Psycho-Babble Medication Thread 213825

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Weight loss ideas please

Posted by janejj on March 28, 2003, at 14:54:34

Hi,

I am wondering if anyone knows of a good weightloss plan that has worked and they have kept it off ?

I want to lose about 5-10 pounds, I put this on after stopping Prozac and I am now taking Celexa which has done nothing to my weight.

Any ideas ? I eat really healthily so its not like I need to cut out the crap i have already !

Thanks janejj

 

yes » janejj

Posted by beardedlady on March 28, 2003, at 15:06:55

In reply to Weight loss ideas please, posted by janejj on March 28, 2003, at 14:54:34

If you already exercise 30 minutes, five days a week, increase it to an hour. If you don't exercise at all, do 30 minutes, five days a week.

My best recommendation is to cut out bread and sugar. I lost weight rapidly this way. It was hard to start, but it was easy to stick with. Just load up on veggies, fruit, and protein, and be sure to eat fat. The Zone plan is excellent--I have a ton of energy after just a few days on it. But it can be boring as hell. Today I am having salty cracker cravings.

Weight Watchers works well, but it's not so good for people who only have a few pounds to lose. I lost my first 16 pounds on it, but I'm on the Zone to lose the last ten.

Good luck.

Beardy : )>

 

Re: Weight loss ideas please

Posted by Ame Sans Vie on March 28, 2003, at 15:12:44

In reply to Weight loss ideas please, posted by janejj on March 28, 2003, at 14:54:34

On a high-carb, normal-protein diet, you could easily get rid of 10 pounds in two weeks, maybe three. I was able to shed 70 lbs. in about 11 weeks by just sticking to 10gm/carbs a day. My cholesterol went from 152/25 to 135/37, and my body fat went from 17% to 11%. Best way I've found to lose weight by far. Now I just avoid sugar entirely, try to stick to poly- and monounsaturated fats as best I can, and eat around 50gm of (mostly complex) carbs per day. Kept it off for 5 months so far.

 

Re: Sorry, meant low-carb in above message!! (nm)

Posted by Ame Sans Vie on March 28, 2003, at 15:18:19

In reply to Re: Weight loss ideas please, posted by Ame Sans Vie on March 28, 2003, at 15:12:44

 

Thanks for the clarification! » Ame Sans Vie

Posted by beardedlady on March 28, 2003, at 16:39:43

In reply to Re: Sorry, meant low-carb in above message!! (nm), posted by Ame Sans Vie on March 28, 2003, at 15:18:19

I was sitting here aghast! High carbs? Defies logic! Phew!

beardy : )>

 

Re: yes

Posted by fairnymph on March 28, 2003, at 16:49:39

In reply to yes » janejj, posted by beardedlady on March 28, 2003, at 15:06:55

> If you already exercise 30 minutes, five days a week, increase it to an hour. If you don't exercise at all, do 30 minutes, five days a week.
>
> My best recommendation is to cut out bread and sugar. I lost weight rapidly this way. It was hard to start, but it was easy to stick with. Just load up on veggies, fruit, and protein, and be sure to eat fat. The Zone plan is excellent--I have a ton of energy after just a few days on it. But it can be boring as hell. Today I am having salty cracker cravings.
>
> Weight Watchers works well, but it's not so good for people who only have a few pounds to lose. I lost my first 16 pounds on it, but I'm on the Zone to lose the last ten.
>
> Good luck.


Really good advice here. I too find that low carbs, exercise, lots of fruit, veggies protein is the best way to lose weight.

Also, do NOT eat at night. I eat huge breakfasts, moderate lunches, and tiny dinners, and control my weight very well as a result. I try never to eat past 7 pm at night.

fn


 

Re: Thanks for the clarification!

Posted by utopizen on March 28, 2003, at 16:50:31

In reply to Thanks for the clarification! » Ame Sans Vie, posted by beardedlady on March 28, 2003, at 16:39:43

> I was sitting here aghast! High carbs? Defies logic! Phew!
>
> beardy : )>

Go vegan and take Desoxyn.

