Healthy Weight Loss

[ruffryder]

Artificial sweeteners just make you want to eat more! They have no useful energy in them whatsoever.

Global Healing Center says this on eliminating toxins from artificial sweeteners:

•Check your food labels at home and throw out everything that has on its label: Aspartame, Acesulfame Potassium (K), Saccharin or Sucralose Equal®, NutraSweet® or Splenda®
•Use natural sweeteners like agave nectar, xylitol, stevia or raw honey.
•Avoid products that are labeled "low calorie," "diet," "sugar free," or "no sugar added" since they all likely contain sugar additives.
•Drink purified water instead of diet drinks. Do NOT drink tap water!




Also here are the most common sources of sugar found on food labels:

Brown sugar
Corn sweetener
Corn syrup
Dextrose
Fructose
Fruit-juice concentrate
Glucose
High-fructose corn syrup (HFCS)
Honey
Invert sugar
Lactose
Maltose
Malt syrup
Molasses
Raw sugar
Sucrose
Syrup

[girl_dee]

We were horrified to read that some of the Kcups use Sucralose.

Blah!

[ruffryder]

Originally Posted by Cajun_dee

We were horrified to read that some of the Kcups use Sucralose.

Blah!

what is Kcups?

[ruffryder]

I was about to grab one of my babes fiber one bars to snack on and I look at ingredients.. guess what? !

Fructose
Maltose
Malt
Syrup

to name a few.. sheeeesh.

I notice the ingredients on items a lot more these days. My snack bar right now is a slim fast bar, 100 calories. I have a pb one that tastes like a butterfinger and I have a choc one that tastes like a choc brownie. Some other ones I want to check into are the detour bar and a couple protein ones, nature valley and special k. anyone try these or do you eat them and which do you prefer?

and does anyone drink anything like EAS, muscle milk, ensure or any other protein type powder? Right now I'm doing some of the body by visalus shakes but I'll possibly be looking into something similar to try.

[girl_dee]

Originally Posted by ruffryder

I was about to grab one of my babes fiber one bars to snack on and I look at ingredients.. guess what? !

Fructose
Maltose
Malt
Syrup

to name a few.. sheeeesh.

I notice the ingredients on items a lot more these days. My snack bar right now is a slim fast bar, 100 calories. I have a pb one that tastes like a butterfinger and I have a choc one that tastes like a choc brownie. Some other ones I want to check into are the detour bar and a couple protein ones, nature valley and special k. anyone try these or do you eat them and which do you prefer?

and does anyone drink anything like EAS, muscle milk, ensure or any other protein type powder? Right now I'm doing some of the body by visalus shakes but I'll possibly be looking into something similar to try.

Ruff,

i was under the impression, and i may be totally wrong here, but the only time you need protein shakes is if you aren't able to eat at all, or work out a LOT. Otherwise they bulk you up and not in a good way.

Like i say i may be wrong but that's always been my understanding.

Also, *supplements* are designed to replace something. The best way is to get our Vitamins and minerals from real food. They are also finding that vitamins and supplements are so full of bad stuff they don't outweigh the good in them.

[Gemme]

Originally Posted by ruffryder

I was about to grab one of my babes fiber one bars to snack on and I look at ingredients.. guess what? !

Fructose
Maltose
Malt
Syrup

to name a few.. sheeeesh.

I notice the ingredients on items a lot more these days. My snack bar right now is a slim fast bar, 100 calories. I have a pb one that tastes like a butterfinger and I have a choc one that tastes like a choc brownie. Some other ones I want to check into are the detour bar and a couple protein ones, nature valley and special k. anyone try these or do you eat them and which do you prefer?

and does anyone drink anything like EAS, muscle milk, ensure or any other protein type powder? Right now I'm doing some of the body by visalus shakes but I'll possibly be looking into something similar to try.

I don't do protein powder. I'm not trying to bulk up or gain weight, so I can't help you there.

But I do eat snack bars in between meals because they are easy, not too messy and I can open one up and, if a customer comes, hide it until they are gone and continue eating it. I was eating Fiber One's 90 calorie chocolate caramel & pretzel bar which was yummy. Looking at it, it does have sugar in it. Most low calorie and/or diet options will use something to replace the fat and that is usually sugar.

I'm currently using Kellogg's Fiber Plus bars in dark chocolate almond and their peanut butter and chocolate bar. I'm not usually a dark chocolate fan, but I know that's better for me than milk chocolate, so I've gotten used to them. The pb and choc one is like a Reeses and a krispie treat had a baby. Interesting.

