BS: Fighting Fat 2008

Subject: BS: Fighting Fat 2008
From: pattyClink
Date: 01 Jan 08 - 01:23 PM

Who's fatter than they would like and planning to drop a few pounds (or stone) this winter?   Want to commiserate, offer support and encouragement?


We kicked off a plan at our house Dec. 26. So far so good. It was inspired by a chance encounter with this very well researched book, which seems to have decoded our problem with weight loss. Anybody else read it yet?

Good Calories, Bad Calories - Amazon page & reviews

Subject: RE: BS: Fighting Fat 2008
From: skipy
Date: 01 Jan 08 - 02:00 PM

Stop eating crap out of hours that you don't need!
there is no more to it!
Skipy

Subject: RE: BS: Fighting Fat 2008
From: GUEST,pattyClink
Date: 01 Jan 08 - 02:23 PM

We have a failure to communicate, skipy. The question on the floor wasn't: Who's got a smartass remark to share?

If you're not fighting this battle, please make yourself comfortable on another thread.

Subject: RE: BS: Fighting Fat 2008
From: Big Al Whittle
Date: 01 Jan 08 - 02:31 PM

yeh I've got to get in there and fight the good fight. My doctor tells me I've got to lose the weight or he can't operate on my heart.

I have no firm plan in mind - its going to be a long campaign. I'll tell you how things stand in a week or so.

Subject: RE: BS: Fighting Fat 2008
From: skipy
Date: 01 Jan 08 - 02:33 PM

PC, I AM fighting this battle, believe me! My wife is twice woman I married & getting bigger by the year! My time on this planet is limited (as pointed out by my doctor just yesterday!) Her job is to bring the kids up, she must stay alive to do that & constantly eating "crap" is NOT a good idea.
Skipy

Subject: RE: BS: Fighting Fat 2008
From: GUEST,MarkS
Date: 01 Jan 08 - 02:45 PM

Gotta say I am conflicted here. I quit (at last) smoking about 3 months ago and of course have got the expanding belly! My doc says I would need to gain 100 lbs to do the same harm I was doing by my pack a day plus habit.
Soooooo - for New Years I figure I am safely enough smoke free to now try phase 2, and drop the extra pounds.
The conflict is to drop the weight without starting up the smokes again!
Why dont we all check in every month or so and post our progress. We can become a Mudcat support group!
Regards
Mark

Subject: RE: BS: Fighting Fat 2008
From: autolycus
Date: 01 Jan 08 - 02:48 PM

The following is offered in the spirit of support.

I was told by a friend that lots of people ear/snack between meals when they are not hungry, BUT they are thirsty.

So if you do that, you might have a go at sipping water instead of snacking. In many cases, you'll find that it was water your body was asking for.

Happy New Year

Ivor

Subject: RE: BS: Fighting Fat 2008
From: Midchuck
Date: 01 Jan 08 - 03:01 PM

This is a problem you _can_ run away from. For a while.

But then your joints get old and you can't, and it comes back.

My problem is, all through middle age, I could eat like a teenager and hold weight steady, 'cause I was running 20-40 miles a week. Now I'm not, and I have to change my diet relatively late in life.

But I get hungry.

Peter

Subject: RE: BS: Fighting Fat 2008
From: Dan Keding
Date: 01 Jan 08 - 03:16 PM

Neighbors,

I'm on to aid/offer support/stand beside those battling the expanding waistline. I decided that starting tomorrow I'm on a quest to drop 20 pounds by my birthday in May and ten more by Labor Day and five to ten more by the end of 2008.

Let's keep in touch and see how we are doing, etc.

Dan

Subject: RE: BS: Fighting Fat 2008
From: gnu
Date: 01 Jan 08 - 03:26 PM

I'm in. Haven't read that book... nor even the ones in the bookcase in the kitchen. Every time I go in the kitchen, I am too busy with other things.

I'll trace this thread and check it daily.

Subject: RE: BS: Fighting Fat 2008
From: GUEST,pattyClink
Date: 01 Jan 08 - 09:20 PM

Glad to see we are not alone!   

