Healthy Weight Loss

[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.

[Sun]

[B]Hi All!

What a great thread. Wish I had dropped in here in the Spring.

Been steadily losing weight and hit a block a few weeks back when some personal stress kicked up. Went from no appetite to feeling insatiable hunger. Emotional response to stress. Then back to no appetite. Which for me is very rare because I am almost always hungry.

Thought I would share a few things that work for me for anyone who may be struggling. These are just things that I have learned along the way that helped a lot. Trust me I am not an expert here, just the student, but some of these tips made all the difference in the world. I am down 45 lbs since April. Still every day is a challenge, but over time, habits change and it gets a little easier.

Affirmations: Put your intention out there. This could be in the form or prayer, mantra, whatever works for you. This helps me to connect my mind with my body.

Water: try drinking some room temp water or better yet hot tea before during and after your meal. This will help the food to digest and keep you hydrated. Do not drink cold beverages with a meal. The fat content of food will have a harder time breaking down. Green tea is a great beverage and it is available in decaf.

Boost your metabolism: Add hot sauce or hot peppers to kick up your metabolism.

Jumping jacks: No lie.. I have to thank my ex gf for this tip because it really works. If you are able to, try doing some jumping jacks before a meal and then again after (wait awhile to start digesting your food). This boosts up your metabolism as well.

Move around: Probably the biggest change for me. Get up and move around after a meal. Do not sit.

Digestive enzymes: Only you can know how well you are digesting food. Foods like papaya and pineapple will help you to digest as they contain natural digestive enzymes. Since these fruits are hard to come by in many places try getting chewable tablets instead. The acidophilus in yogurt is also helpful for replacing digestive flora. Acidophilus can be taken in capsule form. The brand "Natures Way" produces a few good products.

Visualize: Think success. See yourself accomplishing your goals. See the # on the scale that you want to get to. Send positive messages to your body and your body will respond.

I wish you all the best on this journey. /B]

[girl_dee]

Thanks Sun!

Thanks for the reminder about the water. i put my big mug of my daily water intake yesterday and didn't touch it. i have to remember!

Right now i am struggling with being active because of health issues. a lifetime of being hard on my body is taking it's toll. So for me i feel a high protein low card plan is best. i can really tell the difference since i have become less active.

Visualization is really a good tool as well. i'm a hypnotherapist and telling my clients to visualize the end result, no matter what that may be, is a good thing to focus on.

i think i will do that right now.

[PinkieLee]

Hello there healthy living peeps!

Today is day 2 of being back on track. I was able to focus on healthy meals & snacks and got in some exercise walking after dinner Most of all, I did not binge or eat to excess!

Well, on to other news, D went in for her yearly checkup. Something we didn't expect to hear... type 2 diabetic. So, not only healthy choices for me, but for her as well. NO MORE EXCUSES.

Question, what kind of meal plans should I be looking into? I know to cut out all the white stuff and processed food... but what else?

[Sun]

Originally Posted by PinkieLee

Hello there healthy living peeps!

Today is day 2 of being back on track. I was able to focus on healthy meals & snacks and got in some exercise walking after dinner Most of all, I did not binge or eat to excess!

Well, on to other news, D went in for her yearly checkup. Something we didn't expect to hear... type 2 diabetic. So, not only healthy choices for me, but for her as well. NO MORE EXCUSES.

Question, what kind of meal plans should I be looking into? I know to cut out all the white stuff and processed food... but what else?

One of the best resources ever for Diabetes and heart healthy living is Dr Barry Sears book "Entering the Zone". This book demystifies the carb/protein/fat chemistry of food and puts it all into plain language that we can all understand. He explains blood sugar and how to regulate it. There are also menu ideas and meal plans in there. I cant stress enough how this book has helped so many people that I know.

My advice on meal planning would be to try and eat grilled and roasted foods, lots of veggies and whole grains when you can.

And Hot sauce! lol

[JustJo]

Originally Posted by PinkieLee

Hello there healthy living peeps!

Today is day 2 of being back on track. I was able to focus on healthy meals & snacks and got in some exercise walking after dinner Most of all, I did not binge or eat to excess!

Well, on to other news, D went in for her yearly checkup. Something we didn't expect to hear... type 2 diabetic. So, not only healthy choices for me, but for her as well. NO MORE EXCUSES.

Question, what kind of meal plans should I be looking into? I know to cut out all the white stuff and processed food... but what else?

Hi Pinkie

I'm so sorry to hear about D's diagnosis....diabetes sucks, period.

The good news is that, now that you both know, you can start to address it. You should talk to a registered dietitian who specializes in diabetes....and know that all diabetics do not react the exact same way to anything...food, medicine, exercise. It's a very individual thing, so I shy away from hard and fast rules.

Here's what I know about my body after living with this disease for a very long time...and your mileage may vary

• processed carbs are the enemy....white flour, white sugar, the baddies
• unrefined, high fiber carbs are my friend....sweet potatoes and apples especially
• fiber helps me tremendously. I can't drink juice, but can eat almost any fruit. I can eat white potatoes if I eat the skin too...otherwise I get a blood sugar spike.
• Beware of unhealthy fats as much as carbs. I use and eat olive oil and avocado with abandon, but fats are just as likely to give me bad lab results as carbs are.
• Junk food, convenience food, and fast food.....I may as well just shoot myself and save time. These are the worst things I can eat....ever.
• Steady is the key...if I go too long without food, I have to drink juice or soda to get a spike to raise me up....and then tend to bottom out again just as fast. I do best if I eat small meals and snacks of healthy food frequently.
• I have to move....even if it's just a 15 minute walk. Regular exercise is critical for me in managing my blood sugar.
• Keep your appointments (and yes, this gets annoying and hard to stick to after a decade) but regular A1c checks, doctor visits - inlcuding a foot check and an opthamologist who specializes in diabetic patients - are critical
• I can use natural sweeteners like agave and stevia....but artifical sweeteners mess me up. That's different than some diabetics...but that's how it plays out for me.
• Low glycemic is a good idea. When I eat a low glycemic index diet, my lab results are better and I feel better.
• Sleep, sleep, sleep....lack of sleep is as bad for me as eating the wrong foods. I try to always get at least 7 hours....and if I'm fatigued during the day, I try to at least lay down and rest my eyes for 20 minutes or so.
• Portion control helps....I've gotten to a point where I can have a nibble of something sweet and I'm satisfied without spiking my blood sugar. Others can't....you have to experiment and see.
• Finger jabs suck...but they're important, especially as you learn how your body reacts. I learned I can eat carrots. Some diabetics get a spike from those. I can also drink red wine and it actually moderates my sugar levels....but white wine and hard liquor make me spike. Other diabetics have a different response. You won't know without lots of finger jabbing in the beginning.

And PM me anytime....I know how hard this disease is to deal with, especially in the beginning.

Hugs to you both!