BS: It's time for weight loss! HELP!!

Subject: RE: BS: It's time for weight loss! HELP!!
From: Amos
Date: 10 Dec 03 - 09:01 PM

I have lost ten pounds!! Yay!!!!!

The secret is eating less; and, avoiding bread. Simple, but it worked for me. Oh, and long walks.

A

Subject: RE: BS: It's time for weight loss! HELP!!
From: JennyO
Date: 10 Dec 03 - 10:32 PM

Hi Brett. Congratulations on taking the first step. I need to do something too, but I realised that I can't do it alone here as John and I cook for each other and it would be hard unless we both do it together. So we have started in a small way by cutting down on the sugar in our tea, and by having smaller helpings. Still a long way to go though. He likes desserts and I never used to bother with them. The icecream last night probably was not a good idea.

I seem to be especially sensitive to carbohydrates - particularly potatoes, bread and things like that. The most successful diet I ever went on was called the 60 gram diet (60 grams of carbohydrate a day). I suspect it would be similar to Atkins. I don't have a very sweet tooth (in that I don't go crazy about chocolate, sweets, biscuits and cakes), so it suited me a lot. However after a while, I found myself rather uncharacteristically craving sweets because I was eating so little that was sweet. I used an artificial sweetener, which I would not do now, having read some pretty awful things about them. Also I use a soft butter and canola spread now, having read some equally grisly things about the making of margarine.

So this time around I will go more natural, but reduce quantities. I find it hard to get excited about brown bread, brown rice and their ilk, so that is a problem. I think I will get the Atkins book and read it for a start anyway.

As for exercise, John reckons after seeing me out digging in the garden that I am already getting lots of exercise, but I don't think it's enough or often enough. The garden's benefitting anyway. I've weeded the jungle out the front now, and put in some colourful flowers here and there - more vegies and a lemon tree out the back too.

We have talked about swimming at the local pool fairly regularly. I like walking around and looking at the scenery, and that is at least something moderately useful, but not the power walking thing. It's getting pretty hot here, and I am not a great fan of getting hot and sweaty, although I know I will be getting that way at Woodford. I think swimming, or Susan's exercises in the water would be a good choice for you Brett, and for me too. Good luck!

Jenny

Subject: RE: BS: It's time for weight loss! HELP!!
From: Mary in Kentucky
Date: 10 Dec 03 - 10:53 PM

Brett, IMO, you lose weight "in your head" first. What I mean is...once you make up your mind to do it -- YOU WILL! But the key is to not gain it back a year later! So keep us informed, and we'll kick your #$%^ when you start gaining again.

I've watched lots of friends who have a heart bypass, then go on a diet and exercise kick and lose weight and get fit. Then a year later it creeps back because they never really change their eating and exercise habits permanently.

I'm guilty too, just in moderation, like most of my life! I lost 20 pounds two years ago, then gained 10 back. The key for me is Weight Watchers and exercise. I don't like Atkins because I crave sweets. And I seem to crave bread, crackers and butter when I'm dieting.

You WILL lose weight, and you WILL feel good.

Subject: RE: BS: It's time for weight loss! HELP!!
From: Peg
Date: 11 Dec 03 - 10:45 AM

The books of Lendon Smith have some greatadvice on food. Heis a   pediatrician and nutritionist. Two I haveread areFeed Yourself Right and The Low Stress Diet. Try a used bookstore or www.half.com. He talks about how eating habits can lead to all sorts of disease and discomfort, not just overweight-some acue symptoms, some gradual or chronic. Based on his advice I started taking calcium supplements and they eased a lot   if the sympotoms of stress I was experiencing (insomnia, tension headaches, eyelid muscles twitching, etc.)

He speaks of his own struggles with food sensitivities etc. Says when he stopped eating cookies everyday many annoying symptoms disappeared. He also says if he ate a sandwich every day he'd gain ten pounds in a week...but he does enjoy bread once in a while. He also believes every individual has to find the food that works for them. Ethnic background can be a good indicator. Eat what your ancestors are known for. In the case of Mediterranean and Asian diets, this can be very healthful and very tasty!

Subject: RE: BS: It's time for weight loss! HELP!!
From: SINSULL
Date: 11 Dec 03 - 01:57 PM

So I guess it's Guiness and potatoes for me...I can live with that.
SINS

Subject: RE: BS: It's time for weight loss! HELP!!
From: wysiwyg
Date: 11 Dec 03 - 02:15 PM

Lendon Smith's work is reflected and extended by others. My adrenal/inflammation/stress recovery "formula" of supplements incorporates this, with source URLs for deeper understanding.

