Healthy Weight Loss

[Thinker]

Weigh-in: Just wrapped up week 9 and showed a loss of 1.8 pounds. That's a total of 13.8. It's not the 3 pounds I was shooting for, but I'm beginning to see that my 2 and 3 pounds weeks are behind me.

I'm following the program perfectly and getting in great exercise, so it's gotta be the muscle gain that's slowing things down. Oh well. I accept that. I'm over the halfway mark and have 10.2 pounds to go to make my goal weight.

[JustJo]

Originally Posted by Thinker

Weigh-in: Just wrapped up week 9 and showed a loss of 1.8 pounds. That's a total of 13.8. It's not the 3 pounds I was shooting for, but I'm beginning to see that my 2 and 3 pounds weeks are behind me.

I'm following the program perfectly and getting in great exercise, so it's gotta be the muscle gain that's slowing things down. Oh well. I accept that. I'm over the halfway mark and have 10.2 pounds to go to make my goal weight.

Congratulations!

Look at it this way....go in the kitchen, pick up a 10 lb bag of flour and about 4 cans of veggies. That's what you're not carrying around all day, every day, anymore.

[Medusa]

Water!

How many glasses of water do you drink every day?

My goal has been to gradually reduce all soda from my diet. Yes, even Diet! I am trying to remove aspartame from my diet completely so even my beloved Diet Cokes had to go.

I have been drinking lots of water, the occasional half-cup of coffee in the morning with sugar-free hazelnut creamer, the occasional glass of unsweet tea (usually at restaurants when eating out) or grape juice (no sugar added!)

I can tell a noticeable difference in my skin and my joints feel happier and more lubed (dirty!).

I drink about 80ounces of water per day. That is about 3/4 of a gallon.

[Thinker]

Originally Posted by Medusa

Water!

How many glasses of water do you drink every day?

My goal has been to gradually reduce all soda from my diet. Yes, even Diet! I am trying to remove aspartame from my diet completely so even my beloved Diet Cokes had to go.

I have been drinking lots of water, the occasional half-cup of coffee in the morning with sugar-free hazelnut creamer, the occasional glass of unsweet tea (usually at restaurants when eating out) or grape juice (no sugar added!)

I can tell a noticeable difference in my skin and my joints feel happier and more lubed (dirty!).

I drink about 80ounces of water per day. That is about 3/4 of a gallon.

Water makes an amazing difference, doesn't it???

Some days I am allllll about the water and will drink anywhere from 6-10 glasses. And some days it's a mix of water and Crystal Light tea.

[foxyshaman]

I have not checked into WW in two weeks. I had a couple bad eating days, but generally I am still doing well with eating. I will go back next week, and am excited to do so.

I use my slow cooker all the time. It is my lifesaver. I make alot of vege chilli, vege soups and vege stews (not too different from chilli). I invested in small plastic containers and freeze my food in portion ready sizes. That has helped me tremendously. I am incredibly lucky to have always hated pop, so that was one addiction I did not ever have to deal with. I drink at least two litres of water a day. I had lupus at one time and the only long term affect was damaged kidneys, so I totally baby them now. The practice of drinking water has kept me off antibiotics for kidney infections for close to 17 years. I do have my super duper strong soy coffee in the AM and count all six points for it. Then I drink water the rest of the day. I also take my cal/mag to help with my digestion. I did not know that I was mag deficient my entire life, and the difference in my body is HUGE.

I am grateful to hear others talk of their emotional eating and thank you for the private messages. They made my heart smile.

I was out of exercise this week due to a viral intestinal thing I caught...ooohhh joy. And then I got tired of all the pain did 1.5 hours of tantra breath work and voila right as rain. Then I scratch my head and think "why didn't I just think of that in the first place?".

Keep up the good work everyone. I am encouraged by your thoughts, triumphs and celebrations!!!

[Scorp]

I actually need to think when the last time I had water...Sad, I know...

I'm a camel....