I already do both, and I'm skronny. =P

Oh wait, DNA might be to blame for that... no, but seriously, lay off the meat and carbs, and any animal products for that matter, and try methamphetamine (Desoxyn), which is approved in exogenous obesity and ADD.

 

Re: yes

Posted by janejj on March 28, 2003, at 16:53:39

In reply to Re: yes, posted by fairnymph on March 28, 2003, at 16:49:39

Hi,

Thanks for the advice everyone, I guess that I really need to start exercising....I just have a real problem with motivation...I use every excuse in the book, its too cold/hot, I don't have anything to wear, exercise doesn't really work !!

I have also though about the low carb diet, the problem is I am a vegetarian, so it is hard for me to find so much protein to eat !!

Thanks Janejj

 

protein » janejj

Posted by beardedlady on March 28, 2003, at 18:50:51

In reply to Re: yes, posted by janejj on March 28, 2003, at 16:53:39

Lots of good soy stuff out there know--from milk to frozen faux sausage. You can make a great spaghetti sauce with those Morningstar Farms grillers or Boca crumbles. Go for lots of beans mixed with rice to make a whole protein.

It is tough, but exercise is your best bet. Plus you get a lot of benefit from the endorphins.

I know it's tough for people who are depressed to exercise, but it's really important to mental health. Some people have even found it to cure their depression--if it's situational or has come on suddenly (rather than long-term depression).

Well, good luck to you!

beardy : )>

 

correction » janejj

Posted by beardedlady on March 28, 2003, at 18:51:53

In reply to Re: yes, posted by janejj on March 28, 2003, at 16:53:39

Lots of good stuff out there NOW, not know. But you're a vegetarian and already knew all that, right?

beardy : )>

 

Re: Weight loss ideas please- janejj

Posted by KRM123 on March 28, 2003, at 18:57:53

In reply to Weight loss ideas please, posted by janejj on March 28, 2003, at 14:54:34

Janejj- Yes, what you need is exercise. Hopefully the Celexa will give you a little extra boost. Did you feel any extra energy from the Prozac? I know it is hard to get movtivated, but I promise once you start a routine it will become habit for you. And please tell yourself that you are exercising because it makes you feel good and not because you have to do it to lose weight. Five to 10 lbs can be easy to lose but if you want to lose and maintain that then it will happen slowly. If you lose it fast then it will be harder to maintain and you might start a yo-yo effect.

Just please don't go on a diet, but it may be wise to pay attention to your carb intake (but don't eliminate) because SSRI's can cause us to gain because unfortunately, your brain does something called down regulation of serotonin receptors. You grow less of them in your brain if it is exposed to an SSRI. Since you have to have a certain number of these receptors occupied to feel satiated, and you have fewer to occupy, you need to have even higher levels of serotonin in your brain. Thus, you eat more, and it is carbohydrates that you eat to pump in tryptophan to make serotonin.

I tried dieting and lost almost 10 lbs I think, but then got stuck in the diet/binge cycle. Gained the weight back when I decided not to starve or purge anymore. I am 5'5 130 lbs and would like to lose 5-10lbs also but have to get my eating back in order and exercise as much as possible. Good luck. God Bless.

 

Re: Weight loss ideas please » janejj

Posted by elbee on March 29, 2003, at 14:37:59

In reply to Weight loss ideas please, posted by janejj on March 28, 2003, at 14:54:34

Hi, I'm new around here, but thought I'd forward you this weight loss book/recipe book that is the most sensible one I've ever read:
"eat more, weigh less" by dr. dean ornish.

Plus, it's vegetarian. I like it because it talks about other aspects that are helpful to wt. loss like meditation or finding connections w/other people. It is basically common sense, emphasizing all the heart healthy/healthful eating habits always in the news. Tells you to go veggie, low-no fat, then eat as much of the rest (?) as you want.