~S~

Subject: RE: BS: It's time for weight loss! HELP!!
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 11 Dec 03 - 03:26 PM

My weight was bouncing around for most of the decade of the 1990s, and I finally realized it was caused by my estrogen level (I used to get estrogen-rich cysts on my ovaries, we found out through sonograms). Probably not Brett's problem. :)

After cancer surgery in fall of 2000 I started hormone replacement therapy (HRT) but quickly removed myself from the horse-estrogen and synthetics to use bio-identical formularies. I felt better and my weight stablized. I gained some weight this summer following foot surgery, and with that weight gain I was producing more of my own estrogen (in the fat cells). To counter this I've stretched out my HRT from once a day to one every 36 hours. The munchies are no longer a problem and with increased exercise I should have a better shot at losing the 20 pounds I'd like to lose.

In my teens I tried a low-carb diet (it also featured a 60-gram carbohydrate restriction) and I lost weight. I like the looks of the Zone diets, they have a nice balance. Perrecone (sp?) has some good ideas about diet also (he's on PBS every pledge season).

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: It's time for weight loss! HELP!!
From: skarpi
Date: 11 Dec 03 - 03:31 PM

Neamanson , It´s all about the food you are eating and the drinks you are drinking . 70-80 % is food change the rest is training and that you believe in you self. I been there done that. First go to a fitness
trainer or a doctor and let tell you about you bloodpresure, you r kolesterol in your blood and what you training pulse shuld be.
Talk to someone who know about food changes it´s inportand you do
that. I would like to know what you eat , how many times in one day you eat, how long are between your meals what do you drink ?.
Do you smoke drink alcahol? If you can write down one day what you eat you should do that, you will be suprise what you are doing to your self, write everything down don´t leave anything don´t fool your self thats bad , it will only come back to you worse than ever.
Istartedwiththree woman 15th of September 2003 , they have lost
11kg each In three months, I changed the food and we walk two time in every week from 5 to 10 km . They write down all days of the week
and i go over every paper once a week , It´s all about food that
we eat, good thing comes in slow times give the body time to change
and you will feel better In all ways.
You´ll get better health , your ego goes up you feel secured and your " SEX LIFE " gets better oh boy and girls. I lost 52 kg .
Whats your gol?
All the best Skarpi Iceland.

Subject: RE: BS: It's time for weight loss! HELP!!
From: Naemanson
Date: 11 Dec 03 - 06:55 PM

First off you should know I have a real problem with commercials and advertising. I hate it. On the rare occasions when I watch a commercial TV show I mute the damned things and try to do something else, play my guitar, do dishes, or something productive.

Having said that, last night I tried to read the Atkins book. It is written like a commercial for itself. I expected this. All the self help books are written that way. However, it makes for heavy reading, trying to plow through all the LOOK-AT-ME-I'M-THE-BEST to glean the real message underlying all that.

To complicate the issue the book I bought is not the original Atkins diet book but a book on maintaining after weight loss. Grrr.

As for writing down all the incoming food, I have tried that several times in the past. I cannot seem to be consistent with it. I manage to record a meal or two, a few snacks and then I eat something and the list is not near at hand. Next thing I know I'm trying to remember what I ate over the last few days. I think it's easier for women because most of them lug around a purse full of handy things. My pockets aren't big enough and any paper I put in there gets beat to hell.

Grumble, Grumble, Gripe, Gripe...

I know, these are all excuses. Yesterday I was a bad boy, I ate two candy bars. Supper was two bowls of cereal and some peanut butter toast. I used to cook when I had kids to feed. Now I just graze on whatever is easy to prepare. The easier the better.

Subject: RE: BS: It's time for weight loss! HELP!!
From: Peg
Date: 12 Dec 03 - 01:00 AM

Just do it.

Subject: RE: BS: It's time for weight loss! HELP!!
From: JulieF
Date: 12 Dec 03 - 04:44 AM

Am working on this myself - Now the lightest I have been for 10 years ( although that's not necessarily saying a lot)

What works for me

Changing the type of carbs I eat - lots of porridge & wholewheat bread
Lots and lots of fruit and veg
Fish especially salmon
trying to avoid crisps ( funnily enough chocolate is not too much of a problem)

Going to the gym (because its on the way home and I wouldn't exercise when I get home and sit down)


All the best
Julie

Subject: RE: BS: It's time for weight loss! HELP!!
From: Sandra in Sydney
Date: 12 Dec 03 - 07:31 AM

Brett

"Yesterday I was a bad boy, I ate two candy bars."

