![[dr. bob]](/dr-bob-sm.gif)
Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 22 of 22. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by JenStar on August 11, 2004, at 2:36:08
hi all,
I've been struggling with my weight forever. Lately I've been in a huge downward cycle of eating more and more junkfood and carbs.I know you've all probably offered this kind of advice before to me & others, but if you wouldn't mind giving it again (sometimes I need to hear it a hundred times!!) -- what are your best suggestions to break back into healthy eating?
I feel so depressed about re-gaining weight that I want to eat more, and so I do, and then I feel worse about the weight...and so on.
Maybe I just need a kick in the butt. Can someone give me a 'lay off the Lays' message?
Thanks in advance!
Jen (loving those McNuggets) Star
Posted by partlycloudy on August 11, 2004, at 8:13:47
In reply to would like support for losing weight!, posted by JenStar on August 11, 2004, at 2:36:08
(I've been a Big Mac Attacker for a long time!) I packed a lot of pounds when my metabolism kacked out for my 30th birthday, and when I started taking AD's it became ridiculous. For someone who was underweight until then, it was a serious body blow, so to speak.
All my doctors - p-doc, therapist, ob-gyn, dentist even! - told me over and over about how I needed to exercise. I am the original model of the couch potato. My idea of exercise was turning pages faster to finish reading a book. Depression took away any remaining motivation I had. Moving from the bed to the sofa was tough.
I eat healthy foods. I shop for convenience in that I buy the baby carrots, bags of prewashed lettuce, even cherry tomatoes so I have to cut them up. I try to make my salads interesting by adding nuts and fruit. I don't buy cookies or sweets except as a special treat. No chips.
I still gained weight. I was sick about it. I couldn't starve myself or I'd get blinding headaches.
After lots of different medication cocktail mixes, my p-doc and I hit on a combination that worked. The depression and anxiety started to get under control. I decided that I would exercise - I got all fired up about it.
I took a yoga class. It was in a bad neighbourhood and had inconvenient class times. The space smelled kind of musty. I stopped after a month.
I tried walking. When the hot weather hit (in March where I live), the humidity soared and I stopped. I sweat an awful lot as it is, and I couldn't bear to be even more uncomfortable.
As you can see, I am very very good at talking myself out of doing anything good for me. I finally came up with a game plan. It was really specific: I would join a gym, but it had to be women only so I wouldn't worry about my appearance. It had to be on my way home from work. It had to be fast. I didn't want to wait to use any machines. I didn't want any group classes, like step or aerobics.
In spite of all that, I found a place. I go 3 times a week. I have lost about 12 inches in 2 months. I haven't lost much weight, but I don't care about that now.
I want to let you know that even with all the barriers I set up for myself, I still succeeded. If I can do it, so can you.
pc
Posted by TexasChic on August 11, 2004, at 9:44:33
In reply to Re: would like support for losing weight! » JenStar, posted by partlycloudy on August 11, 2004, at 8:13:47
Yeah, the key seems to be exercise. How to get motivated (especially with depression) is the million dollar question. I was anorexic for a while several years ago and go down to a size 8 (my comfortable size is a 12). That was when I was working and going to school and not getting any sleep, much less eating. Then I finished classes, got a 9 to 5 job, and next thing I know, I'm a size 16. That's where I am now. I've just gotten into the bad habit of going home and sitting on the couch until time for bed. If I can break that habit, I'll have it made. Oh, and it also doesn't help that while sitting on the couch I compulsively over eat.
Posted by B2chica on August 11, 2004, at 9:46:29
In reply to would like support for losing weight!, posted by JenStar on August 11, 2004, at 2:36:08
boy oh boy can i relate.
i do have one piece of advice...ok, two.
#1, losing weight is mostly changing your lifes routine. which means it doesn't come quickly (which means DON"T be hard on yourself). and take one step at a time.
#2 I think your best first step would be to add the amount of water you should be drinking every day. they say to drink 1/2 your body weight in oz. every day. So say you weigh 150lbs you should drink 75oz. of water or more.
**tip: many times when people munch or feel a little hungry their body is actually dehydrated and craving water.
This is a lifestyle change. (it also helps to lower your caffine intake -this is a diuretic(sp?) which means it flushes your system leaving you more dehydrated. Keep in mind by the time you feel thirsty your body is Already dehydrated.I noticed when i cut out pop from my life and started drinking Lots of water other things seemed more and more sweet, so even if i craved sugar it didn't take as much to quench that suger high. this helps lessen carb intake. Also, maybe reach for natural sugars. Grapes and watermelon are Great this time of year!
and don't punish yourself, eat those mcnuggets-just not everyday, and maybe just don't eat all of them?
All in proportionJust please be good to yourself, take your time. Love who you are. We Do ;^)
b2c.