It sounds like you don't have that much to loose/eat healthy now, so I'll bet you can do great on any method.
Good luck

P.S. The only downside to this program is that it's very low fat...for me, takes some getting used to. I've felt healthier on it, but for me it's been a big lifestyle change to make.

 

low fat » elbee

Posted by beardedlady on March 29, 2003, at 15:16:20

In reply to Re: Weight loss ideas please » janejj, posted by elbee on March 29, 2003, at 14:37:59

> Hi, I'm new around here, but thought I'd forward you this weight loss book/recipe book that is the most sensible one I've ever read: "eat more, weigh less" by dr. dean ornish.

I find this true of the Zone books. I find the science behind them valid.

> Tells you to go veggie, low-no fat, then eat as much of the rest (?) as you want.

My opinion and experience (not to be argumentative) is that low-no fat is bad. Our bodies need fat to run. And we need fat to make us feel satiated and not get bored with our diets.

> P.S. The only downside to this program is that it's very low fat...for me, takes some getting used to. I've felt healthier on it, but for me it's been a big lifestyle change to make.

Maybe you should rethink the fat?

This is a great article, though I only have the link from this creepy doctor's site. http://www.mercola.com/2002/jul/24/carbs1.htm

Good luck to us all. Fighting our food battles is so very hard on the psyche.

beardy : )>

 

Re: low carbo » beardedlady

Posted by elbee on March 29, 2003, at 16:19:53

In reply to low fat » elbee, posted by beardedlady on March 29, 2003, at 15:16:20

Thanks for the NYT article/your suggestion. It was an interesting read. Your characterization of the dr. (and photo) made me laugh.

Even thought it might seem contradictory to my earlier post (there is only so much you can get in a msg.), I do agree w/you about the need for fats. I feel perhaps Dr. Ornish's diet should be modified to be more liveable w/somewhat higher fat content--so you don't have to live like a monk.

What has been your experience w/Zone? I'm not totally familiar w/it. I find that when I go on low carbo diets they work for a time, but the world supply of Milk Duds (and sugar) drops if you go off them. Sugar rampage! They don't seem totally natural to maintain (just like a truly low, low, fat diet). Has your experience been different?

Was on the Ornish thing, until recently. Right now I haven't been thinking much about diet because I've other stuff going on. It's good to talk about for future reference/motivation to be healthier even when problems loom.

 

Re: low carbo » elbee

Posted by bozeman on March 29, 2003, at 18:12:50

In reply to Re: low carbo » beardedlady, posted by elbee on March 29, 2003, at 16:19:53

I think the Dean Ornish ideas have merit, but I think he's a little too militant with the fat aversion. You can't live very long without some fat. Cholesterol is, after all, a building block for all cell membranes and many sex hormones, and a major component in brain tissue. The liver in healthy persons usually manufactues all the cholesterol we need, but you still need fatty acids that you body can't manufacture, like Omega-3, 6, and 9.

But, to answer your question, I have used the Zone diet and found it worked for me. I posted this to beardedlady several days ago but it archived off the page so quickly I'm not even sure she saw it:

http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/social/20030322/msgs/212373.html

Hope this helps.

bozeman

 

Re: low carbo » bozeman

Posted by beardedlady on March 29, 2003, at 18:44:10

In reply to Re: low carbo » elbee, posted by bozeman on March 29, 2003, at 18:12:50

Boze! Sorry! I completely forgot to post my response to you. I reload and forget the new indicators. Sorry. Thanks for your well wishes.

Do you have any suggestions for keeping meals interesting? I'm so tired of all these fruits and veggies! Already! I have had six salads in three days. I have had a cup of strawberries, a cup of pineapples, a cup of grapes, a cup of broccoli, a salad--and then the proteins and fats today.

And then I had a beer, so I had extra shrimp to counter it.