The book was written by a journalist specializing in health, and he digs into what is really known (i.e. proven by studies) and what is not, about how weight is gained and lost. (the quaint idea of 'fact-based' science) The evidence has been stacking up bit by bit, decade by decade, that more and more of us develop 'disturbed' metabolisms that relentlessly pack away nutrients into fat cells, and resist mightily letting those fats ever be released for use as energy, instead causing us to crave ready fuel from more carbohydrate eating.    It seems to relate back to the modern population being flooded with way more carbohydrates than the human body is ready for.

Anyway, and regrettably, the evidence shows that people who severely restrict carbohydrate intake are able to work around this syndrome.

So, we are pursuing this approach to deal with the weight and related illnesses in our house, and so far it's working. Lots of meat, salad, vegetable soup, nuts, cheese, eggs, water, tea.   I don't even want to talk about all the no-no's, because I've got to keep the old eyes 'on the prize' of getting healthier whatever it takes.

Subject: RE: BS: Fighting Fat 2008
From: SINSULL
Date: 01 Jan 08 - 09:28 PM

There is a separate chat room called Wighty Issues set up for moral support, commiseration, sharing recipes, etc. Misery loves company.

Subject: RE: BS: Fighting Fat 2008
From: katlaughing
Date: 02 Jan 08 - 12:53 AM

Someone awhile ago posted about www.sparkpeople.com and how it had helped them to keep track of what they ate, exercise, etc. I started using it and have lost eleven pounds. I've also been motivated to get on the treadmill consistently. Blew the eating a little bit over the holiday with some treats, but I am back on track now. I have many, many reasons to lose quite a bit and I am on my way.

I will check out the book as I have read such before and it makes sense to me. I am doing my own kind of eating including a couple of simple salads per day and I actually crave them! Plus an orange, banana, fig or other fruits a couple of times per day and I drink only water. That's an easy one because that's all I have wanted to drink for years. I allow myself 2-3 Hershey kisses with almonds per day, also. Yummy granola with a high protein count, rice milk and a little bit of shredded wheat for breakfast and I am good to go. I have found I have to really work at getting enough protein as I am vegetarian. I notice I lose better when I get enough. Check out Spark People...it does a great job of helping watch your counts. It also helps to be accountable to someone. When I know I am going to be seeing my doctor, I am REALLY motivated!

wld, my docs had no choice but to operate on my heart and I was up to 255 lbs due to congestive heart failure. They managed it quite well. Maybe you should get a second opinion?

skipy...don't be checking out any time soon, okay, dang it?

Subject: RE: BS: Fighting Fat 2008
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 02 Jan 08 - 01:12 AM

I lost 25 pounds last year, and though a few crept back over the holidays, I'm feeling much better than I have in several years. But now I have to lose the last 15 pounds. I'm trying to stay at a level place for now and when the yard work starts up again in the spring I'll mow and dig and chop the weight off.

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: Fighting Fat 2008
From: Catherine Jayne
Date: 02 Jan 08 - 05:16 AM

I had my last cigarette 16 months ago and I fortunatley didn't put weight on. I put on a stone and a half in pregnacy which I lost really quite quickly afterwards. I continued to lose weight and have in total lost 5 stone in 2 years. Its slow progress but I hope that by losing the weight slowly I'll be able to keep it off. Over the festive season I have put on 6lbs but I am back to walking everyday, roughly 5 or 6 miles, and I'm not eating crap.

Best of luck to everyone trying to lose weight. It's important to up your exercise levels as well if you can.

Keep motivated!

Subject: RE: BS: Fighting Fat 2008
From: Liz the Squeak
Date: 02 Jan 08 - 05:49 AM

Shame you stopped eating crap Catherine, because I just found a new supplier....

LTS

Subject: RE: BS: Fighting Fat 2008
From: Catherine Jayne
Date: 02 Jan 08 - 05:59 AM

Really!?!...

Subject: RE: BS: Fighting Fat 2008
From: Marilyn
Date: 02 Jan 08 - 07:32 AM

I'm in - need to lose a lot of weight.

By the way, Skarpi - I do eat healthily, no rubbish, and I always have. For some people it just isn't that simple.

