Healthy Weight Loss

[apretty]

I'm not sure if anyone mentioned it but the low calorie and high protein causes the body to go into a state of ketosis... One benefit/side effect is that the person doesn't feel hunger.

I understand the thinking that '500' calories daily is dangerous but the doctors that have signed off on these diets (optifast is one I've done, personally) consider the pros and cons of a person remaining at a certain weight vs. the low-risk factors associated with a short-term, low-calorie 'fast' and the benefits outweigh the risks for a person who is morbidly obese. (Not all are morbidly obese, I know Kaiser (HMO) will allow you to 'fast' if you have even just 40 lbs to lose.)

The (only) downside is keeping off weight shed so quickly--Which is real, real hard.

Originally Posted by Novelafemme

I'll admit that I was TOTALLY freaked out when my best friend started it. In fact, I got really upset until I did some research on my own. The thing you have to remember is this is NOT a diet for someone who wants to shed a couple of unwanted pounds. The target audience is the morbidly obese. My BF can spend two hours + on the elliptical a day, jog 5 miles, and eat healthy and not lose a single pound. He is just a big guy. But, he also has an enlarged heart so it is detrimental to his health that he lose 30-50lbs. And now he is actually making progress AND he isn't starving. The key is all the protein you are consuming. No dairy, No sugar, and very few carbs. Once you wean off the carbs your body starts to consume all the extra fat you have stored.

[JustJo]

((((( Anya )))))

Emotional eating is really, really hard...and I hear you completely on this. One of the biggest challenges I have is to not go to the sweets or chips if I'm feeling stressed or depressed.

I also know how hard LDRs can be...

I happen to LOVE Novela's sig line, because it is so true. Sometimes courage truly is acknowledging what happened (to yourself), stepping on the scale to face reality, NOT beating yourself up about it, and starting again tomorrow.

You are a perfectly imperfect human being....complete with feelings. And some days or weeks are going to be harder than others. It's okay. You aren't off track at all....just experiencing a course correction.

A friend once told me that we have to think of progress like a sail boat. Sail boats, because they depend on wind and not motors, don't travel in straight lines from start point to end. They tack back and forth with the wind....crossing back and forth over the line that runs from their beginning to their destination...over and over again. In essence, they are almost always "off course"....but a talented sailor, who respects the nature of sailboats and the wind, will still end up where they are going.

You're not failing...you're just tacking with the wind...and need to turn your sails around.

Big hugs.

Originally Posted by *Anya*

Pulling my own covers here even though I know my honey will read this but I have to come clean for myself and perhaps to let anyone else that is struggling to know that they are not alone. Not everyone is able to just make up their mind that they are going to lose weight and never have a slip.

I had the pleasure of spending a week with my butch. I say a week as I am like many on the Planet, in a LDR. I am, however, having a very hard time with it. I had a very dark 2-weeks after said butch flew back those 350 miles and a one- hour plane ride back to No. Cali.

I lost 3-pounds the week the butch was here.

The day after butch left, for the first time in 6- 12 months (maybe even longer) I bought an entire box of cookies at Trader Jo's and ate them at one sitting. I then bough a box of "Hold the Cones" little ice cream cones, @ least I ate them over several days

Maybe this should be in the Eating Disorders thread because it was so clearly emotional eating to fill a sadness that I felt and of course it filled nothing but self-loathing and even greater sadness at my loss of self-control.

Now, I am struggling with the cravings that will take another week or longer to go away.

I also have broken my own daily weighing rule and have not weighed in the last two weeks because I am so fearful of looking at what I might have gained.

All of this is very, very difficult to admit to not only myself but to those that read this thread. I am a control freak and perfectionist and my my loss of control goes against my core personality but it is my truth today.

[PinkieLee]

((((((((*Anya*))))))))))))))

My friend, you are NOT alone.

Since D's mom's death (almost 2 weeks), I have been on a downward spirial myself. Every single day I wake up and I say, "today I won't binge". And every day I go to bed a failure, because I haven't been able to just say no. Again, I feel as though I am in an addiction mode right now.

