[kimmydawn]

This might fit in another forum, but I feel it best fits here because it deals directly with weight loss and maintenance. Here goes...

I've always been overweight my entire life.

8 yrs. ago I lost 87 lbs (I'd never been that overweight but 2 1/2 yrs of specific meds caused me to gain quickly. I was generally 20-30 lbs overweight).

The problem is that, as I'm getting older I need to eat healthily and I'm pretrified to do that...to increase or change eating patterns at all due to the fear of gaining lots of weight back.

I've never eaten properly in my life, and I'm feeling it now...always tired and I need energy raising my three yr. old nephew (I've had him for two yrs. now).

Any suggestions would be great on how I could relinquish my fears and eat healthily would be great...

Also, information on supplements would be awesome! I'm sure I'm lack on everything a body needs to function well. I read about milk thistle for the liver and am going to try that as I worry about the meds I take. That's one on my list.

Thank you so much for being here. I have so many questions and there's so much information and sharing here! Y'all are AWESOME!

KD

[KTM5665]

Hiya~

I never ate healthy. until now that is!!! Im trying to "learn" how to do just that. Im about 20 pounds overweight but would like to just change my eating habits.

So far, Ive managed to kick the salt habit, by changing over to the "fake" salt. to me, it tastes like roadsalt and is stronger then regular salt??? I like it~

I, dont laugh, went and bought a 5 pound bag of fireball candies last month. they help keep my mind occupied, as well as burn the hell out of my taste buds so I have no desire to eat things like salty foods...b/c my tongue is friend! I highly suggest this method.

I also started drinking more water, as well as strictly diet sodas. I've also began using Lean cusines, in place of like a stouffers French Bread pizza fgor lunch. Problem is...there isnt enough in there to feed a bird!

[DystoniaGal]

Alicia

So your weakness is salt and mine is sweets. I have pretty much done the same as you, but really trying to limit to one diet soda a day.

Ohyeah, you have the height for your weight. I think you hide it well. Not too sure what the average body weight is for your height, but you are like me, we hide it well.

High Five
Suzie

[kimmydawn]

Thank you both so much for the replies!!!

My weaknesses are bread and sweets. I try to give myself both so that I don't overeat...the thing is...I won't eat anything else then for the day. Right now I'm on a solf pretzel kick. I crave carbs...literally. I have my entire life.

I'm so glad I'm not alone (though I'm not glad for others struggling)!

KD

[KTM5665]

hahaha. I still qualify as a linebacker for the buffalo bills! I feel like one anyhow!

It's crazy. I alternate between salt, and sugar. that's why I bought those fireballs...and discovered..they do help! It helps the sugar craving, and then...makes my mouth hurt enough to not overslat my food with fake salt!

I have to literally, burn my tastebuds to lose some weight! nice, eh>

[janster]

Hey KD~
Man are we alike! Breads, baked goods and sweets....I could live on them!! I also crave carbs! Why can't we crave lettuce and carrots? I never understood that. Seriously.

What I TRY to do--and yeah, it's really hard to do, is keep fresh fruit and veggies around, and handy, so that I'll reach for that when I'm "looking" for something to eat. (Isn't it stupid how we keep looking in the fridge every haof hour, like something new is magically gonna appear? Like--Hey, there's a pan of dessert I missed last time!!! COOL! )

I find that I grab whatever's handiest when I'm hungry (I suppose I'm lazy) and if I keep that stuff handy, I'll take that. I also TRY not to buy all the goodies, but I am human and cave in a lot.

I don't think you have to worry about changing your eating habits though. I mean, not if you don't change them to eating all junk. If you improve them a little, and have support at home, and your adopted family here, I think you're good to go.

I don't think you mentioned exercise--but I could have missed it. I'm doing this kinda fast, sorry, football is on. Hey--priorities man!!! hehehe I think if we (ME included) incorporate daily exercise into our regime we should see some good results. Let's do it together, k? Well, we all will.