The fact that you did something that you feel/know was not good for you does not make you "bad" - you just did something that was not in your best interests.

Maybe you might need to consider changing words & thoughts as well as habits.

Some of us are good at putting ourselves down, we don't need another person to do it. "If someone treated my the way I treat myself, I'd sue!" - dunno who said that, but I like it & try remember it when I get negative.

sandra (getting off soapbox)

Subject: RE: BS: It's time for weight loss! HELP!!
From: Kim C
Date: 12 Dec 03 - 01:09 PM

Ah, the journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.

You have already made the decision. No one said it's going to be easy from this point on. It probably won't be. Advertising likes to make you believe you can lose a lot of weight in a short period of time - if you do it RIGHT, it'll take awhile. Be patient with yourself. Every little thing you do to achieve the goal is helpful.

You can do it.

Subject: RE: BS: It's time for weight loss! HELP!!
From: mg
Date: 12 Dec 03 - 01:17 PM

the bowls of cereal might have been worse for you than the candy bars..depends on what kind of candy it was. If you are insulin resistant, as many, if not most, if not almost all (I don't know) overweight people are..as I am...that cereal and bread is the worst thing you can do..if it is refined, as most are..but even ground up whole grains aren't that great for some. You must find out more aobut your personal metabolic needs. mg

Subject: RE: BS: It's time for weight loss! HELP!!
From: Amos
Date: 12 Dec 03 - 02:34 PM

Well, how about today, then, Brett? What's the plan? Let it slide? Or what?

Love,

A

Subject: RE: BS: It's time for weight loss! HELP!!
From: freda underhill
Date: 12 Dec 03 - 08:48 PM

All that is luscious will come hither,
But not all those who nibble are lost;
The large that are strong do not dither,
Deep change is not touched by the frosty fruits.
From the wishes a desire shall be woken,
A delight from the muscles shall spring;
Renewed shall be the young blade that has eaten,
The waistless again shall be King.

(with apologies to Bilbo..)

All that is gold does not glitter,
Not all those who wander are lost;
The old that is strong does not wither,
Deep roots are not reached by the frost.
From the ashes a fire shall be woken,
A light from the shadows shall spring;
Renewed shall be blade that was broken,
The crownless again shall be king. .............

best wishes & dishes - freda

Subject: RE: BS: It's time for weight loss! HELP!!
From: Naemanson
Date: 13 Dec 03 - 09:10 PM

LOL! That is great Freda.

"The large that are strong do not dither,"

Unfortunately I am still dithering...

"Maybe you might need to consider changing words & thoughts as well as habits."

Well, Sandra, that is why I am seeing the shrink. I have a bit of a self esteem problem. People say nice things to me but I cannot say them to myself.

As for the cereal, I have been eating a lot of that. If I could find an alternative that is as easy to prepare I would jump on it.

Subject: RE: BS: It's time for weight loss! HELP!!
From: Peg
Date: 14 Dec 03 - 01:25 AM

It's not going to be easy. That's the whole point. You knew that   when you started this thread. It's going to be bloody difficult. That's why you can count on your friends to help you get through it. But you have to want to succeed, and you have to be willing to put some effort into it. Making excuses is just not going to work. If it were easy everyone would be doing it and no one would be overweight.

Subject: RE: BS: It's time for weight loss! HELP!!
From: Naemanson
Date: 14 Dec 03 - 04:17 AM

I know. And the hardest thing is starting. That's why I started this thread. I thought I could push myself into the right frame of mind.

On the good side this has been a very active weekend. Yesterday I spent most of the day helping to free a log from a pile of culch and today I took a walk in the boonies. In between I did a lot of moving around. My food intake was not too bad either. I went to a party this afternoon and managed to keep to the lighter side for many things. This was a McCulture party so I felt comfortable saying no.