Emotional eating and/or trying to fill a void with food, has been a lifelong problem for me.

I keep telling myself that when things get better, I will get better. But right now, it's more like a bunch of fake ass affirmations that are spitting out of my mouth.

[apretty]

Originally Posted by PinkieLee

I keep telling myself that when things get better, I will get better. But right now, it's more like a bunch of fake ass affirmations that are spitting out of my mouth.

Those aren't fake ass--It's you trying at something that for right now, just isn't working.

[JustJo]

(((((( PinkieLee ))))))

And what I said to Anya also applies to you lovely lady.

You have just gone through one of the toughest things there is...and you are not a failure for being human, for being emotional, for being sad, and for trying to make yourself feel better.

Sometimes I think we need to reframe it.

Let me tell you a true story.

The company I work for is a health provider...not a doctor or a hospital. We create and provide wellness solutions...like fitness, smoking cessation, health coaching, etc.

One of our health coaches posted on our intranet some months back about a major victory. The entire company recognized it and celebrated it. Guess what it was?

A client, who had Type 2 diabetes and several other chronic conditions, had finally agreed to work with one of our coaches. The goal they set was to try to reduce his consumption of unhealthy sweets. This client had the practice of going every day to Dairy Queen and getting a large Blizzard....that yummy soft ice cream and crushed up cookies or candy thing that I also love.

The success?

The client had changed their practice...and was now going only twice a week and getting a small Blizzard.

That's worth celebrating....because it is a success, not a failure.

So....instead of counting the day a failure if you eat more than you planned....what about counting each small success? What if you focus on the single instance when you wanted ice cream and had something healthy instead? Or took a hot bath? Or read a book to distract yourself?

Sometimes our victories may only last a few minutes....but we need to focus on them, and strive for more of them....not be hard on ourselves for the times we stumble.

Originally Posted by PinkieLee

((((((((*Anya*))))))))))))))

My friend, you are NOT alone.

Since D's mom's death (almost 2 weeks), I have been on a downward spirial myself. Every single day I wake up and I say, "today I won't binge". And every day I go to bed a failure, because I haven't been able to just say no. Again, I feel as though I am in an addiction mode right now.

Emotional eating and/or trying to fill a void with food, has been a lifelong problem for me.

I keep telling myself that when things get better, I will get better. But right now, it's more like a bunch of fake ass affirmations that are spitting out of my mouth.

[JustJo]

Well hot damn bois and grrrls

All this talk of LDRs and emotional eating got me thinking...

I have done a lot of emotional eating in the last couple years....first from stress of the LDR, then the stress of moving, then the stress of life, etc. No one's "fault" but my own....it's how I cope when I can't cope, right?

Anyway.

When I finally hit 229 I said "enough"....that's just not safe with the diabetes and all the other health stuff I need to be concerned about. I started changing how I ate, how often I moved, started this thread, re-started this thread...

I can see and feel the differences, my lab results are good....but there's always "the pants."

I have a goal pair I can't wear yet....those real (old numbers) size 18 Apple Bottom jeans....I'm close, but not yet.

But there are my "every day" jeans that I moved from NY and hung in the back of the closet. New (inflated....or is that deflated?) size 14 women's Wranglers. I hadn't even tried them on since I moved because I knew they'd be impossible.

But...after posting...I started wondering. Went and took my shower and, instead of the sundress I was going to toss on, went into the closet, took down my favorite pair, stepped in, pulled them up, buttoned, zipped....and didn't even have to hold my breath or suck in my stomach.

They fit.

[Sweet_Amor_Taino]

I have lost weight about 10 pounds and last wek I join the 24 hour fitness Gym and paid for an individual fitness instructor for 3 sessions. I am proud of myself.. Now i have to keep it up.

[JoSchmooze]

Originally Posted by *Anya*

Pulling my own covers here even though I know my honey will read this but I have to come clean for myself and perhaps to let anyone else that is struggling to know that they are not alone. Not everyone is able to just make up their mind that they are going to lose weight and never have a slip.