I have to force myself to drink it. You know how many of those cool, funky water bottles I own just to get me motivated...At least 5....It still doesn't help.

Originally Posted by Medusa

Water!

How many glasses of water do you drink every day?

My goal has been to gradually reduce all soda from my diet. Yes, even Diet! I am trying to remove aspartame from my diet completely so even my beloved Diet Cokes had to go.

I have been drinking lots of water, the occasional half-cup of coffee in the morning with sugar-free hazelnut creamer, the occasional glass of unsweet tea (usually at restaurants when eating out) or grape juice (no sugar added!)

I can tell a noticeable difference in my skin and my joints feel happier and more lubed (dirty!).

I drink about 80ounces of water per day. That is about 3/4 of a gallon.

[Leigh]

I hear what everyone is saying about water, I'm not a water drinker either and no matter how much I force Myself to drink it I just can't do it. I've started to keep small pop bottles and use those to put water in and use the Crystal Light drink packets in cuz thats the only way I can (and will) drink water. I am also Type 2 diabetic and have been put on double My medication cuz My last blood sugar text was 8.1 (and I should be around 6). I'm terrible for drinking only pepsi and such, so I'm working very hard to cut down drastically on pop intake (and for now I'll switch over to Diet while I get used to cutting back).

I'm sure there are other diabetics here so, what are some of your secrets if you have any? How do you satisfy your sweet tooth? I'm working on changing My eating habits, upping My amount of exercise per day, as well as taking on many more chores around the house than normal (including laundry). Any little tips/tricks that anyone has to help out would be greatly appreciated cuz I'm no good with this kinda stuff. I'mnot snacking at night like I used to, I'm eating less at meal times but eating abit more often, am cutting out My trips to 7-11 for slurpees and fountain drinks as well as quitting My late night trips for candy and chocolate (doesn't help that the store is LITERALLY across the street from My house).

I'm working slowly and getting things going, so slow but sure I'll get this weight off of Me!!!!!!!!!

[PinkieLee]

I hear y'all about the water issue! Somedays, I'll crave it and be able to drink nonstop. Other days, it's the last thing I want and have to force it down. It either has to be in a cup with ice, or ice cold. I cannot drink water if it's not COLD.

On my bad days, I know I drink at least 2 glasses down while I'm getting dressed for work, and another big one right before bed. For the most part, I've cut out Diet Coke (which was a freakin' killer for me & I had the worst headache for a week) and have switched to a half sweet half unsweet tea with my meal or when we go out to eat.

I like some Crystal Light, but some of it has a funky aftertaste. I do like the Walmart brand Cherry Limeade, it's the shiznit! Only thing, it turns my mouth a pretty shade of red like I've been drinking kool-aid all day

[Leigh]

Pinkie, even if its cold sometimes I can't stomach it but after drinking pepsi for many years its gonna take Me awhile to get used to anything else on a regular basis. I absolutely love the Nestea Pomegranate Blueberry drink crystals (the singles) but the White Cran-Raspberry is the one with the aftertaste ~ guess I'll stick with the other one since I love both pomegranate and blueberries :-)

[Thinker]

Originally Posted by Matthew

I hear what everyone is saying about water, I'm not a water drinker either and no matter how much I force Myself to drink it I just can't do it. I've started to keep small pop bottles and use those to put water in and use the Crystal Light drink packets in cuz thats the only way I can (and will) drink water. I am also Type 2 diabetic and have been put on double My medication cuz My last blood sugar text was 8.1 (and I should be around 6). I'm terrible for drinking only pepsi and such, so I'm working very hard to cut down drastically on pop intake (and for now I'll switch over to Diet while I get used to cutting back).

I'm sure there are other diabetics here so, what are some of your secrets if you have any? How do you satisfy your sweet tooth? I'm working on changing My eating habits, upping My amount of exercise per day, as well as taking on many more chores around the house than normal (including laundry). Any little tips/tricks that anyone has to help out would be greatly appreciated cuz I'm no good with this kinda stuff. I'mnot snacking at night like I used to, I'm eating less at meal times but eating abit more often, am cutting out My trips to 7-11 for slurpees and fountain drinks as well as quitting My late night trips for candy and chocolate (doesn't help that the store is LITERALLY across the street from My house).