Subject: RE: BS: It's time for weight loss! HELP!!
From: Peg
Date: 14 Dec 03 - 11:35 AM

good! now just keep remembering why you're doing this; to feel better and be healthier and improve your life. Don't beat yourself up if you slide once in a while, but don't let yourself slide just because you're having a bad day or feeling lazy, either.
This is about changing your life. That means changing your lifestyle.   Not making excuses like it's too much work or I don't like vegetables.
While cereal for dinner may not be too terrible (depends what kind of cereal; hot oatmeal, good; fatty, sugary granola, bad), you need fresh healthy foods to get your body craving the nutrients it probably is in desperate need of. Learn some basics of cooking. You may find you enjoy it. Anyone can learn to broil fish or make a salad or steam some broccoli. Anyone can slap a veggie burger in the pan or boil an egg. Listen to music while you're cooking your nice healthy meal.

Subject: RE: BS: It's time for weight loss! HELP!!
From: wysiwyg
Date: 14 Dec 03 - 06:47 PM

One of the hardest things to do can be to make friends with the food(s) you SHOULD eat (which is very individual), and eat a lot of it.

Another hard thing is to think of yourself as worth taking care of, and make the time to shop and cook and clean up the kitchen as if taking care of a much-loved guest. (A trick around that is to cook for friends a lot.)

Another one is eating enough to support your actual size and activity level-- and have people look at you and see only the quantity of food, not the activity level or the composition of the food.

The best advice I got, and still hard to follow, is eat like a diabetic. Not only many small meals, but also being especially sure to include the right mix of:

<> fast-burn carbs (most fruits/veg/potatoes/pasta),
<> med.-speed-burning carbs (fibrous fruits/ veg, whole grains),
<> protein (lowfat meat/milk/cheese/legumes),

... in every meal or sbnack. That's what keeps the blood sugar and insulin from roller-coastering, and keeps the appetite appropriate for the activity level, feeds the muslce, and keeps the cravings down.

~S~

~Susan

Subject: RE: BS: It's time for weight loss! HELP!!
From: Sweetfia
Date: 15 Dec 03 - 07:57 AM

Easy, don't eat crap, cut down on the beer and do some exercise. Join a gym, cause even if you dont do awt you can still spy on all the fit guys! hehe

Subject: RE: BS: It's time for weight loss! HELP!!
From: Naemanson
Date: 16 Dec 03 - 02:11 AM

I have no interest in guys, fit or otherwise. Where others may be gay (sexually) I am not. So I will look at the women if you don't mind.

On the good side: I have been doing some minor exercises i the mornings. I am up to 60 crunches; 20 leg lifts while on my back; 25 side leg lifts and 20 modified push ups. I also do some stretches. It's a slow process.

On the bad side: This morning one of the officers brought in a bunch of huge cinnamon buns and then someone brought in a cookie cake for a birthday. Sigh, I was weak.

Subject: RE: BS: It's time for weight loss! HELP!!
From: Naemanson
Date: 16 Dec 03 - 07:25 AM

Houston, we have a problem.

I have been reading in the Atkins book. I found the right one today. Apparently blood pressure medication and antidepressants interfere with the diet. I take both. Anyone know anything about it?

Subject: RE: BS: It's time for weight loss! HELP!!
From: Sandra in Sydney
Date: 16 Dec 03 - 07:47 AM

Brett, maybe your Doctor can help you there. Our doctors here can get literature about healthy eating from the Health Dept or Dieticians/Nutritionists associations. CSIRO (Commonwealth Scientific & Industrial Research Organisation) has recently published their latest research on diet & nutritious eating. I think their website is www.csiro.au

In the mean time there is lots of sensible advice in this thread about good nutritious foods that are part of normal diet (= eating). Do the best you can with these foods & keep up the exercise.

love from sandra

Subject: RE: BS: It's time for weight loss! HELP!!
From: SINSULL
Date: 16 Dec 03 - 08:14 AM

One of my concerns about Atkins is that you throw the whole weight loss process off especially in the beginning with one moment of weakness.

With the holidays upon us there will be an ever increasing flow of cookies, cakes, candies, etc thru Jan 1. How about cutting back on calories for now and continuing the exercise. Simple formula: multiply your current weight by 13. This is the number of calories it takes to maintain your current weight. Now take your goal weight (Short term goal, not the huge number) and multiply that by 13. This is the number of calories you need to achieve that weight.

It will be a high number, but any day you stick to that number of calories OR consume less, you are a day closer to your goal. And it means that you can include some treats in your plan without feeling like a failure.

Come Jan. 1, when the whole world starts Atkins (New Year's Resolution #1) you can join them with a better chance of not being sidetracked.

