mimix3
Junior Member
Posts: 98
Jun 15, 2020 0:56:27 GMT
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Post by mimix3 on Jun 15, 2020 1:06:16 GMT
I am not new here, but I have family on the board that I need to keep out of my bizz so to speak. I am 46 and overweight. Have been all my life and the last few years have gotten worse and this pandemic, sitting at home has not helped. I have lost weight in the past doing hard core workouts, but that is not an option for me any longer. A bad back will not let me bend and squat and lunge etc like I used to. So those of you that are in my predicament, what have you found the most successful to lose weight? Just food, or some combination of diet and exercise (what kind BTW) or some new miracle plan I haven't heard about yet. My cardiologist swears by atkins, low carb but the high meat just doesn't seem safe to me either.... And when I same I am overweight, I mean overweight. Like I need to lose 150 or more  |
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stittsygirl
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 3,601 
Location: In the leaves and rain.
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Post by stittsygirl on Jun 15, 2020 1:45:45 GMT
I’m at a healthy weight, but I haven’t always been. For me to lose and/or maintain has always been about burning more or equal to what I eat. I’m 51 and have PCOS with insulin resistance, so I burn a little slower now, but it just means I have to eat less if I can’t burn it.
I WILL underestimate what I eat during a day if I don’t keep an accurate count, so I HAVE to log it all daily to make sure I’m staying in the caloric range that will maintain my current weight. Not everyone has to do that of course, but I know I do. I am also a low-carber. It’s not just about meat (I can’t even think when I last ate red meat - I’m mainly a chicken and egg kind of girl). I’ve recently cut out dairy because it just messes with my system too much.
Low-carbing keeps me from craving sugar and junk. It’s still about burning what you eat though. Low-carbing just helps me eat less because the fat and protein keeps me satisfied longer and doesn’t screw around with my insulin. I eat in a very healthy way. My latest favorite is a big bowl of cut up avocado and tomatoes with salt and pepper. It’s become my lunch mainstay while avocados are in season. My staples are chicken, eggs, salmon and tuna, nuts (primarily macadamias), salads, squash, cabbage, mushrooms, olives, and occasionally pork and beef.
I lost 75 lbs. four years ago and have been able to maintain it. A large part of that was my job, which was very physically demanding. I know that’s not an option for you but even just walking (which primarily how I lost the weight - lots of walking on my job) can help a lot, more than most people realize I think.
Good luck to you, I know how hard it can be 🤗 .
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Post by marysue63 on Jun 15, 2020 1:55:07 GMT
I also was very overweight and needed to lose ~125 lbs. after trying and failing a million diets I finally decided to have weight loss surgery 2 years ago when I was 54. It was the best decision I ever made and I kick myself for not doing it sooner. And I wish someone had suggested it to me sooner too. My dr never mentioned it as an option though the healthcare system he works for has an excellent bariatric program.
I know that might not be the kind of advice you are looking for but I wanted to at least put it out there as an option.
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Post by jackietex on Jun 15, 2020 2:11:33 GMT
I had to lose weight for my weight loss surgery, and what worked for me was high protein/low carb and low calorie. I basically ate my protein first, then veggie, then a very small amount of a carbohydrate (one fourth cup), totaling around 1200-1400 calories. Now, 8 years later (menopausal and 55 years old, I need some form of exercise added to reduced calorie to successfully lose weight. I'm currently doing the Couch25k program again, but I think I could do walking as long as it raises my heart rate. Good luck!
eta I also record everything I eat on My Fitness Pal, which I feel is extremely important.
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Post by leannec on Jun 15, 2020 3:15:16 GMT
I'm another who had weight loss surgery (gastric bypass) ... mine was in 2006 and I lost almost 100 lbs ... I've managed to keep about 75 lbs off since then which I'm happy with  This isn't the solution for everyone but it is an option ... I eat really clean ... lot's of salad, eggs, chicken and stuff like that ... I don't eat much junk other than my weakness for brie  |
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Post by andreasmom on Jun 15, 2020 3:22:59 GMT
The only way i have managed to lose weight is by eating 0 grains, sugar (that includes dairy), and fat. I eat lean proteins and vegetables, and low glicemic index fruit (berries, citrics, watermelon). What i eat is similar to the hcg diet, but i don’t do hcg. The cleaner i eat, the better it gets. It is just super hard for me, but i have to so i can’t really complain.
