeping track of it all, I was more aware of when/what I ate and was able to control eating habits.

Another thing that I've always had a problem with is protion control. Go to any restaurant... the plates are the size of platters now and can easily be split between 2 people, or saved for 2 meals! At home, we've switched to eating meals on salad plates. It tricks my mind thinking that I've got a full plate!

Another thing... drink TONS of water!! I can't stress this enough!

You mentioned about exercising over the summer. Even indoors, you can exercise. There are millions of workout videos or tv exercise programs on every single day. If that's not your thing, just grab your sister and take a walk around the block. It's good for both of you... and let's you enjoy some quality time with her

GOOD LUCK my friend!

[sylvie]

Originally Posted by PinkieLee

Another thing that I've always had a problem with is protion control. Go to any restaurant... the plates are the size of platters now and can easily be split between 2 people, or saved for 2 meals! At home, we've switched to eating meals on salad plates. It tricks my mind thinking that I've got a full plate!

GOOD LUCK my friend!

i sooo hear you about portion control, it was one of my biggest problems (still is).. my dietician actually helped me with portions just recently, and my meal plan..

just as the suggestion, she said meat should be 2 oz.. that vegetables should cover half of the plate, the protein and starch should just be small bits.. this was a huge adjustment for me, i was doing the opposite lots of times lol..

she also said it's important to eat snacks between meals.. morning snack is fruit, afternoon snack is fruit and a protein, and evening snack is anything from 100-150 calories.. Along with my meals, breakfast (protein, starch and fruit), lunch (protein, starch and vegetables) and same for supper..

i find following that food plan (which is possible is much like ww) - i don't feel hungry, and even in the evenings which is when i would do most of my binge eating, i dont even go for food, i feel content and full .. it amazes me, i never thought i would ever get my night binging under control..

i have always been very interested in trying ww.. Just curious, are they meals you have to buy (ww meals) or is it a book of recipes that you follow? i know they do a point system right? do you just get points for eating what you want sorta thing and have to stay within a certain amount?

i'm starting to be in a safe place emotionally where i can maybe start following a plan like that as far as eating goes..

[PinkieLee]

Hi Sylvie

WW does not have required eating plans or meals that you have to follow. They do have the Smart Ones frozen dinners in the grocery store that are awesome for lunches, though. Depending on your current weight and goal, you have a target number of points that you should stay under per day (like 45). WW online has a nifty little calculator that you plug the nutrional label info (fat, carbs, protein & fiber) and it tells you how many points each serving is.

My honey has the app on her phone, so when we are grocery shopping we can make smarter choices what to buy.

Going out to eat can be tricky, but I found a website that you can pretty much type in ANY fast food restaurant and it gives you a points breakdown for everything on their menu. http://www.exercise4weightloss.com/w...rs-points.html

They even have these little cheat sheets for like mexican restaurants, chinese buffets, beer/liquor happy hours... where you add the things to your plate and it shows you the actual points and better choices that were on the menu!

Fruits & veggies are 0 points... so having a salad and/or fruit with your meal is always a good filler.

I do the online program, but I have a friend of mine that actually does the local meetings. Like with anything else, it's a lifestyle change. It's forcing me to focus on what I eat, when I eat and how I feel when I eat.

[sylvie]

Originally Posted by PinkieLee

Hi Sylvie

WW does not have required eating plans or meals that you have to follow. They do have the Smart Ones frozen dinners in the grocery store that are awesome for lunches, though. Depending on your current weight and goal, you have a target number of points that you should stay under per day (like 45). WW online has a nifty little calculator that you plug the nutrional label info (fat, carbs, protein & fiber) and it tells you how many points each serving is.

My honey has the app on her phone, so when we are grocery shopping we can make smarter choices what to buy.

Going out to eat can be tricky, but I found a website that you can pretty much type in ANY fast food restaurant and it gives you a points breakdown for everything on their menu. http://www.exercise4weightloss.com/w...rs-points.html

They even have these little cheat sheets for like mexican restaurants, chinese buffets, beer/liquor happy hours... where you add the things to your plate and it shows you the actual points and better choices that were on the menu!

Fruits & veggies are 0 points... so having a salad and/or fruit with your meal is always a good filler.

I do the online program, but I have a friend of mine that actually does the local meetings. Like with anything else, it's a lifestyle change. It's forcing me to focus on what I eat, when I eat and how I feel when I eat.

thank you so much Tonya, i appreciate the information.. i'll check out the website for sure.. i'm definitely onboard for the lifestyle change, ive been making a lot of changes recently and feeling pretty motivated that i can finally take this on and have some control, i know once i got going with it, or anything for that matter, it continues to feel good and is encouraging to keep at it, and makes us feel so positive and happy for doing so..

TY TY !! for the sites and information! xx

[PinkieLee]

You are so very welcome Sylvie!

I guess with WW, I'm having to hold myself accountable for everything I eat now. Most of my adult life, I've been a binge eater, so having to write down every single thing I eat is helping me take back control of my eating habits.

I wish you the best of luck on your continued journey for a healthier life...mind, body & spirit!

xoxo

[sylvie]

Originally Posted by PinkieLee

You are so very welcome Sylvie!

I guess with WW, I'm having to hold myself accountable for everything I eat now. Most of my adult life, I've been a binge eater, so having to write down every single thing I eat is helping me take back control of my eating habits.