Like Kat I have congestive heart failure, also bad angina so exercising vigorously to control weight just isn't an option. When I was running every day I was able to eat to appetite and still stay slim; then I had a heart attack and the pounds piled on. And yes, I was slim and very fit when the heart attack happened - the weight is since the heart attack, not the cause of it.

Perhaps, if we all support each other, there just might be a chance of success. I really do hope so.

Subject: RE: BS: Fighting Fat 2008
From: Wesley S
Date: 02 Jan 08 - 09:11 AM

Since late June I've lost around 23 pounds. My goal for the holidays was to not gain it back. It seems to have worked. So my total weight loss goal is around 40 pounds more - and I'm sure I can do it. It's all about reasonable expectations { one to three pounds per week }and sticking with whatever program works for you. Mine is fewer calories in { do I want this - or NEED it? } and more calories out via exercise. I've been doing a lot of walking - and it's time to get air in the tires of my bike.

Subject: RE: BS: Fighting Fat 2008
From: GUEST,maire-aine
Date: 02 Jan 08 - 09:37 AM

I had some health problems earlier in the year, but they're better now. I was told i had diabetes, but i decided to fight back. I lost 41 lbs since March, and I had a blood test last month that said my blood sugar is back to normal, my good cholesterol is up and bad cholesterol is way down.

My doctor sent me to a series of diabetes education classes held at the hospital, and one of the sessions included meeting with a dietitian. My diet calls for counting carbohydrates-- i get 45g for breakfast, 60g for lunch, 45g for supper & 30g for an evening snack. With most food having nutrition labels that list carbs, it isn't very hard to keep track. i've learned to plan ahead if i want something in particular. I've dropped white bread completely, but i miss waffles.

Looking to lose another 30 during 2008, but anything in that direction would be good.

Subject: RE: BS: Fighting Fat 2008
From: GUEST,Slag
Date: 02 Jan 08 - 10:42 AM

I've spent the last two weeks preparing for the battle! Put on, probably 10 pounds as a vanguard for the enemy. I will try to avoid the up-coming birthdays, anniversaries, holidays and the like and hope I can hit a safe routine. I'll check in for tips and inspiration. I'm 6'2" and about 275. I'd happily give away the 75 but I'd settle for 50. I'm a little crippled up due to an old motorcycle injury and that makes many forms of exercise difficult or impossible. Controlling the diet will be my main strategy. Good luck and good hunting(?)to us all.

Hunting up diets? Perhaps?

Tom

Subject: RE: BS: Fighting Fat 2008
From: Becca72
Date: 02 Jan 08 - 11:26 AM

Count me in, too. I started seeing a nutritionist in October and have lost about 10lbs so far. My mother died from complications of diabetes almost a year ago and I have an iffy blood sugar reading at my last physical. I'll be 36 in 4 weeks and I'm not ready to accept my mother's fate. I'm counting carbs (but still eating some) and I'm up to 15 minutes a day on the treadmill. This is a big deal for me, because I have been heavy my entire life (weighted almost 10lbs at birth and it's been downhill ever since).

Subject: RE: BS: Fighting Fat 2008
From: katlaughing
Date: 02 Jan 08 - 11:40 AM

Marilyn, thankfully I was able to get better by having an aortic valve replaced, so no chf for me, any more, BUT my exercise level was nil because of it, so I know what you are going through. I was slim and a size 7 before a hysterectomy, then failing heart. Now, 2.5 years later (after surgery), I am doing much better. I hope there is something you are able to do to recover from your chf; I know; losing weight is an important step.