I'm working slowly and getting things going, so slow but sure I'll get this weight off of Me!!!!!!!!!

Matthew, my brother-in-law quit drinking sodas (cold turkey) and dropped 20 pounds in 3 weeks. That was it......just the sodas.

Hope you don't mind me talking in a stern manner to you... You need to cut those things OUT.....not only to drop weight but, more importantly, because of the diabetes.

Russell Stover makes some DELICIOUS sugar-free candy. I have an embarrassing sweet tooth, and I still crave something small after every meal.....even if it's just a bite-size candy bar. Those little sugar-free candies fit the bill perfectly.

My in-laws are both diabetic, and that is the candy they keep around for themselves. The peanut butter cups are better than Reese's (kid you not), and the chocolate covered coconut is pretty wonderful too.

You've added testosterone to the mix, buddy, so it's time to step up your game. You can do it!!!!! Just start with one change. Once that's a comfy fit for you, add another change.

[JustJo]

Originally Posted by Matthew

I hear what everyone is saying about water, I'm not a water drinker either and no matter how much I force Myself to drink it I just can't do it. I've started to keep small pop bottles and use those to put water in and use the Crystal Light drink packets in cuz thats the only way I can (and will) drink water. I am also Type 2 diabetic and have been put on double My medication cuz My last blood sugar text was 8.1 (and I should be around 6). I'm terrible for drinking only pepsi and such, so I'm working very hard to cut down drastically on pop intake (and for now I'll switch over to Diet while I get used to cutting back).

I'm sure there are other diabetics here so, what are some of your secrets if you have any? How do you satisfy your sweet tooth? I'm working on changing My eating habits, upping My amount of exercise per day, as well as taking on many more chores around the house than normal (including laundry). Any little tips/tricks that anyone has to help out would be greatly appreciated cuz I'm no good with this kinda stuff. I'mnot snacking at night like I used to, I'm eating less at meal times but eating abit more often, am cutting out My trips to 7-11 for slurpees and fountain drinks as well as quitting My late night trips for candy and chocolate (doesn't help that the store is LITERALLY across the street from My house).

I'm working slowly and getting things going, so slow but sure I'll get this weight off of Me!!!!!!!!!

Hi Matthew

I'm a type 2 diabetic with a sweet tooth also, so I hear you!

A few things that have helped me....

Stevia and agave nectar....natural sweeteners that won't mess with you like sugar or artificial sweeteners will. Stevia even has a stabilizing effect on my blood sugar, so it's good for me to sweeten things with it. There is a soda called Zevia that's sweetend with Stevia that you might like (can be ordered through Amazon with free delivery).....and I've recently started drinking Sobe Life Water which also has sweeteners I can handle.

Unfortunately diet soda makes me crave sugar and fat and all kinds of things I shouldn't be eating....so I'm trying to eliminate even the diet soda.

The other is mindful eating. How often do we eat chips or candy or whatever our downfall food is and just wolf it down....or eat it and then realize that we only tasted the first bite or two?

When you do eat a sweet....savor it. Look at it, smell it, take tiny bites and let it melt on your tongue (sounds naughty....I know )...but seriously. Really be mindful of the whole experience. When I do this....I'm actually satisfied with the tiniest bits of chocolate (like the individual Dove chocolates that are 1 oz.)

Don't eat while you're watching TV or on the computer or anything. If you're eating, especially sweets if that's your weakness, only eat....slowly and with your whole self. I bet your cravings are satisfied with less.

Best of luck!

[Dominique]

Hi everyone......hope I can drop in like this.

Mathew, honey, I worry about your heart. I just read in another thread the changes that you want, are happening! (GREAT) then i scroll through and see you have diabetes. Please go for a walk every day, that T scares me all by itself.