All of them are going to have sugar no matter what and this is why. Parents buy these for their kids. Kids like sugar. Their taste buds are shot from a very early age now. It's all about what will sell and even a lot of healthy eaters out there won't eat it if it's not sweet, because our taste buds have gotten used to the replacement of fat with sugar.

[sylvie]

Hi everyone!
Long time since i have visited this thread, which is a sure sign i was off track a very long time.. The good news is, i maintained and just had a hard time managing my time, but still ate healthy. Bad news is, i fell off track from my exercise program and really wasn't doing so great with my recovery and felt myself downspiralling more and more each day.

i am well on my way to balance again, thank goodness.
i completed a 21 day assignment for my nursing course where we had to pick something to do for 21 days and write a report on it, and have someone be our coach (Mr Mtn did that) and it couldn't have come more timely, honestly.

i had a hard time getting myself back on track, and can't say i am fully there yet but this assignment brought me some really great 'ah ha' moments that it all came together for me, and the balance feels amazing right now..

So looking forward to getting my butt in here regularly again, getting my sites moving and really pushing myself more & more each day and getting myself more balanced overall.

~~~~~~
One problem i am having is boredom with food.. SO been working on some healthy, interesting & new meals..i want to really get back that healthy relationship with food i had, as well.. So, getting some new meal ideas, snack ideas, that sort of thing!

So i'll be here, to grab some inspiration from you Planet Healthies lots!

[ruffryder]

Originally Posted by girl_dee

Ruff,

i was under the impression, and i may be totally wrong here, but the only time you need protein shakes is if you aren't able to eat at all, or work out a LOT. Otherwise they bulk you up and not in a good way.

Like i say i may be wrong but that's always been my understanding.

Also, *supplements* are designed to replace something. The best way is to get our Vitamins and minerals from real food. They are also finding that vitamins and supplements are so full of bad stuff they don't outweigh the good in them.

Protein shakes are good for a meal in some people's diets. I'm not talking about every meal. For those that work out a LOT, there is whey protein. Protein does help maintain muscle mass, but it also helps to cut out fat from the body. There are some shakes and snacks that have protein in them, minus the whey or muscle building ingredients. Protein in a snack and shake is also good for those that do not eat meats. High protein diets help a person lose weight and keep metabolism up by preserving muscle mass and resting energy used. Protein keeps one fuller longer. Other foods that are good for this are peanut butter, nuts, eggs, meats, beans, and dairy products. Protein a person needs depends on age, size, and activity level. The standard method used by nutritionists to estimate the minimum daily protein requirement is to multiply the body weight in pounds by .37. According to this method, a person weighing 150 lbs. should eat 55 grams of protein per day, a 200-pound person should get 74 grams, and a 250-pound person should eat 92 grams. Of course if you engage in endurance exercises or are a runner you should consume more and if you are into heavy strength training, even more. In a review of the research, the National Academy of Sciences reported that the only known danger from high-protein diets is for individuals with kidney disease. After careful study, they recommend that 10 percent to 35 percent of daily calories come from protein. They point out that increased protein could be helpful in treating obesity. There is also accumulating evidence that extra protein may help prevent osteoporosis.

[girl_dee]

Thanks Ruff!



Right now i am feeling a great need to just detox. The LR and New Orleans trip, eating on the road for 2 straight weeks really set me back. i feel lethargic and bloated.

Today is day one and i am struggling with breaking the habit of munching. i am not used to working all day and not being able to munch away whenever i feel like it. Several times today out of habit i went to grab something to munch.i am also in the process of moving myself out of the kitchen, which is where we all hang out to spending more time in the Rec room or one of our bedrooms, it's amazing when you try to break a habit how much you realize how bad it was!

So i popped a piece of gum in my mouth and came to see you all!

Pinkie please keep up posted on D!

[Kelt]

Originally Posted by ruffryder