I had the pleasure of spending a week with my butch. I say a week as I am like many on the Planet, in a LDR. I am, however, having a very hard time with it. I had a very dark 2-weeks after said butch flew back those 350 miles and a one- hour plane ride back to No. Cali.

I lost 3-pounds the week the butch was here.

The day after butch left, for the first time in 6- 12 months (maybe even longer) I bought an entire box of cookies at Trader Jo's and ate them at one sitting. I then bough a box of "Hold the Cones" little ice cream cones, @ least I ate them over several days

Maybe this should be in the Eating Disorders thread because it was so clearly emotional eating to fill a sadness that I felt and of course it filled nothing but self-loathing and even greater sadness at my loss of self-control.

Now, I am struggling with the cravings that will take another week or longer to go away.

I also have broken my own daily weighing rule and have not weighed in the last two weeks because I am so fearful of looking at what I might have gained.

All of this is very, very difficult to admit to not only myself but to those that read this thread. I am a control freak and perfectionist and my my loss of control goes against my core personality but it is my truth today.

Like Jo said...you're tacking in the wind....
It is your "truth" and part of gettring over that hump
is the fact that you admitted it and are willing to make another go
of it! Hang in there.....

Originally Posted by PinkieLee

((((((((*Anya*))))))))))))))

My friend, you are NOT alone.

Since D's mom's death (almost 2 weeks), I have been on a downward spirial myself. Every single day I wake up and I say, "today I won't binge". And every day I go to bed a failure, because I haven't been able to just say no. Again, I feel as though I am in an addiction mode right now.

Emotional eating and/or trying to fill a void with food, has been a lifelong problem for me.

I keep telling myself that when things get better, I will get better. But right now, it's more like a bunch of fake ass affirmations that are spitting out of my mouth.

Just like most of the 12 step programs that are out there...
I will say 2 things....
Yes, it will get better and the other one I really
like is "fake it until you make it"....
One day you'll look around, try on that tight pair of jeans from a year ago....and lo and behold.....they fit!!
(Just like the "other" Jo....lol)
I put on a pair of shorts I couldn't wear last summer and there was no problem......*big ole grin*

[Medusa]

Wow. Tons of amazing posts in here lately! I have been trying to catch up and wanted to respond to several things so forgive me if this is disjointed:

JoSchmooze - Welcome! I am glad you are doing something for yourself and support you in taking charge of your health! I know that traveling all the time can be incredibly stressful and hard on the body so I am very glad you are figuring out ways to make it more manageable. I have heard of the hcg diet but haven't done a lot of research on it. It sounds incredibly low calorie/carb. Best of luck to you, please let us know how it goes!

Anya - Girrrrrrl, do I ever feel you. Not only with the binging but with the LDR triggers. I remember back to when Jack and I were dating long distance. It was 18 months of roller coaster highs and crushing lows and always that crappy feeling of "when will I see you again" immediately after I flew home. Its a lot of work and it's expensive ( I took a second job to cover my exorbitant phone bills, travel costs, and to help save for the move and Jack kicked her business into high gear to do the same).
I think that kind of stress and feeling of longing is a huge trigger for some of us and can often lead (and did for me many times) to binging.
It really helped me to think about what the "pattern" of the relationship would be so that I could plan accordingly for the feelings. If I knew I was going to be moping and feeling shitty for 10 days after leaving Jack in California, I made sure I had a full schedule of 2nd job and going out with friends to fill my time so that I wasn't sitting around with the feelings. Might have been "escapist" of me but it was the tool that worked at the time rather than sitting with the feelings.

On binging, I'd like to say this: I am a lifelong binger and I will BE a binger for the rest of my life. I don't know if this will be the same for anyone else here but I have resigned myself to realizing that no amount of "work" I do or weight I lose is going to reset that part of my brain because I learned binging as a tool so early in my life that it's just part of my marrow.

Admitting that is not a failure to me.

When I accepted the behavior as something that is going to crop up from time to time when I am triggered in certain ways, I feel more power over it because then it's "just part of my stress reaction" and not an angry monster terrorizing me.