Subject: RE: BS: It's time for weight loss! HELP!!
From: freda underhill
Date: 16 Dec 03 - 08:33 AM

these websites have info about atkins and blood pressure or atkins and health issues.

http://www.arizonaweb.org/blood-pressure-and-the-atkins-diet/blood-pressure-and-the-atkins-diet.html

http://www.momsview.com/discus/messages/2514/14655.htmlsubject area.

http://www.lemmo.com/side_navi/news/news.html

http://atkins.com/Archive/2001/12/21-394348.html

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/health/3197627.stm

Subject: RE: BS: It's time for weight loss! HELP!!
From: Peg
Date: 16 Dec 03 - 11:20 AM

Forget Atkins if your medication will interfere. But give some thought to its principles. A very similar diet plan without   the risks is what is being called the "paleolithic" or "caveman" diet. Plenty of lean meat and fish, eggs, nuts, plenty of fresh green vegatables, plenty of fresh fruit. Some whole grains. NO processed foods, NO sugar. No bread! The key is to cut down on processed carbohydrates, which just provide empty calories and very little fiber. You can "modernize" it a bit and include some dairy products if you are not sensitive to them (most people who crave cheese evey day should not eat it). This is also sound food combining which helps strengthen the digestive system (eliminate heartburn, gas, bowel difficulties) and aid weight loss.
A typical day:
Breakfast:
fresh fruit, eggs
   snack: fresh fruit, raw nuts
lunch:
lean fish or chicken, green salad,   steamed veggies
   snack: cube of cheese, raw veggies
dinner:
small amount of lean beef, lamb, or chicken
fresh vegetable soup
salad or steamed veggies
   snack; fresh fruit

You will note there area lot of vegetables. You say you don't like them. But they are the cornerstone of a healthy diet and provide necessary vitamins, minerals and fiber. You will find it difficult   to lose weight until you make these fresh foods an important part of your diet. They are what humans are meant to eat, along with lean meats and fresh fruit. African and Asian peoples who eat lots of fresh green vegetables and few dairy products or fatty meatshave virtually no heart disease, obesity, tooth decay or cancer among their populations. Prehistoric men and women died from saber tooth tiger attacks, exposure, or eating unknown mushrooms. Maybe a bit    of murder and falls from cliffs. Not diabetes or coronary occlusion or colon cancer. Think about it.

Seems to me your sweet tooth is your weakness. Sugar makes you fatter than eating butter does because of how it is converted in the body. The body can't use it, it screws up your insulin production, gives you unstable high-low blood sugar cravings etc.
Sugar consumption has also been linked to everything from diabetes to attention-deficit disorder to irritability to mental illness to psychosis. It is a very dense food, it causes tooth decay and it provides absolutely nothing ther body needs.
I gave a talk recently on how to control sweet tooth cravings. My main advice was to eat a healthy whole food diet which can eliminate cravings for unwholesome foods. Also; the sweet tooth tends to go away if one can stay away from sugar for two weeks. After that the daily cravings subside to nothing and the sweet taste is "forgotten" by the mouth somehow. Try it. Two weeks. When you're tempted, eat a small cube of cheese, or an apple.

One of the worst things to do is eat sugary foods on an empty stomach. Coffee and sweets in the morning are a recipe for disaster, making the blood sugar shoot so high so quickly and then crash so suddenly, you're in for an entire day of bad cravings plus probably feeling like crap.

This is one area where the Atkins principles are sound; by eating plenty of protein you keep the blood sugar steady. It needn't all be fatty meat. Some raw nuts are very nutritious and very good for   you (almonds, filberts, pecans, sunflower seeds and walnute; not peanuts or cashews). RAW, not roasted and salted.

You need to start saying NO to these sweet tempting foods. Twice this week you have called yourself "bad" and "weak" when giving in to eating them. That is the wrong attitude. Think of it this way: these foods are not ealthy for me, and I am trying to become a healthier person. I need to make choices to eat healthy food EVERY DAY.

Good luck.

Subject: RE: BS: It's time for weight loss! HELP!!
From: Amos
Date: 16 Dec 03 - 02:55 PM

You can do this, pal.

A

Subject: RE: BS: It's time for weight loss! HELP!!
From: SINSULL
Date: 16 Dec 03 - 05:19 PM

How many times this week have you said "No" to sweet treats or overeating? And you are exercising.

Good Boy!