I have neuropathy in my feet, both feet. Not from diabetes, from frost bite. yes, perfect! my feet turn blue and the pain is insane. Its called reynauds. When I was in the hospital (for the burns) they had me in therapy with the diabetics so I could learn about neuropathy. Going from the hot outside into an airconditioned store will set it off, its bizarre, so I always have socks on. Why am I talking about neuropathy except to say..you don't want that, its part of diabetes. (I do not have diabetes)

Another thing to warn you about is kidney issues.all that soda, and diabetes is REALLY hard on your poor kidneys. YOU have to take care of yourself dude. Your embarking on a new life....do you want to start out sick?

So go for a walk, and take water with you, and drink it while you are walking. Its the best place to start.

[Tommi]

Water is my good for me Mantra....

I used to struggle to get a glass down. Partially because I was a Diet Coke addict, thus water was boring. I quit buying Diet Coke by the case. Now it is infrequent, and usually when I know a huge bowl of popcorn is the selection of the night.

Now, water is easier, straight, on the rocks, or with a packet of Crystal Light of some kind. I am getting about 60 to 80 oz /day now versus zero.

Vegetables and fruit are now part of my daily diet too. Learning to cook, making veggie soup with kale in almost everything.

Kale was recommended by a nutritionist at the cancer mentor program I go to. She made smoothies with banana, kale, and almond milk. It was awesome. So I now own a blender and make smoothies too.

[Scorp]

Nexttttttttttt....

Weight In: Lost 4.4 lbs this week!!! (Sound the trumpets)!!!

OMFG I'm so damn happy....

And, this my friends is what will make me continue to move forward and do everything I'm suppose to be doing while on the program. And, not to mention, everyone else's support and posts with their progress, and sharing their experience(s)....

Woo hoo!!!!!!!

[lillith]

OK...I think I need to subscribe. In the last 6 weeks, I have lost 10lbs. I cut out the soda, and last Sunday, cut out most high bad fatty foods. I also started walking a mile everyday. I weighted myself this morning and saw that I lost two pounds, and it made me almost cry. I have been a fluffy girl for 13 years, and I didn't think I would see the scale move even one pound less. Today is about affirmation, and I believe in every single one of you who are seriously out there kicking ass. I am proud of our community and what we do to support each other within it! Thank you.

[Medusa]

Congrats to the folks losing (and winning!)! This thread has been pretty amazing for support and encouragement and it is at the top of my 'thankful' list lately.

I decided to make a splurge today and went out to Whole Foods before heading out to lunch with guihong. I love me some Whole Foods but only buy certain things there for its propensity to become "Whole Paycheck".

Here's what I grabbed:

a can of garbanzo beans (I don't know if I like these so I'm going to try them. Any yummy recipes accepted and appreciated!)
several different kinds of wheat pasta
a nice sundried tomato tapenade
a sugarless, saltless peanut butter
dehydrated strawberries
2 pounds organic sweet cherries
black cherry concentrate (to add to the club soda I also bought)
a chipotle ranch dressing
some sticks and twigs (pretzels with chipotle flavor!)
more chocolate almond breeze
2 huge bottles of banana juice (on sale for $2!)
2 huge things of coconut water (I've never had this and don't know why I bought it other than it was on super cheap and I've seen a lot of people hooping about the potassium bennies)
a 4-pack of diet Izze black cherry (NO aspartame!)
dried apricots
dried pineapple
limes

I got all that for $70. Yes, really.

A lot of it is stuff I've been wanting to try so I went ahead with it. I think it's super important for me to keep the food interesting and entertaining. I get bored very easily eating tuna fish and salads every week so having some pretzels or something interesting to drink will make all the difference.

I'm still completely off the sodas and I have to say, it's not nearly as bad as I had thought. Granted, I've been slowly tapering off but I'm almost 4 months clean off the Diet Cokes!! WEE!

I appreciate all of you talking about your "process". I think that has been the single-most helpful thing for me in this entire thread.