Protein shakes are good for a meal in some people's diets. I'm not talking about every meal. For those that work out a LOT, there is whey protein. Protein does help maintain muscle mass, but it also helps to cut out fat from the body. There are some shakes and snacks that have protein in them, minus the whey or muscle building ingredients. Protein in a snack and shake is also good for those that do not eat meats. High protein diets help a person lose weight and keep metabolism up by preserving muscle mass and resting energy used. Protein keeps one fuller longer. Other foods that are good for this are peanut butter, nuts, eggs, meats, beans, and dairy products. Protein a person needs depends on age, size, and activity level. The standard method used by nutritionists to estimate the minimum daily protein requirement is to multiply the body weight in pounds by .37. According to this method, a person weighing 150 lbs. should eat 55 grams of protein per day, a 200-pound person should get 74 grams, and a 250-pound person should eat 92 grams. Of course if you engage in endurance exercises or are a runner you should consume more and if you are into heavy strength training, even more. In a review of the research, the National Academy of Sciences reported that the only known danger from high-protein diets is for individuals with kidney disease. After careful study, they recommend that 10 percent to 35 percent of daily calories come from protein. They point out that increased protein could be helpful in treating obesity. There is also accumulating evidence that extra protein may help prevent osteoporosis.

Hey Ruff,

You've got me curious, could you link to that NAS paper? I couldn't find it right off. I'd also like to see the source material for the "standard method used by nutritionists to estimate the minimum daily protein requirement", wondering if it is tied to the RDA numbers I've seen recently that had some questions in it for me.

The reason is that when I was looking at overall energy intake (calories) I found some diet guidelines that were based on long standing well known equations. When I dug into those equations, they too were weight based. What I found digging around was that they were devised for 'healthy' weight individuals (surface area based) and because of this they were not linear in application. Unfortunately, I found that most, okay all, of the popular tracking software used these non-linear equations in a linear way. Easy enough to adjust once understood and very effective (after modified), but erroneous out of the box.

I know what has worked for me to get where I am, but I am looking to improve further. I am fiddling with my own protein intake levels right now, and revising sources for it with my usual experiment on self model. I am looking at the underlying logic for some of these recommendations I am seeing in different places and would like to look at this one too. Thanks.

[Andrea]

I am finding it difficult to watch my food intake when traveling and spending time with all the grandkids. Haven't been near a scale to assess the damage. Still, I wouldn't change this time with them for anything. <insert grandma smiley here>

How are things with everyone?

[girl_dee]

Originally Posted by ruffryder

what is Kcups?

[girl_dee]

Well i'm not doing so well.

i've hit a new place in my life.

i went from a full blown food disorder in which i associated food as the enemy to a place where i enjoy it. Cooking and eating it.

And now i'm enjoying it too much.

[Novelafemme]

Originally Posted by girl_dee

Well i'm not doing so well.

i've hit a new place in my life.

i went from a full blown food disorder in which i associated food as the enemy to a place where i enjoy it. Cooking and eating it.

And now i'm enjoying it too much.

{{{Dee}}} I've been there, and from someone who has struggled with food/control issues her whole life, I can say that the pendulum eventually swings back toward center once your body figures out where it needs to be.

I made food the center of my life for almost two decades. Getting on track and healthy takes time and patience and lots of acceptance. I've learned that when I am hungrier I just need to give in and eat a bit more. It's often related to what season is approaching...for instance, I am always hungrier in the fall whereas in the spring/summer not so much.

It's not always easy, but I'd rather be a few pounds (um, 10 or so at the moment ) heavier and not living in food hell, than where I was at for 20 some years!

[girl_dee]

Originally Posted by Novelafemme

{{{Dee}}} I've been there, and from someone who has struggled with food/control issues her whole life, I can say that the pendulum eventually swings back toward center once your body figures out where it needs to be.

I made food the center of my life for almost two decades. Getting on track and healthy takes time and patience and lots of acceptance. I've learned that when I am hungrier I just need to give in and eat a bit more. It's often related to what season is approaching...for instance, I am always hungrier in the fall whereas in the spring/summer not so much.

It's not always easy, but I'd rather be a few pounds (um, 10 or so at the moment ) heavier and not living in food hell, than where I was at for 20 some years!

