Healthy Weight Loss

[JustJo]

Originally Posted by Rockinonahigh

Im still battleing the coke/diet coke thing,I use to dring a 12 pack of regular coke a day now in drinking three diet coke a day,tho I will admitt to leting more than a fue turn to a watery mess after the ice melts tha go down the drain.I do my best to drink as much water or sugar free ice tea as possable.

Good for you! Going from 12 regular cokes a day (yikes!) to a few diet cokes is a huge step forward.

I think it's important that we all have to just keep plugging away and taking what steps we can, when we can, towards our goal of being healthier.

For a lot of folks, trying to make all of the changes at once just leads to failure and frustration.

Keep up the good work!

[Scorp]

Day 2 and I'm continuing to journallllll! Woo hoo gettin' back into it!!!

Thank you to all of you who sent me little messages

Nice that we can all be inspirational to one another. That really helps and especially the NON-Judgement if some of us have a bad day or not...

Thanks friends.

[Scorp]

I forgot to mention some of my favorite things to eat have low points (for anyone doing weight watchers) or if you want to cut down on calories, etc.

I LOVE "beef" hot dogs which are big in the point range. However, an excellent alternative to an 8 point hot dog is:

Hebrew National Reduced Fat (Beef) Franks. It sounds nasty, but....surprisingly these are awesome and taste like the regular ones, EXCEPT they are only 3 points versus 8 or 9 for a regular one! Trust me, if these tasted crappy I would tell you folks.

Vegetarian Baked Beans - 3 points for 1/2 cup...These go a long way. One would think 1/2 cup is not much, but, it is and satisfying no more, no less.

I am a MAJOR Cheese-It FREAAAK I absolutely LOVE these and the reduced-fat cheese-its are awesome...Every night I have to have these while watching the boob tube...(as in TV) not boobs on TV...However, I bet there are no calories in watching the real ones *ahem* Anyway, back to the cheese-its... You can have 29 cheese-its for 4 points. That may sound like a lot of points to use..BUT...They are VERY satisfying and do the trick for your snacking fetish...Matter of fact, I'm eating them now as i'm typing this. I can't tell you how many boxes I go through in a month. These totally satisfy me big-time.

If you LOVE popcorn, go for the "Homestyle" Pop Secret (94% fat free) and it's only 3 points per bag and it's SOOOO damn good...Not like the other fat free popcorns, amazingly good.

Reduced-fat Fig Newtons: Only 2 points for both!

I am not a huge water drinker. Never was and usually have to force myself to drink it. But, I LOVE lemon Crystal Light and live off that. I also love to drink Diet Polar Raspberry-Lime tonic (soda) and add a wedge of fresh lime or a key lime. That is my drink of choice and I'm addicted.

[Rockinonahigh]

Im on th no or low carb thing,its working pretty well so ive managed to be able to keep the carbs at a reasonable number each day.Eggs,meat,fish and fowl are trace or 0 carbs,cheese has 0 carbs,veggies have 0 except fpr the root kind.To night I had kept my carbs down fairly low so tonight I cooked spagettie with italina sasuage with garlic bread.The bag said 2cups were 39 carbs so I onlyhad 1 cup of skettie,1 sasuage and half slice of garlic hread for 11 carbs.It was real good and worth skiming carbs for but im glad I wont need todo this but once in a while.I am reading the info list like never before zero or very fur carbs work for me.

[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 :-)

[PinkieLee]

Originally Posted by Matthew

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 :-)

No matter what flavor it is that you like, if you can find one that helps you get your water intake, then you are doing good.

Cutting out sodas is a BIG change. I know that I feel a lot less groggy than when I drank sodas. Like Medusa said, my joints are less achy, too! If you can cut cold turkey off the regular Pepsi it would be better than switching to Diet Pepsi. Sure, you would save some calories, but "they" (weight loss studies) say that diet sodas actually make you crave sugar and are so much worse for you than the regular ones.

Cutting back and alternating with water is a good start my friend. YOU CAN DO IT!

[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.

[Rockinonahigh]

I keep a water bottle nerxt to my diet coke can,when I reach for something to drink I make a choice to go for the water first,I figure im drinking about four sixteen oz. of it a day.I also like the cristal packets of ocean diet light wich is 5 carbsa 12 oz glass but its a bit strong so I add water to it to lighten it more so its still good.Finaly I live in a place where the water is drinkable right out of the tap,the last place had awful looking and smelly water comeing out of the tap so I was buying bottled water to drink.I only drink two cups of coffee in the mornig wich will probly change when it gets cold again,if I need sugsr for anything I use splenda.Gonna miss my hot chockolat this winter.

[starryeyes]

Hey All..

I am SO glad to see this thread! I have recently been struggling with my weight loss. I lost 60lbs over the course of a year with Weight Watchers, exercise and a lot of motivation. I have been going though stress in my life, which has resulted in a 15lbs gain over the past 7 months. I am really trying to get back on track, but I am STRUGGLING!! I was only 20 lbs from my lifetime goal back in November, and I have just given up! I don't know if it was because they changed the plan and that screwed me up, or if it just because I got comfortable. I am still active, I play on a soccer team and I have just taken up boxing. I guess I am taking it day by day, but wow I am getting frusterated!!!

Weight watchers worked for me when I followed the program, so I know thats what I need to do. I was a point NAZI with the old program. I need to relearn this new program and back to my ways of tracking again.

:-)
Starry

[starryeyes]

Originally Posted by Rockinonahigh

I keep a water bottle nerxt to my diet coke can,when I reach for something to drink I make a choice to go for the water first,I figure im drinking about four sixteen oz. of it a day.I also like the cristal packets of ocean diet light wich is 5 carbsa 12 oz glass but its a bit strong so I add water to it to lighten it more so its still good.Finaly I live in a place where the water is drinkable right out of the tap,the last place had awful looking and smelly water comeing out of the tap so I was buying bottled water to drink.I only drink two cups of coffee in the mornig wich will probly change when it gets cold again,if I need sugsr for anything I use splenda.Gonna miss my hot chockolat this winter.

Propel power packets are awesome keep me drinking water all day long. on WW, one packet is 1 pt. They also make Propel 0, which is 0 points and also are good. I love the grape flavor.

[Nina]

I drink a lot of water...

I drink water which I call 'crack-water'....it is MetroMint Spearmint water...I have tried all the other stuff and didn't like any, the spearmint is perfect for me...it is not cheap...one could make water by brewing some fresh spearmint and adding it to water in a bottle or glass or whatever container you like...
you can also put leaves of spearmint or mint, or other herbs you might like, into bottles of water and it will do some infusion...

there are other water infused with essences I like...they are all sugar free, and chemical free...the others I like are fruit-y, a nice change sometimes...

just a water drinking thought...

of course, water drinking has it's resulting reaction so it's sometimes worth being aware when we drink the most water...

[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!