I was feeling good for a few days, but it's soooo hard to stick with. Any suggestions?

beardy : )>

 

The Zone » elbee

Posted by beardedlady on March 29, 2003, at 18:49:05

In reply to Re: low carbo » beardedlady, posted by elbee on March 29, 2003, at 16:19:53

It's not so bad, but you're right about the milk duds (Hershey's kisses for me!). I'm a woman. All these diets seem to be for men. I'm PMS-ing right now, and chocolate is what soothes the savage breast pain.

I have been doing Weight Watchers for a long time. I find it much easier to follow, and, if you eliminate bread and pasta, cut down on rice and potatoes, and focus on fruits, veggies, and proteins, you wind up losing plenty of weight very fast.

I was looking to the Zone to stop the cravings, though. I'm going to stick with it for a few weeks and see what happens. I feel like I'm eating more than I'm allowed with Weight Watchers, so we'll see what happens.

Good luck with all the other stuff you have to face. I find, however, that exibiting control in one area when I'm having trouble in another sometimes helps. So if I don't have control over my relationships, I feel better when I control my food. I also am a happy eater, meaning I eat when life is comfortable.

Good luck to us all.

beardy : )>

 

Re: low carbo suggestion » beardedlady

Posted by bozeman on March 29, 2003, at 20:06:50

In reply to Re: low carbo » bozeman, posted by beardedlady on March 29, 2003, at 18:44:10

That's OK, beardy. I figured either you never saw it, or just got busy. Either way, I didn't take it personally.

Also being a woman with chocolate cycles :-) I found I had to modify the diet a little at the outset. My first week has more of an Atkins flavor to it -- Daily salads (usually two, sometimes three), no fruit, some green beans or broccoli, the rest proteins or fat -- steak, omelettes, roasted chicken, chicken salad, roast beef, deviled eggs, salmon salad, chicken soup (no noodles, just meat and some veggies), roast turkey, etc. That week "breaks" the insulin cycle for me that makes me crave carbs. (I keep carbs under 30 grams per day for that week.) Once I get through that week, I can go up to about 100 grams of carbs a day, (by adding back in the fruit and the rest of the vegetables) which in my opinion is more than I'll ever need unless I'm pregnant, and still not have the cravings. That 100 grams puts me just about smack in Zone territory, and if I go slightly over or under, I don't worry about it. I don't really eat refined carbs anyway, due to allergies, so you're right, I can just about make myself bored eating fruits and veggies as they are much less dense calorically.

Something you might try -- on the rare occasion I had a "bad" craving, I made a power shake -- flax oil and maybe some heavy cream for fat; milk if you want it and can tolerate it; plain yogurt if you want; fresh or canned-in-juice fruit (frozen is yummy and makes it more like a shake); and a low-carb protein powder to balance it out. I like to add raw eggs to mine (if that makes you queasy, you can use a pasteurized egg product available in the supermarket like Egg Beaters.) Perfect Zone snack, or meal replacement, depending on how much you make, that doesn't feel like eating a bucket of salad. It takes a little fiddling with a calorie counter book to get a handle on the percentages if you're not familiar with them, but by the time you've made it once or twice you'll have the ratios down and won't need the book any more. If it needs sweetening, add a little Stevia. It's virtually calorically neutral and without the danger and side effects of aspartame (which breaks down over time into methanol, among other things -- deadly to the optic nerve! Ever notice they started putting expiration dates on canned soda a few years ago? This is why. The shelf life of the aspartame required it; and it breaks down more quickly under heat, which is why you should never use aspartame in cooking, only in cold foods or right before serving, and keep a fresh supply if you must use it. Throw out what you can't use in six months.)

Probably more than you wanted to know (chuckle!) but I hope it helps. Good luck with those last ten pounds -- you should have them off in plenty of time for summer!!!

Best,

bozeman

 

Re: Weight loss ideas please

Posted by paxvox on March 29, 2003, at 20:37:32

In reply to Weight loss ideas please, posted by janejj on March 28, 2003, at 14:54:34

Wellbutrin, if you can get off the SSRI meds, will shed you 10 pounds easily, as long as you adjust your diet accordingly.