Food Hell. Yes. Since i was a child i've had food issues. i won't go into that but just say that i am struggling to find balance with going from one extreme to the other. Both ends are unhealthy that's for sure.

After my hysterectomy i gained lots of weight. i had never been on a diet in my life, other than to try to gain weight maybe. i tried WW, it was ok but it was WAY too much counting and measuring for *me*. i do believe WW has a good plan as far as plans go, but the focus on food all day long with journaling, measuring and weighing was too much for me.

i lost all of my weight on Atkins. It was easy, no bread or starches. i am thinking about doing this again... i tried not long ago and didn't stick with it.
But now i don't think i have a choice, i have to do something.

[ruffryder]

Welcome to all those joining us and thanks for sharing your stories!

One day at a time is right. We all fail, we've all been there where you are with the addictions. As for sugar addiction the best I can say is if you are drinking 3 sodas a day try to go for 1 until eventually you are at none. Maybe try something else like OJ or Apple Juice. Make sure it's pure and not packed with all sugar. As for chocolate and candy cravings maybe try switching to the 100 calorie snacks. There is slim fast bars, brownies, ice cream, cookies, variety bars with just 100 calories. The thing there is to check the calories, fat, carbs, sugar and pick the best ones. Also, Like dee said just don't buy it! Plain, flat out, and simple. If it's not in your house, you won't eat it. Of course we all fail and end up eating some and that's ok. Don't beat yourself up over it though. Just continue on making better choices. If I crave a soda, I go ahead and have one same with chocolate or ice cream. I don't limit my cravings. Instead I portion control them.

I wanted to pop this back up since it was a recent post by me about sugar and what to look for in ingredients in the products you buy. Try to stay away from these sugar products:

Originally Posted by ruffryder

Artificial sweeteners just make you want to eat more! They have no useful energy in them whatsoever.

Global Healing Center says this on eliminating toxins from artificial sweeteners:

•Check your food labels at home and throw out everything that has on its label: Aspartame, Acesulfame Potassium (K), Saccharin or Sucralose Equal®, NutraSweet® or Splenda®
•Use natural sweeteners like agave nectar, xylitol, stevia or raw honey.•Avoid products that are labeled "low calorie," "diet," "sugar free," or "no sugar added" since they all likely contain sugar additives.
•Drink purified water instead of diet drinks. Do NOT drink tap water!




Also here are the most common sources of sugar found on food labels:

Brown sugar
Corn sweetener
Corn syrup
Dextrose
Fructose
Fruit-juice concentrate
Glucose
High-fructose corn syrup (HFCS)
Honey
Invert sugar
Lactose
Maltose
Malt syrup
Molasses
Raw sugar
Sucrose
Syrup

[girl_dee]

my mantra when i am shopping

if i don't buy it i can't eat it!

and i stay off the *carb* aisle. You know the one.

[ruffryder]

thought I'd share this recipe that easygoingfemme shared with me since I was asking about Quinoa and how to make it.


Cooking greens with Tahini Dressing and Quinoa
• 1 bunch cooking greens (kale, collards, chard, spinach, or beet greens)
Sauce ingredients
• ¾ c tahini (sesame paste)
• 2 cloves garlic
• 1 handful fresh cilantro
• 1 tbsp maple syrup
• 2 tbsp tamari or soy sauce
• Juice and zest of lemon
• ¼ c water
Quinoa
• 2c dry quinoa
• 4c water

Steam your greens for just a couple of minutes, shock them by dousing them in cold water to stop the cooking process, and set them aside.
Quinoa:
Rinse quinoa in a fine mesh colander. Put 4c water and 2c quinoa in to a pot on the stovetop over medium high heat and cover with a lid. Bring to a boil and lower heat to simmer. Simmer about 12-15 minutes until water is absorbed and quinoa has a sprout shooting out of it. You can also make life easier by cooking your quinoa in a rice cooker. Measure, pour, and walk away. It will shut off when done.
Sauce: Put all sauce ingredients, just put ½ of the water for now into food processor or blender. Puree until creamy. Add more water slowly to obtain desired consistency. (Thickens in the fridge)
.
To serve: Put a scoop of quinoa on bottom of plate. Top that with greens and then pour on dressing.
(good additions are steamed carrots, raw or steamed beets, parsnips, and other sweet vegetables)




Also I noticed you mentioned mashed cauliflower dee. What texture is that like and what does it taste like? Do you add anthing to it for seasoning ? I heard it's good and an alternative to mash potatoes kind of. . Thanks in advance!

[Miss Scarlett]

Originally Posted by girl_dee

my mantra when i am shopping

if i don't buy it i can't eat it!

and i stay off the *carb* aisle. You know the one.

Thanks dee, I just love your mantra and strategy. I do the same thing.

[Novelafemme]

Since I have started treatment for the H pylori I was diagnosed with a month ago, I am finally starting to feel like my old self, and the weight is flying off! YAY!!!!!!