We'll be talking!!
Hugs,
Jan

[kimmydawn]

"I find that I grab whatever's handiest when I'm hungry (I suppose I'm lazy) and if I keep that stuff handy, I'll take that."

Oh boy, are we alike!!!

Yes, to exercise. I want to now do that as well. I need to get some supplements in me because I've limited my eating so much. See, I know if I eat the "good stuff", I'll still eat my cravings and carbs, so I cut out the good stuff. I know that's not good. Months of this has led into years... I mean, I make dinner for the family and don't eat...

Yes, we will do this! I need to be held accountable. I'm being serious. I have a three yr old who has NO ONE else depending on a healthy "mom" (he's my nephew, but I'm mom).

Thank all of you for being here.

KD

[Vowel Lady]

I lost 25 pounds doing weight watchers and my husband lost 35. I've done this a few times before. This time it stuck. Toward the end of the program, I was eating in a healthy way. Now my blood pressure is almost normal. I'm taking a small fraction of the medication I was taking previously AND I'm maintaining my weight and have more energy lately.
Here are some basics:
1) Buy these two books
You: The Owner's Manual
The REal Age Makeover
I believe both are by Dr. Michael Roizen
They will give you great ideas re: food, exercise and vitamins
2) Try to eat fresh foods whenever possible.
Cut down on carbhoydrates. Cut down on sugar and bread. Increase fiber. Cut down on fats. Cut down or eliminate artificial/highly processed foods.
3) Drink more water
4) Take vitamins (you don't have to over do it) Figure out what works for you/what you believe in and stick to it
IMHO, for a female, a minimum would be:
a) multi-vitamin
b) extra calcium/magnesium/D formula
c) B Complex
5) Exercise more days of the week than not; this means four days a week. If you can do more: fine, if not, don't worry about it. Aim for four.
6) Watch your portions of foods
7) Eat more fruits and vegetables
8) Throw out all garbage foods in your home
9) Restock your frig and pantry with wholesome, low fat foods. Keep yourself stocked with fruits, veggies, water and other good things
Some ideal wholesome foods:
almonds
pomengranate juice (in moderation)
garlic
olive oil (in moderation)
spinach
tomatoes and tomato sauce
wild salmon
I think if you follow these guidelines, you will lose weight or maintain a reduced weight, feel better and improve overall health.
If you develop these habits; it will almost seem easy.

[Mari]

HI,
It's hard to give up things and easier to add things.

If you could add 5-9 servings of fruit and veggetables to your daily diet you would be well on your way to good health. Eventually, you would not want as much of the food you want to drop.

When I have lost weight, I have eaten fruits and veggies at every meal and for snacks.

I used to cook and eat a whole pot of broccoli twice a day for example -- made a meal out of the broccoli.

Right now I am on a bread a butter kick. Need to get back to the veggies soon.
Mari

[slogo]

kD, I am trying to stay mostly on a healthy version of a LC eating plan. I kind of made mine fit my lifestyle and when I am on my plan it WORKS for me. I have lost 33 lbs in the last few months without exercising. Exercise is not something I can do without it causing a big flare of my pain. I know weight loss can be done without it...yet I also know it is so much healthier to exercise.
My basic plan is an egg for breakfst, 3 ounces tuna, salmom, chicken or 4 ounces boiled shrimp for lunch and a healthy dinner of meat, veggies, and complex carbs eaten then. Skim milk 2x's daily and some fruit for snacks. After being on this plan for a week or so I do NOT get hungry, like I am right now, after just starting back. Of course my only problem with my plan is that it is too low in fiber so I take Benefiber in my green tea daily. Later when I get some more of the weight off and need to start maintenance, I will add back my oat bran.
My main problem is I am addicted to carbs BIG TIME! The ONLY way I can stop the craving is to go lo-carb and the minute I put carbs back the craving starts back again..

We need to keep this thread on the top folks, I believe we will all get lots of help here with our eating plans. Hugs, Gaye