PAX

 

Re: Weight loss ideas please

Posted by Rainbowlight on March 29, 2003, at 23:32:01

In reply to Weight loss ideas please, posted by janejj on March 28, 2003, at 14:54:34

I just began watching my weight and exercising everyday and I have lost 6 pounds in 5 days! This is HUGE for me since I am on Remeron and am trying to lose Remeron weight gain. I have cut way down on the fat and salt. I have cut out almost all sugar. I am eating 6 small meals a day (3 meals and 3 snacks. A meal I eat now is about 1/2 smaller than usual, and I am eating alot more veggies and fruits than I normally would. I have found eating every 3 hours or so really cuts down on my appetite and cravings. I also drink almost a gallon a water a day (once you get used to it it's easy). Anyway, that is what's working for me. Best of luck to you.

 

good suggestions » bozeman

Posted by beardedlady on March 30, 2003, at 5:40:48

In reply to Re: low carbo suggestion » beardedlady, posted by bozeman on March 29, 2003, at 20:06:50

> That's OK, beardy. I figured either you never saw it, or just got busy. Either way, I didn't take it personally.

---
O.K., good.
---

> Also being a woman with chocolate cycles :-) I found I had to modify the diet a little at the outset. My first week has more of an Atkins flavor to it -- Daily salads (usually two, sometimes three), no fruit, some green beans or broccoli, the rest proteins or fat -- steak, omelettes, roasted chicken, chicken salad, roast beef, deviled eggs, salmon salad, chicken soup (no noodles, just meat and some veggies), roast turkey, etc. That week "breaks" the insulin cycle for me that makes me crave carbs. (I keep carbs under 30 grams per day for that week.)

---
Yes, that has happened to me when I did Weight Watchers with absolutely no bread, rice, pasta, or potatoes. I am really thinking that, although it's not in the "zone," it doesn't raise my insulin levels to eat this way; therefore, I may not be at optimum fat burning or good-feeling, but I'm still losing weight and carb cravings.

But I can never kill the chocolate cravings. Last night, after about a week without a single bit of anything chocolate, I broke down and had two wedges of a chocolate orange. So good.

The shake sounds okay, but I am loathe to drink my calories. Though I have felt a nice full feeling from the Soy Slim Fast shakes!

> Probably more than you wanted to know (chuckle!) but I hope it helps. Good luck with those last ten pounds -- you should have them off in plenty of time for summer!!!

Vanity is a tough thing for many to deal with or admit to. But we've changed pools this summer, and I'll now be going where everyone in my neighborhood goes--all the people who work with my husband and whose kids are my husband's students. I feel like they're about to see me naked.

Thanks for all the information. It's helpful!

beardy : )>

 

Re: good suggestions plus one » beardedlady

Posted by bozeman on March 30, 2003, at 17:58:34

In reply to good suggestions » bozeman, posted by beardedlady on March 30, 2003, at 5:40:48

> But I can never kill the chocolate cravings. Last night, after about a week without a single bit of anything chocolate, I broke down and had two wedges of a chocolate orange. So good.
>

I don't think two wedges of it will hurt you on *any* diet, as long as you can stop with two, and it's not every day.

> The shake sounds okay, but I am loathe to drink my calories. Though I have felt a nice full feeling from the Soy Slim Fast shakes!
>

Soy milk/powder is good in the shakes, I forgot to mention that as I don't tolerate soy well. Just watch the total carbs. Oh, and I also forgot, add psyllium powder (plain, no added sugar or flavor - hard to find, Carlson Labs sells it, Konsyl is another brand) to the shakes in order to 1) make them more filling, as I use them for meal replacements when I'm too rushed, stressed, tired, or just don't want to cook; and 2) to add enough fiber to my diet that my intestines don't freak out at lack of fiber and do the "spastic panic bowel" thing. If you mix the shake in the blender you'll have no trouble getting the psyllium to mix properly and it won't gum up. Flax oil is very important, though. Don't leave it out.