I have a couple of friends who swear by Optavia. Maybe that’s easier. I just didn’t want to eat prepackaged food for the rest of my life.
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Post by ScrapbookMyLife on Jun 15, 2020 3:49:35 GMT
For me, I do best with.....
Walking several miles around the indoor track at the gym. Movement instead of sitting. I sit while scrapbooking, on line, reading, hanging out. So walking helps with getting some movement.
Portion control.
No or limited snacking.
I didn't do well during the mandatory time off. I am a stress eater and a boredom eater. I gained ten pounds. Trying to do better now.
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AllieC
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 3,087
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Post by AllieC on Jun 15, 2020 4:12:30 GMT
I would seriously look at weight loss surgery. I think over 40 it is extremely difficult to lose weight but when it is substantial it is even harder. I know how hard I have to work to lose 10 pounds...I don't want to turn you off from living a healthy lifestyle because that is important too but I know of quite a few people that have had gastric sleeve surgery and it has changed their life.
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Post by newfcathy on Jun 15, 2020 4:47:59 GMT
I am currently on the HMR plan. It is a Healthy Meal Replacement. My doctors strongly recommended it.
I started on 10.31.19, & lost 33 pounds before the quarantine. Probably another 10 since then.
I haven’t lost this much without the use of drugs (the more experimental drugs for type 2, Victoza, Sexenda, Envocana, Trulicity, etc). Though I had lost weight, I had side effects, bad gastric pain (thought it might have been pancreatitis-a known side effect), from one, urinary issues from one and then finally severe acid reflux from another.
After coming off the drugs, I regained the weight.
The diet plan that I am on is Healthy Solutions, 3 shakes or oatmeal’s, 2 entrees, 5 fruits & veggies. The meals aren’t bad, I mix in fruits into my lunchtime shake, save my entrees for dinner with veggies. We were having weekly weigh ins & meetings, just doing the weekly calls right now.
My dietician is a tad gung ho, but the core group is doing well.
I haven’t ruled out a gastric bypass in the future.
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Post by bc2ca on Jun 15, 2020 4:52:18 GMT
For me, a combination of intermittent fasting and a lean protein/heavy vegetable diet works best to lose and/or keep weight off. It helps that for other reasons I've cut dairy and gluten from my diet. My primary exercises these days are walking and yoga. Exercise will burn some calories but is much more important to help strength your muscles & cardiovascular system and keep blood pressure & glucose levels under control. FWIW, but DH and I lost weight on Atkins 15+ years ago but it wasn't a lifestyle diet I could sustain (I'm not a big meat eater) and I think that is an important consideration. For me, Whole30 is a great place to start a healthy eating reset. You don't need to spend any money on it as the rules are pretty basic and there are plenty of recipes to be found through Pinterest. |
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Post by socalscrapper on Jun 15, 2020 5:14:48 GMT
I too have had bariatric surgery. My highest ever weight was 358. Started the bariatric program at 330 and I’m currently at 210. My lowest was 199 but quarantine derailed those efforts. I’m working on getting them off plus another 25.
I had my 1st bariatric surgery (sleeve) when I was 42 and had revision to bypass this past November due to reflux at age 46. Wished I had done it sooner.
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Marina
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 2,522
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Post by Marina on Jun 15, 2020 5:58:28 GMT
Weight Watchers is a good program. I tend to choose more lean proteins and less refined carbs. I also have a bad back and I do walking, low impact aerobic workouts (YouTube videos), weights here at home and chair yoga (recorded programs from TV).
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Post by jeremysgirl on Jun 15, 2020 11:33:39 GMT
A pea introduced me to PNP podcast Losing 100 Pounds. I love it. I joined the tribe. I've lost 35 pounds just following her four basics. I don't count calories or carbs or anything. I just eat when I'm hungry and stop when I'm satisfied. And I address the mental bullshit of why I'm overeating. I'm very happy living this way.