I wish you the best of luck on your continued journey for a healthier life...mind, body & spirit!

xoxo

i, too, have been a binge eater, for the last 10 years or so.. Which is why im in counselling now.. i can definitely relate with needing to hold yourself accountable, i know i find charting what i do each day a huge help, so definitely is why i'm interested in ww and this point system. i find i'm very emotionally attached to my food, it's been my source of peace for so long now, so letting go of my food is letting go of my peace..

these last few weeks, since counselling, OA meetings and alot of inner work has already proven much change for me, it's an incredible feeling.. so if i can match it with exercise and the healthy eating, i would be successful, so that's where i am at now.. it's a lot of work, so HUGS to you! i soooo relate, and am proud of you!

[foxyshaman]

I really like WW. I like it because it is a witness on my journey. I have good weeks and not so good weeks. I joined last year for the first time and did not fall off the wagon...nope I lept off the wagon.

This year is different because I started at the same time with a therapist and cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) to find out WHY I overate, or ate my emotions. I never realized that I was an emotional eater until January. In hindsight I can't imagine why I never saw it before <shoulder shrug> but I did not. I like the points system of WW. I love that fruits and veges are zero points that makes it simpler. I am a vegetarian and I have cut out dairy, which was hard but has really helped me physically. I tried eating Raw, but the most I could do and sustain for any amount was 70% raw and the rest cooked or processed.

I do think combining my process with exercise is key to me. I feel good. I have only had three overeating episodes since January and that is pretty darn good.

Good luck Matthew!! And PinkieLee...jogging... girl that is my "in the future I will" idea!! That is inspiring. 8 lbs is fantastic! Keep it up.

[Thinker]

Originally Posted by Matthew

Hi everyone,

Well its summertime, and I've decided to kick-start My weight loss now even though I will be indoors most of the summer watching My sister. I don't mind it, but I also need to work on getting some of this weight off. I know that I will be supported greatly here, and just want to look for ideas to help Me in getting started but also to have that support that I may not always have here. I do have My parents and a couple of friends to support Me, however I think being among friends here too is going to benefit Me in the long run.

I put on My facebook status the other day that I was thinking of joining Weight Watchers, what do you all think of that? Should I just stick to trying exercise and eating right or would that be a good idea too? Does anyone have experience or know someone who has been to WW and if so, what was your overall opinion of it? Right now this is just a thought in My head but I'm just looking for feedback whatever it may be. I plan on using the summer to read over this thread, write down idea of things to try plus I'm also thinking of buying a bike this summer and getting a gym membership. I have a doctor's appointment next week and plan on getting weighed but three months ago I was 374 ~ thats the highest I've ever been.

I look forward to having this thread, and My Planet family, there to help Me to finally begin getting healthy :-)

Congratulations, Matthew, on making that decision!

Pinkie's suggestion about water is so perfect! You will be amazed at how much better you feel once you start doing it.

I highly recommend head-to-toe stretching......at least 10 minutes.....every morning and every evening. Do every stretch you can think of for every part of your body and hold each stretch for about 4 deep inhale/exhale breaths. I like doing that instead of counting because sometimes I find myself holding my breath while I stretch. Concentrate on the breathing as well as getting a good stretch on the muscles.

Good luck, brother!

[sylvie]

wheeeeeeeeeeeee !!

look at you all!! *smiling big* congratz!!

it always tickles me pink to see people making lifestyle choices for better health, because it not only motivates me to keep at it, but reminds me of when i first decided i needed to do something.. it's still a struggle of mine, but i'm really on the right track finally..

one thing that helps me, is like Tonya said, to record everything you eat in the run of a day.. i'm much like she said, eating things i didn't even realize i eat and makes a big difference in the calorie intake..

Water, is the biggest thing for me as well.. i cut off my sodapop some months ago, as well as any sugary juices and drinks, and i drink lots and lots of water.. That alone makes such a huge difference in my energy level each day - i can't believe how much the sugar weighed me down.. Not to mention it just makes me feel healthier overall..

Something i could suggest is to make a list, of rules you want to follow each day, or a chart to follow each day and mark off as you do things.. i have mine hanging right next to my pc on my wall, so every little thing i accomplish each day, i mark it off.. i have set a weekly goal, and a monthly goal, to reward myself if i am successful in following my rules and doing everything like exercise, drinking water, eating breakfast, etc etc..

Oh and speaking of breakfast, make sure you eat a good breakfast each day, thats something i rarely did but now, i do and it makes a big difference as well.. Lots of fruits and veggies too!!

Good luck to those of you who started your healthy journeys too and keep coming back - cuz if we all motivate and encourage one another, it will be a huge help for us all..

and Tonya, super big congrats on the 8 lbs, thats wonderful!! so proud of you xoxoxo!

[JustJo]

Thanks for the inspiration all....and for the idea of walk/run Pinkie Lee.

I can't run due to nerve sensitivity in my feet from the diabetes, but I thought I could use the technique. I just did 10 minutes on the Mobia (my max at the moment), relaxed until my heart rate and breathing was normal again...then hopped back on for another 5 minutes.

It worked great...and I managed a total of 15 minutes instead of 10.

Now I'm thinking....hmmmm....if I did that twice a day, there would be my half an hour session. Sure, it's spread out...but that's better than not doing it at all....and will certainly help build up my endurance, too.