> Vanity is a tough thing for many to deal with or admit to. But we've changed pools this summer, and I'll now be going where everyone in my neighborhood goes--all the people who work with my husband and whose kids are my husband's students. I feel like they're about to see me naked.
>

Shoot, if you're only ten pounds from a comfortable/ideal weight, go ahead and indulge a little vanity!!! I can't see how it would hurt you as long as you keep a healthy attitude about it.

> Thanks for all the information. It's helpful!
>
> beardy : )>

I'm glad it helped. I spent many years, when I was too sick to do much of anything else, reading, researching, and amassing information on a myriad of topics. Everyone responds according to their own physiology, and the same rules don't apply to everyone, so I try not to make generalizations or stick my opinion in if it's not wanted or needed. But if I know (or know where to find) something that may help you, you're welcome to pick my brain anytime. :-)

Best of luck to you, beardy!

bozeman

 

Re: good suggestions plus one » bozeman

Posted by elbee on March 30, 2003, at 20:40:35

In reply to Re: good suggestions plus one » beardedlady, posted by bozeman on March 30, 2003, at 17:58:34

> I'm glad it helped. I spent many years, when I was too sick to do much of anything else, reading, researching, and amassing information on a myriad of topics. Everyone responds according to their own physiology, and the same rules don't apply to everyone, so I try not to make generalizations or stick my opinion in if it's not wanted or needed.


But if I know (or know where to find) something that may help you, you're welcome to pick my brain anytime. :-)
>
> Best of luck to you, beardy!
>
> bozeman

Bozeman,
Hi.
Maybe you didn't intend to, but this post/title to beardedlady rubbed me the wrong way. I don't remember anyone making generalizations or the topic being about sticking in your opinion if it's not needed or wanted. It seemed like you were making an "I" statement here about something that bothered you.

I'm new here & my post was in the spirit of responding to the original poster who wanted to know what worked. I was not trying to convert anyone & was equivocal about the suggested plan (stating it had some drawbacks).

Also, I posted the comment about my experiences & asked beardedlady about hers in a general context. Afterwards, I realized that I'd missed one of her posts & that she was actively on the Zone. I wouldn't have even told her anything about my experiences, if I'd known she was--not only a believer in it--but newly trying it herself. I tried to post a follow up, but decided my post was understandable/non-judgemental enough (and besides I had to go).

I specifically didn't engage in a back in forth about the science or anything of a particular diet because I a)just posted a diet I thought would help the person, and b) when beardy was kind enough to volunteer assistance to me, asked told her about my experiences and asked her about hers.

I just think it was unfair of you to start a thing about inserting unwanted/unneeded opionions/generalizations when I don't feel anyone did so. I didn't follow.

 

Re: Reply » beardedlady

Posted by elbee on March 30, 2003, at 23:18:16

In reply to The Zone » elbee, posted by beardedlady on March 29, 2003, at 18:49:05

Yeah, us women have certain dietary requirements, that's for sure.

For me, I've just been having a health problem & therefore very tired so proper meal planning has taken a back seat. I'm in survival mode. But I hope to get back on the wagon, eventually. (I've lost wt., but not due to eating right.)

Anyhow. Thanks for your earlier msg. & glad to hear of your success. I'm sure you're enjoying all the nice bonuses that come w/wt. loss (the way clothes fit, etc.).

 

Huh? » elbee

Posted by beardedlady on March 31, 2003, at 9:16:15

In reply to Re: good suggestions plus one » bozeman, posted by elbee on March 30, 2003, at 20:40:35

Elbee:

I think you completely misread bozeman's post. Why on earth would you assume that comment was about you and not about herself?

I don't think her post had anything at all to do with you and don't even understand what could lead you to think that. Neither of you had done anything or said anything inappropriate.

What's going on?

beardy


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