I might not ever binge again in my life and will celebrate that heartily but if I do binge again, I'm going to treat it like hitting a nail on the highway. You change the tire and keep going. By changing the tire, I mean that we gain awareness every time we binge. Pretty soon, we can see the nail on the highway coming and might be able to change lanes to avoid it.

Changing lanes might mean changing our routine, or checking in extra often with ourselves, or going to a support group, or etc. Different strokes for different folks.

I have had 5 binges in the last 9 months. And don't get me wrong, these were bad mothers that meant thousands of calories, lots of self-deprecation, and feeling like giving up. All of them lasted 3 days or more because when I talk about binging, I don't mean I overate at one meal, I mean that I went on a food rampage and ate exhaustively for days to the point of wanting to throw up (and sometimes doing so). This also meant that I got to repeat my cycle of binge, weigh, freak out because I gained however many pounds, rinse and repeat.
Because the cycle helps us *stay* in the cycle if that makes any sense.

We become swirling eddies of food addiction where we get to have our food and our self-loathing too.

Fuck. That. Shit.

The world feeds us enough bullshit so we have to do better for ourselves. That takes believing that we are worth the fight.

That shit is HARD.

Just wanted to give huge props to every single person in this thread (and to the folks who read and don't post). This is an amazing thread and has been an amazing source of inspiration and support.

Much MUCH love.

[Leigh]

Oh how I need and love this thread at the same time!

I hear myself in every single one of you, from Anya to Jo and from Pinkie to everyone else who comes in here on a daily/weekly/monthly basis to share their successes (and setbacks) with us. I have had my own set of setbacks as it were, one was having to spend 3 weeks getting over bronchitis and missing so many workouts that even now that I'm cleared to go back I'm worried that I will not be able to get back into the routine of going every two days. I've already made a promise to myself that no matter how difficult it is to get back into the swing of things I *will* do it because my health and well being is too important to ignore.

In those three weeks in which I was absent form the gym, I noticed that I was going back to my old self in that I was overeating, stuck in the house (though that wasn't my fault, I just didn't wanna get more sick); I was getting back into consuming chips, chocolate etc not that I wasn't while I was still going to the gym but I was not eating nearly as much of that crap while going to the gym as I was when I wasn't going to the gym. Now that I am getting back into the gym I know that things will change for the better, and that is what I want for myself and everyone else here :-)

[justkim]

I am feeling defeated right now... I have stress fractures in both my feet... nothing high impact for me for a while... I am frustrated that I am unable to do what I know works for me as far as cardio goes... I am going to try water aerobics, I will let you all know how that turns out. I can still do some of the workouts that my trainer has shown me... I do know I can maintain my weight with just walking and watching what I eat but that isn't what I wanted to do... I will take all of this and make the most of it...
To those of you also walking this journey to a better and healthier you please take care of your feet and listen to those little pains. This injury could have been avoided if I had only listen and not just tried to push through the pain...

[PinkieLee]

I just wanted to say THANK YOU, to each & every one of you, that shares your journey with us... the good, the bad & the ugly. I am grateful for the celebration of mini milestones & the neverending words of encouragement & support given to one another every. single. day!

[Leigh]

That's because we are just that darn good *grins*

[*Anya*]

Originally Posted by justkim

I am feeling defeated right now... I have stress fractures in both my feet... nothing high impact for me for a while... I am frustrated that I am unable to do what I know works for me as far as cardio goes... I am going to try water aerobics, I will let you all know how that turns out. I can still do some of the workouts that my trainer has shown me... I do know I can maintain my weight with just walking and watching what I eat but that isn't what I wanted to do... I will take all of this and make the most of it...
To those of you also walking this journey to a better and healthier you please take care of your feet and listen to those little pains. This injury could have been avoided if I had only listen and not just tried to push through the pain...

Hugs to you Kim! I have had two prior stress fractures in my right foot from previously overdoing it on a treadmill at a crazy incline and one stress fracture in my left foot when a large can of tomatoe sauce fell out of my pantry on my foot.