For those who may need a modified exercise program, please consider Lee Holden's Qi Gong for Seniors. He has his mom doing it with him and while she is very fit looking, she demonstrates how you can do it in a chair. I would also highly recommend Peggy Cappy's "Yoga for the rest of us". Here's some more info:

"You don't need to be thin, young, and a contortionist to do this program," says instructor Peggy Cappy. Yoga for the Rest of Us is a yoga practice for people who might be inflexible, out of shape, or feeling aches and pains. Cappy presents three 20-minute routines that work separately or together. Part 1 is a series of warm-up seated stretches. Part 2 presents standing poses, holding a chair if needed. Part 3 is a flowing series of Sun Salutations, building stamina, and again using a chair if necessary, followed by relaxation. Public television yoga instructor Cappy teaches gently and quietly, accompanied by demonstrators of various ages and conditions. Recommended for people who thought that yoga was beyond them because of age, medical conditions, or fitness level, especially those with functional challenges, such as not being able to bend down or reach for a top shelf. --Joan Price

Both videos are very valuable and doable for persons of all abilities.

kat

Subject: RE: BS: Fighting Fat 2008
From: Maryrrf
Date: 02 Jan 08 - 11:40 AM

I need to shape up too! Was doing okay but Christmas goodies did me in and I must get back on track. I had good luck with Spark People . It's a free site that offers many tools to track calories, nutrition, excercise and hopefully, your weight loss progress.

Subject: RE: BS: Fighting Fat 2008
From: katlaughing
Date: 02 Jan 08 - 12:28 PM

Mary, was it you who posted about Spark People, before? If so, thank you! I have really liked using it.

Subject: RE: BS: Fighting Fat 2008
From: Maryrrf
Date: 02 Jan 08 - 01:26 PM

It might have been me, I've been using them for a while. Similar tools to Weight Watchers - but free!

Subject: RE: BS: Fighting Fat 2008
From: bobad
Date: 02 Jan 08 - 09:44 PM

I came across this article "Weight loss is all in your head" and thought it might be of interest here.

Subject: RE: BS: Fighting Fat 2008
From: TRUBRIT
Date: 02 Jan 08 - 10:27 PM

Good luck to you all!!!! I am blessed with weight that is where I want it to be and very little appetite for the things that push the weight out of control (except for a passion for white wine and gin and tonic.........but ice cream and most candies leave me cold). Good luck to you all -- I was briefly married yeah these many years ago to a guy who ate less than I did and always had a huge weight problem. My (present) husband eats modestly for a big man -- not as little as I do but certainly not excessively, and weight is an ongoing problem for him. Speaking personally I loathe to exercise and live in constant fear of waking up some day to find that I can't control my weight any more and I have to ---- eeekkkkk - exercise! SO again I say, good luck to you all.........

Subject: RE: BS: Fighting Fat 2008
From: Big Al Whittle
Date: 03 Jan 08 - 01:59 AM

Apparently my heart is a bit strange. I have an abnormally sited artery - if it was a washing machine - it would be plumbed in wrong. The operation to rectify this will involve cutting off this artery that goes into the wrong chamber of the heart, and making another hole in the heart and reconnecting it. Quite involved!

As a consequence, I have had to give up work and I can't carry things. I get confused, because they say different things every time I see somebody else - a surgeon (usually fairly hot to trot) or a cardiologist or my GP (all of whom say I should lose weight before entertaining hopes of surgery, fear of a stroke being a factor).

Anyway everybody agrees I should lose weight and exercise more. I was going to private swimming pool at a hotel. Til some bright spark decided at the onset of summer (early may) to reduce the temperature of the water. it was so bloody cold I was getting angina.

I've got an exercise bike and a rolling stones record and I've started to count calories. I have a lot to lose - maybe seven stones (98lbs). I am going to check out another swimming pool this week.

I don't want to join a slimmers club as I have lost weight before with them, but they take too long a time - I need something a bit more drastic. Looking back I can understand my weight problems were due entirely to this heart condition - which was only revealed after nearly two years of tests, after I first got angina. It forced me into a lifetime of sedentary pursuits, without my hardly knowing it.

Of course, I didn't understand my body so I put weight straight back on - the moment I stepped off the slimming club regime. i wonder if my experiences of slimming ring any bells with any of you.

Subject: RE: BS: Fighting Fat 2008
From: Marilyn
Date: 03 Jan 08 - 05:30 AM

Kat - thank you so much for the encouragement and the links to the two exercise routines. I was keen on yoga many years ago and have been thinking of taking it up again so your suggestion is very timely.

I guess I need to lose something in the region of 80lbs altogether. This is just too big a target for me to cope with mentally so I intend breaking it down into smaller targets and fooling myself into believing it isn't so bad!!