Posted by Dinah on August 11, 2004, at 10:11:01
In reply to would like support for losing weight!, posted by JenStar on August 11, 2004, at 2:36:08
I wish I had some good advice. I've cut out sugary drinks (ok, maybe once every couple of weeks I drink one, but I used to drink one or two biggie drinks a day). I generally don't eat all that much, although what I *do* eat is mostly carbs. I have a weakness for bread and pasta. Mostly all I feel like eating anymore is peanut butter sandwiches and tortilla chips with fresh salsa.
I overeat when I get upset to put myself to sleep. It's not that frequent tho.
I think I could get some short term results by drinking lots of water. And moving my pbj's to whole wheat bread and reducing the amount of peanut butter per sandwich.
I have a thread on Health on my weight difficulties, but haven't posted there lately since the results were so repetitive. Currently starting weight 187 current weight 188.
http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/health/20040102/msgs/311508.html
Posted by Dinah on August 11, 2004, at 10:25:53
In reply to Re: would like support for losing weight! » JenStar, posted by Dinah on August 11, 2004, at 10:11:01
But, I suppose I should also add that I lost the first eleven pounds, to get to 187, with the simplest of changes. Substituting sugar free for sugar filled drinks. No longer eating when I wasn't hungry just because it was dinnertime. Not feeling like I had to finish everything on my plate.
Posted by Angela2 on August 11, 2004, at 10:34:50
In reply to would like support for losing weight!, posted by JenStar on August 11, 2004, at 2:36:08
I will support you! I am also currently trying to lose weight. Read Cass's post about her diet on the health board. It could be helpful.
Angela
Posted by B2chica on August 11, 2004, at 10:56:27
In reply to Re: would like support for losing weight!, posted by Dinah on August 11, 2004, at 10:25:53
>>No longer eating when I wasn't hungry just because it was dinnertime. Not feeling like I had to finish everything on my plate.
Boy did you say it here Dinah!
Here's a MAJOR Factor!!
i'm 31 and it's taken me this long to realize i DON'T have to finish everything on my plate!
That was truly a Tough habit to break.
I remember when i was young i would sit at the table for hours cuz i couldn't finish my plate but my "mother" wouldn't let me leave till it was all gone. The only thing worse than Having to eat food you hate is having to eat that food cold!
b2c.
Posted by Dinah on August 11, 2004, at 12:00:36
In reply to Re: would like support for losing weight! » Dinah, posted by B2chica on August 11, 2004, at 10:56:27
Isn't that the truth?
I remember walking around for an hour or so once with a bite of avocado in my mouth because I couldn't bear to swallow it. Not the wisest way of handling the imperative to eat. :)
Posted by jay on August 11, 2004, at 15:44:10
In reply to would like support for losing weight!, posted by JenStar on August 11, 2004, at 2:36:08
Jen....you are talking to a male eating disorder survivor here...and I can empathize with you. Here are a couple of 'tricks'..or just some friendly advise, as I too am struggling with losing weight.
1) If you get 'the urge', you know, an attack of hunger that is outside of your regular meals, you can still eat something small, but, if it is in the evening, try going into bed earlier and relaxing. I go to bed earlier these days, and even take a nap once in awhile, and it seems to reduce my night-time food cravings.
2)Excersize even if it is for 4 minutes a day...just walk out your front door, and turn around again! Keeping that up is the hardest part..I know.
Well...I wish I could offer more....but even if you are defeated one day, there is always another.
It's hard also...but I try to keep myself distracted from food.I hope you can find something there to help.
Best to ya,
Jay
Posted by ghost on August 11, 2004, at 19:28:31
In reply to would like support for losing weight!, posted by JenStar on August 11, 2004, at 2:36:08
i admire your motivation and desire to change. i wish i had your energy :)
*hugs*
good luck!!
ghost
Posted by Catgirl on August 11, 2004, at 20:46:05
In reply to would like support for losing weight!, posted by JenStar on August 11, 2004, at 2:36:08
I can relate! I crave all the wrong things and my absolute favorite food is pizza! I have switched to diet, caffeine-free sodas. Now if I could stop with the candy!
Maybe we should have a little weight loss support group here?
I am hoping that I can get into some better habits when I move back in with my parents soon. My dad walks a lot so I would have someone to exercise with (I get bored by myself).
Posted by Cass on August 11, 2004, at 22:15:26
In reply to Re: would like support for losing weight!, posted by Catgirl on August 11, 2004, at 20:46:05
Our culture doesn't really support weight loss. Have you seen "Supersize Me?" Everywhere we go, there are fattening, unhealthful foods at the tips of our fingers. They are so convenient and addictive, but they make us fat and sick, and then we have to buy medicines to treat the illnesses created by our poor eating habits.