I was fortunate in that I did not have one in each foot at the same time. They can be quite painful.

They all took a long time to heal and will not be rushed! Water arobics is a really great idea for continuing exercise without impacting your fractures.

Best of luck and your advice to not ignore pain is quite wise. I did ignore my 1st one and it took twice as long to heal as my subsequent ones!

PS:

Thanks to all of you that PM'd me or left me comments, regarding my post of earlier today.

All of you are the very best. This is a wonderful thread with a truly caring community of folks. Hugs also to each of you for such wonderful support for not only me but for each other.

[sylvie]

It's been a hard week for me..
my Mémère isn't well, and my emotions are all over the place..
i'm very close with my grandparents, and found out this week she has an aggressive lung cancer and we're losing her to it - she's decided she didn't want treatment (and i don't blame her at almost 88 years old)..


So she's home & my cousin and i decided to take this weekend off, we need to see her so we're travelling (5 hour drive) up to Petit Rocher and spending it with her.. i need this before i travel to Mr Mtn this Wednesday..♥

ANYway, this week has been full of triggers for me, and it's been difficult, and i'm losing myself and i need to regain control.. So this morning, right now i am getting ready for the gym, and heading out in a bout 15-20 mins..i reminded myself this morning, food is *NOT* my enemy, and so back to taking care of me properly..

Posting this here, helps me keep myself accountable so i will GO.
i make excuses in my own mind not to go, now i will..

Thank you all for the posts i could go through to help motivate me to post in here.. i've been absent, but only because my days have been difficult and busy..i will be back and catch up properly, rep and comment and love on you all because you all ROCK..

Just needed this frigging motivation and ass kicking this morning..
So thank you!!!

-- off i go --

[JoSchmooze]

Just finished my 45 minutes on the bike,
waiting for coffe....this morning I have my first
"follow-up" appointment at the clinic....

I don't think I have anything to worry about -
I have lost 23 pounds in a month and I am still on the straight and narrow....so to speak!

I'll be back later to let you know what the Dr. has to say....
Keep on keeping on!

[Medusa]

Sylvie -
Definitely sounds like a tough week for you. I hope you get some down time. <3


Friday check in!

I went out last night with a group of friends from work to do Mexican food and karaoke. I had 2 huge margaritas that I'm sure were not the best of choices but I had "saved" a ton of calories yesterday knowing that I was going to have a drink or two.

Checked the scales this morning and I am squarely at 284 which is .4 lower than my lowest weight before I had my 5-pound backfire over the last month! WOOT!

Babysteps!

Clothes are definitely getting looser and feeling a lot more energetic.

Some days I have to remind myself of how far I've come because the weight loss is really slow compared to other people I know.

In the last year, I have quit smoking, gone completely off of soda of any type, significantly reduced the amount of processed food I eat, and also added a significant amount of exercise to my normal routine.

I am no longer on blood pressure medication, my knees no longer hurt, my blood pressure is a normal number, and I don't wake up aching every morning.

That's a Virginia Slim "You've come a long way baby" moment if I've ever seen it!

[Gemme]

For those having difficult days/weeks/times, I hear you. I hear you and I feel you.

For myself, I have issues that won't go away, and they are usually work related. Those I do stress about and sometimes give into urges about, but overall, I have a slight numbness to them. It's the 'same ole, same ole'.

But currently, I'm also in the process of moving and of a really good friend moving far, far away. Though I know he'll be taken care of by loving members of our community, I still feel as if a piece of me and a part of my life is going to board that plane with him in twelve days and I won't be able to get it back. So, I'm watching him pack and I have to pack and we're separating strands of our lives that we've spent a lot of time weaving together and it's just sad. I'm happy that we're exploring new lives and are going to have, hopefully, positive and joyful experiences. But it's the sadness that really eats at me.

When I'm angry or bored, I will take a few bites of whatever and I can usually catch myself and stop or else switch to a healthier substitute. However, the sadness, for me, is like the ocean. Calm on the surface, but if you get too deep into it, it will pull you under. And that's where I am. Away from the shore and at the point where I have to fight hard against it or let it take me under. Some days are better than others and some days I fight harder than others.