For now, my target is to lose somewhere between 10 and 15 pounds by Easter. This should be achieveable but, from experience, I know that, even on a very strict diet, I only lose a few ounces a week so, believe me, this would be a real achievement if I can manage it.

There, I've told you all that I intend to be a stone (14lbs) lighter by Easter so now I've got to do it, haven't I?

Subject: RE: BS: Fighting Fat 2008
From: Big Al Whittle
Date: 03 Jan 08 - 07:32 AM

As Joey Fagan says in The Committments, I believe in starts.....So great start Marilyn, and all the best with it! I'm sure we're all with you, every step of the way.

I've started Paul Mckenna's hypnotism tapes. I tried a real hynotist about a year ago. It was very good. I lost about a pound a week, but I could not afford his fees.

Subject: RE: BS: Fighting Fat 2008
From: GUEST,maire-aine
Date: 03 Jan 08 - 09:57 AM

Now that I've lost a little weight, I'm ready to do more walking, except that it's 7F (-13 C) outside, so it'll need to warm up a bit. And I plan to get new tires on my bike, since they're predicting gas up to $4 & more a gallon.

M

Subject: RE: BS: Fighting Fat 2008
From: Becca72
Date: 03 Jan 08 - 10:08 AM

Just came from my nutristionist this morning and I lost another 1.5 lbs...over Christmas! That was a big achievement for me.

Subject: RE: BS: Fighting Fat 2008
From: Becca72
Date: 03 Jan 08 - 11:13 AM

Thank you, Captain Obvious.
People have weight problems for a variety of reasons. If you're not going to be helpful and encouraging please go spread your "cheer" on another thread.

Subject: RE: BS: Fighting Fat 2008
From: Kim C
Date: 03 Jan 08 - 11:19 AM

Yep, I've put on about 20 pounds over the last couple years. Dangit.

Subject: RE: BS: Fighting Fat 2008
From: Big Al Whittle
Date: 03 Jan 08 - 11:30 AM

Poor old Ghoster. that's two threads in two days he's been told to sod off.

We're basically all fat people here, who believe in beating our kids to within an inch of their lives.

The trouble is that none of us are open minded enough to take on board your well founded comments.

Subject: RE: BS: Fighting Fat 2008
From: Stu
Date: 03 Jan 08 - 11:34 AM

$4 & more a gallon

Bliss!

Subject: RE: BS: Fighting Fat 2008
From: GUEST,maire-aine
Date: 03 Jan 08 - 12:03 PM

I guess it's all relative. That's double what it was 2 yrs ago.

Subject: RE: BS: Fighting Fat 2008
From: katlaughing
Date: 03 Jan 08 - 12:25 PM

Marilyn, glad you found the info helpful.

One way I use to not get freaked out by the large amount I am losing is to watch my words; I am programming my subconsciousness, much as a hypnotist might do, to manifest what I feed it, i.e. one meditation/affirmation might be "I give thanks I am a healthy size 12. I give thanks for this or something better for the highest good of all concerned." That puts me already there, in my subconscious, AND "size 12" sounds a lot less daunting, to me, than "98 pounds!" Another tool: notice I said "I am losing..." rather than "I am trying to lose." It may seem simple, but our words really are valuable and we do well when we spend them wisely.

wld, good luck with that! Wish you lived near Spaw. They have world-class docs there who seem able to take care of almost anything! I understand about heart things making us sedentary and all. In my case it was a hysterectomy at the same time they discovered the leaky valve when I was twenty-sex. I did fairly well until we moved back to the high altitudes in Wyoming when I was forty. Four years of that and I was on the oxygen until surgery eight years later. Not very conducive for exercise, etc.! I am living proof that things can turn around, though.

Congrats to all who have lost and are losing. This is a great effort and I love to see the support we have for one another.

kat

Subject: RE: BS: Fighting Fat 2008
From: Becca72
Date: 03 Jan 08 - 12:41 PM

"In my case it was a hysterectomy at the same time they discovered the leaky valve when I was twenty-sex"


hehehe...Hello, Dr. Freud?