I've lost about 40 pounds in the last 11 months. The way it happened was sort of a personal eating evolution. I went through a real lifestyle change. I became a vegan for ethical reasons a few years ago, (although I really couldn't cut out all dairy, so it's more accurate to call myself a vegetarian), but I still wasn't eating healthful foods, so I wasn't losing much weight. Then I started learning more about how to eat healthfully as a vegetarian. I cut out almost all processed foods and focused on a plant based diet. I eat about 80% of my plant-based foods raw for the nutrition and enzymes. I supplement my diet with 4 oz of wheatgrass juice every day. Wheatgrass juice is loaded with all the known vitamins and most minerals. I also drink a natural probiotic beverage which supplies B vitamins and friendly bacteria. Of course, I went through caffeine and sugar withdrawls and physical detox which was a little rough. I back slid sometimes too. It's not easy giving up old eating habits. It didn't happen overnight, but I was inspired because the weight started coming off, and I was getting healthier. I still wasn't exercising though, and so I started doing gentle, low impact exercises almost every day. After that the weight just fell off. It was very natural. No suffering involved.
I used to take ADs and antianixiety drugs. I don't any more. A lot of physical health problems cleared up, and I'm optimistic some of my others will improve too. The changes I made in my lifestyle are drastic, but they've been worth it.Good luck in whatever course of action you take.
Posted by Jai Narayan on August 12, 2004, at 7:34:05
In reply to Re: would like support for losing weight!, posted by Cass on August 11, 2004, at 22:15:26
Posted by JenStar on August 12, 2004, at 15:12:52
In reply to Re: would like support for losing weight! » JenStar, posted by partlycloudy on August 11, 2004, at 8:13:47
PC, thanks for your detailed response! Congrats on losing so many inches after working on it for such a long time.
It IS inspiring to hear how you wouldn't quit. Thanks for sharing your story. HOpefully it will motivate me to get my butt back to the gym. :)
JenStar
Posted by JenStar on August 12, 2004, at 15:16:16
In reply to Re: would like support for losing weight!, posted by TexasChic on August 11, 2004, at 9:44:33
hi Texas Chic,
thanks for the support. I'm glad to hear that you are over the anorexia (you are, right?) That is such a scary disease. I completely understand the impulse to couch-surf and eat. I'm very good at this...although I'm trying to break out of it.You know, although I want to lose weight, what I'd REALLY like is to be happy with myself regardless of what size I am. I'm tired of feeling that if I don't look like a size 2 model then I'm ugly. I know it's my fault for letting myself think this way, and I'm working on getting over it.
thanks for writing back. Hope things are going well with your new kitty!
JenStar
> Yeah, the key seems to be exercise. How to get motivated (especially with depression) is the million dollar question. I was anorexic for a while several years ago and go down to a size 8 (my comfortable size is a 12). That was when I was working and going to school and not getting any sleep, much less eating. Then I finished classes, got a 9 to 5 job, and next thing I know, I'm a size 16. That's where I am now. I've just gotten into the bad habit of going home and sitting on the couch until time for bed. If I can break that habit, I'll have it made. Oh, and it also doesn't help that while sitting on the couch I compulsively over eat.
Posted by JenStar on August 12, 2004, at 15:18:41
In reply to Re: would like support for losing weight!, posted by Dinah on August 11, 2004, at 10:25:53
hi Dinah,
thanks for the advice. I am going to try drinking more water and not feeling the need to finish my plate. For me, that's hard, because I love to eat and I DO eat even when I'm not hungry...just because it's there in front of me. But it is worthy trying. As long as I keep trying...I will eventually make progress!I hope your feet are feeling better too, even though that's kind of off topic. :)
JenStar
> But, I suppose I should also add that I lost the first eleven pounds, to get to 187, with the simplest of changes. Substituting sugar free for sugar filled drinks. No longer eating when I wasn't hungry just because it was dinnertime. Not feeling like I had to finish everything on my plate.
>
Posted by JenStar on August 12, 2004, at 15:19:04
In reply to Re: would like support for losing weight! » JenStar, posted by Angela2 on August 11, 2004, at 10:34:50
thanks! :)
JenStar
Posted by JenStar on August 12, 2004, at 15:21:37
In reply to Re: would like support for losing weight! » JenStar, posted by jay on August 11, 2004, at 15:44:10
Jay, thanks for the advice. I offer you my support, too -- I know you're struggling with some of the same issues.
I REALLY love your ideas about exercising even if it's only a few minutes. Sometimes I feel all awful because I overate, then I feel "why should I bother to exercise..." and then I want to eat more. But it's so refreshing and mind-clearing when I work out. I like the idea of starting over and just doing a little bit. I know that usually inspires me to do more. Thanks! :)
JenStar
> Jen....you are talking to a male eating disorder survivor here...and I can empathize with you. Here are a couple of 'tricks'..or just some friendly advise, as I too am struggling with losing weight.