That's the way of the world. We all have so many obstacles (death, illness, LDRs, live in relationships, family, work, social obligations, society's influences upon us and our family, etc), it's a wonder any of us find a way to break through the hard times at all. So, I'm super proud of those who do have things in check. I'm proud of those who have those victories, whether small or big, to celebrate. I'm proud of those who aren't quite there yet, but are still chugging along. I'm even proud of those who are nowhere near where they'd like to be but they are aware of their struggle and still try when they can.

I am in the last category right now, but maybe next week, things will be better. I think my victory now is in maintaining the belief that things will get better.

[JoSchmooze]

Originally Posted by Medusa

Sylvie -
Definitely sounds like a tough week for you. I hope you get some down time. <3


Friday check in!

I went out last night with a group of friends from work to do Mexican food and karaoke. I had 2 huge margaritas that I'm sure were not the best of choices but I had "saved" a ton of calories yesterday knowing that I was going to have a drink or two.

Checked the scales this morning and I am squarely at 284 which is .4 lower than my lowest weight before I had my 5-pound backfire over the last month! WOOT!

Babysteps!

Clothes are definitely getting looser and feeling a lot more energetic.

Some days I have to remind myself of how far I've come because the weight loss is really slow compared to other people I know.

In the last year, I have quit smoking, gone completely off of soda of any type, significantly reduced the amount of processed food I eat, and also added a significant amount of exercise to my normal routine.

I am no longer on blood pressure medication, my knees no longer hurt, my blood pressure is a normal number, and I don't wake up aching every morning.

That's a Virginia Slim "You've come a long way baby" moment if I've ever seen it!

Great news about the BP medication and no longer aching!!
That's great....I am happy for you...

Gemme -
It will get better.....

I went to the clinic, BP was normal and the scale at the
clinic actually is in sync with my scales!
The new suggestion is to split up my proteins so that
I have four meals a day now but with half the protein
at each meal than I am accustomed to.....
I just finished measuring everything out in 8 oz
portions, vacuum sealed and stuck in the freezer!

Oh well....the only thing that stays the same is change....
or so I've heard.....

[foxyshaman]

Originally Posted by sylvie

It's been a hard week for me..
my Mémère isn't well, and my emotions are all over the place..
i'm very close with my grandparents, and found out this week she has an aggressive lung cancer and we're losing her to it - she's decided she didn't want treatment (and i don't blame her at almost 88 years old)..


So she's home & my cousin and i decided to take this weekend off, we need to see her so we're travelling (5 hour drive) up to Petit Rocher and spending it with her.. i need this before i travel to Mr Mtn this Wednesday..♥

ANYway, this week has been full of triggers for me, and it's been difficult, and i'm losing myself and i need to regain control.. So this morning, right now i am getting ready for the gym, and heading out in a bout 15-20 mins..i reminded myself this morning, food is *NOT* my enemy, and so back to taking care of me properly..

Posting this here, helps me keep myself accountable so i will GO.
i make excuses in my own mind not to go, now i will..

Thank you all for the posts i could go through to help motivate me to post in here.. i've been absent, but only because my days have been difficult and busy..i will be back and catch up properly, rep and comment and love on you all because you all ROCK..

Just needed this frigging motivation and ass kicking this morning..
So thank you!!!

-- off i go --

I am sorry to hear Sylvie that you are experiencing such a rough week. Sometimes between our own 'stuff' and the other 'stuff' life hands us, we don't always know which way to go. Triggers suck and food is not the enemy. Stay motivated, as best you can. If you don't, we both know that our internal critic will wreak havoc on our gentle souls. Be kind to yourself, above all things, be kind and have compassion.

I know there is little I can say to ease you, but know I am thinking of you. I am rooting for you. And I am sorry you are losing a person you deeply love. I am glad she is not taking treatment, I think that is wise at 88. Love her as long as you have her, and love her with warm memories after she is gone.

As always, with love and hugs

Foxy