Subject: RE: BS: Fighting Fat 2008
From: katlaughing
Date: 03 Jan 08 - 12:47 PM

OHmygawd! That's some typo! I didn't even see it, Becca!

Subject: RE: BS: Fighting Fat 2008
From: Folkiedave
Date: 03 Jan 08 - 12:48 PM

I went to a dietician and she asked the usual questions.

As a veggie I was (and still am) pretty proud of the way I eat. I could see her mentally scrubbing out her normal advice as I seemed to eat pretty carefully - not snacking, conscious of wholefoods, five a day - all the boxes ticked, not even huge portions etc etc.

Then she looked up from the page and said "What about drinking?"

"Aha" I confessed, "Got me there!"

Subject: RE: BS: Fighting Fat 2008
From: Pseudolus
Date: 03 Jan 08 - 02:07 PM

Hey, just found this thread! My wife and I started our plan last year at this time and it seems to have worked. We went straight to maintenance. In other words, we didn't deprive, we didn't starve, we just ate smart (bought a Heart Association Cook Book and actually used it!) and when we couldn't we ate in moderation. We figured our weight would find itself. Three VERY important things however, we cut out eating between meals, we cut out fast food altogether and we cut out sodas as well. Once I was down 20 pounds I was actually able to start excercising! I finished the year down 48 pounds! Got a few back over the holidays but we're right back on track. I'd like to go another 20 pounds by summer....

Good Luck to All!!!!
Frank

Subject: RE: BS: Fighting Fat 2008
From: kendall
Date: 03 Jan 08 - 02:48 PM

I've known Becca 72 longer than anyone and I have never seen her over eat.

Go for it Luv, I'm with you all the way.

I've been a bit heavy since puberty, hanging right around 14 stone. However, during this latest lashup, I lost 7 pounds simply because I couldn't swallow. Somehow I've managed to keep it off too.

Subject: RE: BS: Fighting Fat 2008
From: jacqui.c
Date: 03 Jan 08 - 02:58 PM

I had a look at Spark but don't think it's for me. I am wheat, rice and cows milk intolerant and don't do well with most complicated carbs either. Hence any eating plan has to be tailored to what I can ingest without causing me problems.

I need to lose about 30lbs right now - any more than that and I start looking ill. We're looking at buying an exercise bike to help and, once I've shaken off the cold that I have, I'll be out on the beach with the dog again. Then it's just a matter of curbing the appetite, probably the hardest thing of all to do.

Subject: RE: BS: Fighting Fat 2008
From: Becca72
Date: 03 Jan 08 - 03:08 PM

The "don't eat between meals" theory is going by the wayside for most, Frank. Many health care professionals are now suggesting eating several small meals a day to maintain your blood sugar levels and curb hunger. I am actually eating more now than I did before I started seeing the nutritionist but now I'm eating the right things.

But you have to do what works for you, of course.

Subject: RE: BS: Fighting Fat 2008
From: katlaughing
Date: 03 Jan 08 - 03:24 PM

That's what I have found to be true for me, too, Becca.

Jacqui, I don't use Spark at all for meal planing. I just use the counter to keep track of what I've had for protein, carbs, fat, cholesterol, and sodium. Sodium is the big thing for me to watch. I cannot have over 1,000 mg per day, so I do a lot of from-scratch meals. The other thing I like about Spark is I can look up things I have a hankering for and "budget" for them in my daily planning. That way I don't feel guilty or deprived and I don't gain when I have a treat.

I do NOT believe in diets, per se. I believe in eating in moderation, etc. as others have noted.

Subject: RE: BS: Fighting Fat 2008
From: Wesley S
Date: 03 Jan 08 - 03:50 PM

Is anyone brave enough to throw away their "fat clothes" as they grow out of them? I'm starting to purge my wardrobe and donate to a clothing bank.I don't want anything to fall back on.

Subject: RE: BS: Fighting Fat 2008
From: Big Al Whittle
Date: 03 Jan 08 - 04:20 PM

Yeh I'll do that if I ever get to lose any weight,

Subject: RE: BS: Fighting Fat 2008
From: Bee-dubya-ell
Date: 03 Jan 08 - 04:20 PM

Fighting Fat!