Feel as if I am talking to a dog.
Brett - first rule: Be kind to yourself. If I told you that I had a whole pizza for dinner, would you snap at me that I have no will power and that I am bad? Of course not. Common sense (and maybe a little fear).

Picture yourself at the 2004 Getaway in tight jeans and a medium shirt. Now step away from the cake.
SINS

Subject: RE: BS: It's time for weight loss! HELP!!
From: Naemanson
Date: 16 Dec 03 - 06:19 PM

Step away from the cake and no one will get hurt! Yes ma'am.

You know, I read through all of this and it all makes such good sense. Then I get out there into the real world and habit takes over. I've got to get a grip on this but it means abandoning a whole range of comfort foods just when I need them most.

But I will do this thing. I must do this thing.

By the by, one reason for my need for comfort foods, and anything else that will help me feel better about life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness, is that I have just been tapped as the team leader for the whole BOS contract. Currently our office is set up with the BOS split between two teams. In the upcoming reorganization that will all go under one team leader, me. The contract is worth about $68,000,000 a year.

And before you congratulate me on being chosen you should know it is NOT a promotion and I was NOT the first choice. However, the boss thinks I am capable I suppose.

Subject: RE: BS: It's time for weight loss! HELP!!
From: wysiwyg
Date: 16 Dec 03 - 06:42 PM

Waiddaminnit-- You do NOT have to fight those cravings right now, especially as a FIRST step.

For now, if you just focus on eating the stuff that is GOOD for you, AND upping the exercise, you will be making HUGE strides. THEN you can start cutting back on the comfort foods, I promise. You will be feeling better from the good tings, and you will not need them so much. Remember, you are in this for the long haul! There is no imminent crisis!

Build the winning habits firt and THEN stop the ones that don't fit the new you.

You're in training, not hell! Keep that in mind!

~S~

Subject: RE: BS: It's time for weight loss! HELP!!
From: Amos
Date: 16 Dec 03 - 07:10 PM

VIVE LA DIFFERENCE!~~



A

Subject: RE: BS: It's time for weight loss! HELP!!
From: mg
Date: 16 Dec 03 - 07:53 PM

You must be making a reasonable salary. Do they have any Chinese-type restaurants, or native meals, that consist of meats and vegetables and oils only? Skip the rice if you can, or cut way back on it. Eat out regularly if you can find a place that has the food you need. If you are a protein type, and you will know because you will feel much better, lose weight, and your tests will improve, if you follow one of the low-fat, moderate protein and fat diets (with all the green vegetables you can eat)..you won't need to cut way back on calories and you won't crave starches. The overload of insulin makes you crave starches. Get the insulin under control and the cravings go away. This works for some people, not all. If you try a low-carb (with good fats and proteins..does not mean low fat) plan and feel wretched and don't lose weight and triglycerides etc. go up, you are on the wrong plan for your body. Read up on insulin resistence..you most likelly have it..you have described several of the components of it..Dr. Raven of Stanford U. has written a lot about it and is on Google...Also read up on the wonders of macademia nuts and coconut oil...read Dr. Mary Enig, noted biochemist and fat researcher. I bet you can get those there.

Skip the cereal for supper. Eat Chinese or make a big salad with vegetables, meat, cheese, olive oil and apple cider vinegar or lemon.

With all this advice, you would think I would have lost the weight I need to. I am stable, thank heavens, and when I really stick to the Atkins or similar plan, I can lose weight. The diet itself is not difficult for me, except for breakfast, but the logistics of planning, cooking, transporting food and storing it or cooking it at work reduce my compliance. One thing I read, and I know it to be true, is to have someone else do the cooking for you. Eat out, eat on base, hire a cook if you can, share cooking with friends, or whatever. Don't go home hungry to only cold cereal. Get a George Foreman grill too..they are great...add vegetables and there you go.
Also get a blood glucose monitor..they aren't that much. Get your insulin level checked, and compare to blood sugar. Measure your own response to foods..you don't need to use numbers that were averaged over lots of people with different body types than you. If you respond sharply to things like white bread, knock it out of your diet. Consult with doctors about things like fruits. Fruit juice is not recommended if you have insulin problems. Look at the ratio. More later. Also subscribe to Dr. Mercola's web site...
mg

Subject: RE: BS: It's time for weight loss! HELP!!
From: Naemanson
Date: 16 Dec 03 - 11:11 PM

I don't believe I have a glucose problem. Last year, in conjunction with my physical I had a sugar shock test. They made me drink a vast quantity of very high sugar orange drink and then took regular blood samples over a four hour period. I passed with flying colors. They were trying to nail down the reason for some symptoms I was experiencing.