>
> 1) If you get 'the urge', you know, an attack of hunger that is outside of your regular meals, you can still eat something small, but, if it is in the evening, try going into bed earlier and relaxing. I go to bed earlier these days, and even take a nap once in awhile, and it seems to reduce my night-time food cravings.
>
> 2)Excersize even if it is for 4 minutes a day...just walk out your front door, and turn around again! Keeping that up is the hardest part..I know.
>
> Well...I wish I could offer more....but even if you are defeated one day, there is always another.
> It's hard also...but I try to keep myself distracted from food.
>
> I hope you can find something there to help.
>
> Best to ya,
> Jay
Posted by JenStar on August 12, 2004, at 15:28:16
In reply to Re: would like support for losing weight!, posted by Cass on August 11, 2004, at 22:15:26
Cass, much congrats on your success! I'm very impressed. You're doing great.
Thanks for sharing your tips. I admire your personal resolve for giving up meat products.
Sometimes I feel that if I were a stronger person, I would be a vegetarian. I've read the book Fast Food Nation and learned more about slaughterhouses than I had ever wanted to know. I love little animals and it make me sad to think that we (I) force creatures to suffer for our (my) food and clothing & stuff.
But I'm weak -- so weak! -- and I love my meat, and I find it easy to put it out of my mind and rationalize it. And then I decide: I guess I don't mind too much about animals suffering. Then I have to try to hide the disgust I feel for myself at having made this decision.
aarrrggghh! Sorry for blabbing all that out. That's not even one of my "real" problems...
In any case, thanks again for sharing your story. You are very motivational! Keep up the good work! :)
JenStar
> Our culture doesn't really support weight loss. Have you seen "Supersize Me?" Everywhere we go, there are fattening, unhealthful foods at the tips of our fingers. They are so convenient and addictive, but they make us fat and sick, and then we have to buy medicines to treat the illnesses created by our poor eating habits.
>
> I've lost about 40 pounds in the last 11 months. The way it happened was sort of a personal eating evolution. I went through a real lifestyle change. I became a vegan for ethical reasons a few years ago, (although I really couldn't cut out all dairy, so it's more accurate to call myself a vegetarian), but I still wasn't eating healthful foods, so I wasn't losing much weight. Then I started learning more about how to eat healthfully as a vegetarian. I cut out almost all processed foods and focused on a plant based diet. I eat about 80% of my plant-based foods raw for the nutrition and enzymes. I supplement my diet with 4 oz of wheatgrass juice every day. Wheatgrass juice is loaded with all the known vitamins and most minerals. I also drink a natural probiotic beverage which supplies B vitamins and friendly bacteria. Of course, I went through caffeine and sugar withdrawls and physical detox which was a little rough. I back slid sometimes too. It's not easy giving up old eating habits. It didn't happen overnight, but I was inspired because the weight started coming off, and I was getting healthier. I still wasn't exercising though, and so I started doing gentle, low impact exercises almost every day. After that the weight just fell off. It was very natural. No suffering involved.
> I used to take ADs and antianixiety drugs. I don't any more. A lot of physical health problems cleared up, and I'm optimistic some of my others will improve too. The changes I made in my lifestyle are drastic, but they've been worth it.
>
> Good luck in whatever course of action you take.
>
Posted by TexasChic on August 16, 2004, at 16:44:18
In reply to Re: would like support for losing weight! » TexasChic, posted by JenStar on August 12, 2004, at 15:16:16
Hey Jen! Yeah, I'm past the anorexia, but that doesn't mean I couldn't get it again. It was really weird when I had it, because I've always had more of a problem being over weight. But I also have an addicted personality, and you do sort of get a high from not eating.
I seem to do things to one extreme or another. Now I eat too much, including binging (but not throwing up). I'm trying to start yoga and meditation in an attempt to get control of myself. I got a really good book that explains all the positions of yoga and what they're good for. And there were lots of theories, mainly saying yoga could replace cardio exercise. It was very interesting and got me excited, but I have trouble starting things, even when its something I want to do. Just changing anything out of my usual routine can be really hard and stressful for me. But once I start, I usually stick with things.
The book also talks some about meditation and how it clears your mind of clutter. I have a bad time being messy and unorganized at home and in my car, so I'm kind of hoping it might help me on my outside clutter as well as my inside clutter. It basically says the whole purpose (of yoga + meditating) is to achieve a peaceful uncluttered life. I want that so bad! But I guess I'll have to start first.
Posted by JenStar on August 16, 2004, at 17:58:56
In reply to Re: would like support for losing weight!, posted by TexasChic on August 16, 2004, at 16:44:18
This is the end of the thread.
Psycho-Babble Social | Extras | FAQ
Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.org
Script revised: February 4, 2008
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/cgi-bin/pb/mget.pl
Copyright 2006-17 Robert Hsiung.
Owned and operated by Dr. Bob LLC and not the University of Chicago.