OK, I am not in hell but I am in training. But no more cereal for supper. Hmmm, I guess I need to re-evaluate my relationship with various veggies. I need to go to the grocery store this afternoon.

Subject: RE: BS: It's time for weight loss! HELP!!
From: Sandra in Sydney
Date: 17 Dec 03 - 07:30 AM

Veggies are yummy - I can't understand why a kid would need to hide broccoli in a glass of milk (an extract from my favourite Wisdom of Kids internet joke thingy).

sandra

Subject: RE: BS: It's time for weight loss! HELP!!
From: harpgirl
Date: 17 Dec 03 - 08:27 AM

I have no advice for you, Brett. I have been working on the same ten pounds for six month. My nutritionist loves me at forty bucks a pound!
But with all the extra exercise, everything works better, if you catch my drift! Besides, I've always like big men much more. You look great to me!

Subject: RE: BS: It's time for weight loss! HELP!!
From: wysiwyg
Date: 17 Dec 03 - 09:30 AM

Having an insulin problem is different from having a glucose problem and you might want to Google around on it to see what others here have been referring to, in more detail.

The problem is not what the blood sugar does-- it's being insulin resistant (phys thing) or having insulin spikes because of the eating patterns (habit thing). There are a variety of Glucose Tolerance Tests and not all of them catch the insulin problems. GTTs also only catch what you present at the time of the test. Docs are notorious for simplistic testing and diagnosis. Even good ones-- the system doesn't leave them time for much else.

Whatever, the fix is the same, tho you can refine the fix if you get accurate testing (I think there is a sensitive saliva test as well as a sensitive urine test as home kits). The fix is to eat what you should eat, and at least space out during the day anything that will spike insulin OR blood sugar.... the thing to do as I said earlier is be sure to include at least 2 oz. of protein with every snack; even if it's just some milk or yogurt you will be slowing down the spikes and smoothing them out. Build that habit and the rest will follow, not without some work but with a much greater chance of success.

I think you need to pile up some successes, and doing that depends on how you define the goals. I know that concrete thinking is much easier for you-- I remember ALL our talks. So I would suggest for now a goal for you-- breakfast as it should be, and as large or small as you like as long as the proportions of protein/carb are right and the carbs are a mix of fastburn and slowburn. I can;t offer specifi food choices because it has to be food you LIKE and will EAT.

Don't like brekky? Chicken soup is wonderful brekky. For while I simply made myself a second plate of dinner (smaller) and saved it for next day's brekky.

Organize your day around being sure you have brekky items on hand and eat them! Try for 50% compliance the first week-- eating the right thing half the days, or eating half of the right things, all of the days, or a mix that is realistic. Don't try for 100% on anything, it's a recipe for failure and back to the binge/comfort cycle. Believe me, 50% will be hard enough!

Can't afford a nutritionist or personal trainer? Use the free tools at Global Heath & Fitness: COMPLETE ONLINE FITNESS RESOURCES They have a membership program with additional helps, but so far I have not neeeded to lay out any $$ and they do have good free tools. They especially have great motivation tools. Add to your brekky goal the goal of checking out that site and seeing what it might offer.

Train yourself how to succeed, and be as easy on yourself as you would be on..... me! :~) You can get harder on yoursef as you earn the successes!

Remember, if I can do it, you can!

~Susan

Subject: RE: BS: It's time for weight loss! HELP!!
From: Midchuck
Date: 18 Dec 03 - 09:25 AM

I have been shoveling snow continuously for a week. If I don't turn out to be down a pound or two, when the smoke clears, I'll have one of my famous tantrums.

On the other hand, Kris reacts to being snowed in by making pie and/or cookies, so I'd probly better warm up for the tantrum now.

P.

Subject: RE: BS: It's time for weight loss! HELP!!
From: Peg
Date: 18 Dec 03 - 09:39 AM

Hey Peter; how about shovelling snow WHILE you're eating the cookies?

This year's holiday party is a cookie swap.(You bring a couple dozen homemade holiday cookies, and get to take home a mixed platter). I am usually so sick of sweets after baking that I don't bother to eatany. Plus cleaning the house to get ready for guests is great exercise! we will be snow-and rain-free for at least the next week so can get some walking in...at least the roof has not caved in yet...

winter is a tough time to lose weight but it can be done.

Subject: RE: BS: It's time for weight loss! HELP!!
From: GUEST,MMario
Date: 18 Dec 03 - 09:53 AM

yeah - our 'Health and Wellness' committee hosted a "dessert bar" yesterday - cakes, cookies, cheesecake, everything frosted, syruped and sugared to death!

They didn't even have any fresh fruit or fruit salad! Or even a cheese tray!

Subject: RE: BS: It's time for weight loss! HELP!!
From: Peg
Date: 18 Dec 03 - 10:00 AM

wow, that's crazy! MMario, what does this committe actually do to help people?
you know, when I worked in office environments I noticed this weird entropic phenomenon around the holidays...everyone complained they were gaining weight, but every day there seemed to be ridiculous amounts of sweets and treats everywhere, plus parties and lunches etc. No wonder peoples' will power is weak...and gyms see   increased enrollment at the holidays...

Subject: RE: BS: It's time for weight loss! HELP!!
From: GUEST,MMario
Date: 18 Dec 03 - 10:05 AM

mostly the 'Health and Wellness' committee tends to do "morale building' (and annoying) activities - such as the dessert bar, a Halloween costume contest, "skits" for the annual meeting.

If they stopped - MY morale would go up! (and my blood pressure would drop)

Subject: RE: BS: It's time for weight loss! HELP!!
From: Sandra in Sydney
Date: 19 Dec 03 - 07:41 AM

our Office Health & Safety (OHAS) folks started by organising a 30 minute walk at lunch, now they run 2 classes each of Yoga & Pilates.

We have also had lunchtime soccer & running groups for years as our agency participates in a Corporate Cup, a competition for Government agencies & businesses.

They have also arranged talks by health educators & professionals in the past.

sandra (who avoids all physical activities! Like Brett I have sore bits & arthritic bits that hurt like hell if I do too much. It's a good excuse.)

Subject: RE: BS: It's time for weight loss! HELP!!
From: Naemanson
Date: 20 Dec 03 - 09:22 PM

Well, if that don't take the cake! My phone has been cut off for non payment of the bill! I am cut off from the internet and have to come into the office to get access. What a way to spend a Sunday morning.

Anyway, you all should know I am doing better now and that bodes well for the weight loss scheme. I am now trying to watch what it is I am eating so I can modify my behavior. That may not work very well but it is a start. At least I got my kitchen cleaned up and rearranged my living room. That doesn't sound like much but it is pretty good for me. I have some shopping to do and then I will go cook up a nice pot of corn chowder for the office Christmas party on Tuesday.

I appreciate all the good advice you have posted. I am working through it, sifting for the best weight loss strategy I can construct. It will include swimming, proper low carb diet, and riding my bike. Walking is out but the bike will do as a substitute.

Subject: RE: BS: It's time for weight loss! HELP!!
From: Amos
Date: 20 Dec 03 - 09:34 PM

Attaboy!!

A

Subject: RE: BS: It's time for weight loss! HELP!!
From: wysiwyg
Date: 23 Dec 03 - 08:26 PM

Hey Brett!


21 WAYS TO RELIEVE INTERNAL STRESS

BEGINNER'S (OR RE-BEGINNER'S) GUIDE TO GETTING FIT

There's No Such Thing as Cheating


If I can do it, you can! (Do you believe I can do it?)

~Susan

Subject: RE: BS: It's time for weight loss! HELP!!
From: Naemanson
Date: 23 Dec 03 - 09:06 PM

Believing others can do things has never been a problem with me. I believe YOU can do it. I have my doubts about myself. That soesn't stop me from trying but it does interfere with success.

I have copied of those articles and will read them when I get home.

I heard the other day that fully 1/3 of Americans are obese. I guess I have plenty of company.

Subject: RE: BS: It's time for weight loss! HELP!!
From: mg
Date: 23 Dec 03 - 09:25 PM

baked goods made with trans fats are probably the worst thing you could do. Maybe start with those things....mg

Subject: RE: BS: It's time for weight loss! HELP!!
From: wysiwyg
Date: 23 Dec 03 - 10:42 PM

Well, I don't always believe I can do it either... I keep moving forward though, and I know, logically, I can do it, and thus, logically, that you can, too. And if you believe I can-- why shouldn't you be able to, also?

~S~