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keithurbanlovinpea
Pearl Clutcher
Flowing with the go...
Posts: 4,303
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Post by keithurbanlovinpea on Jun 15, 2020 12:51:10 GMT
A pea introduced me to PNP podcast Losing 100 Pounds. I love it. I joined the tribe. I've lost 35 pounds just following her four basics. I don't count calories or carbs or anything. I just eat when I'm hungry and stop when I'm satisfied. And I address the mental bullshit of why I'm overeating. I'm very happy living this way. beat me to it. Love me some Corinne Crabtree! |
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Post by jeremysgirl on Jun 15, 2020 12:53:03 GMT
A pea introduced me to PNP podcast Losing 100 Pounds. I love it. I joined the tribe. I've lost 35 pounds just following her four basics. I don't count calories or carbs or anything. I just eat when I'm hungry and stop when I'm satisfied. And I address the mental bullshit of why I'm overeating. I'm very happy living this way. beat me to it. Love me some Corinne Crabtree! I'm doing great! And I'm halfway to my goal. You made the initial recommend to me and I'm so grateful. It really doesn't have to be so hard. |
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Post by Lindarina on Jun 15, 2020 13:07:16 GMT
Have you considered going plant based? I’m full of energy when I eat this way. I’ve tried low carb before and it made me feel like a zombie. I’ve been vegan for 3 years now and all the research I’ve found points to plant based as the healthiest way to eat. The Blue Zones Project is a great place to start if you want to learn more about the longest living populations on earth. |
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keithurbanlovinpea
Pearl Clutcher
Flowing with the go...
Posts: 4,303
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Post by keithurbanlovinpea on Jun 15, 2020 13:10:11 GMT
jeremysgirl beat me to it. Love me some Corinne Crabtree! I'm doing great! And I'm halfway to my goal. You made the initial recommend to me and I'm so grateful. It really doesn't have to be so hard. Amen! I am so glad you are having success! |
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ellen
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 4,777
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Post by ellen on Jun 15, 2020 13:11:57 GMT
I can lose weight pretty fast if I focus on adding fruits and vegetables to my diet and limiting carbs. I followed a program last year where every week you make some changes and that was week one.
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River
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 3,582
Location: Alabama
Jun 26, 2014 15:26:04 GMT
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Post by River on Jun 15, 2020 13:33:28 GMT
I'm another one that had gastric bypass surgery and it was a huge success for me. Not only did I lose all the weight I needed, my diabetes was completely gone right after surgery, blood pressure completely back to normal and after a few months, all blood work was looking great. I was having a lot of issues with my heart and they kept saying it was the strain of my weight. Doctors kept saying all my issues were a result of my weight. But as a fat girl I just didn't want to hear that or believe I was doing it all to myself.
My doctor finally convinced me and I had surgery feb. 2010. I lost 155 pounds in less than a year and I've stayed at my goal weight of 110 all these years. I still to this day follow the simple rules I had after surgery and it's allowed me to completely maintain my weight.
Even after I stopped working out, I'm able to maintain my weight. But working out isn't completely about losing weight but having stronger and better physical shape.
Weight loss surgery wasn't the big bad wolf I thought it was, it wasn't taking the easy way out by any means either. It just gave me a reset button and tools to be successful in weight management for life.
Good luck on your weight loss journey. I wish you tons of success.
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luckyexwife
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 3,069
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Post by luckyexwife on Jun 15, 2020 13:36:42 GMT
I'm another one that had gastric bypass surgery and it was a huge success for me. Not only did I lose all the weight I needed, my diabetes was completely gone right after surgery, blood pressure completely back to normal and after a few months, all blood work was looking great. I was having a lot of issues with my heart and they kept saying it was the strain of my weight. Doctors kept saying all my issues were a result of my weight. But as a fat girl I just didn't want to hear that or believe I was doing it all to myself. My doctor finally convinced me and I had surgery feb. 2010. I lost 155 pounds in less than a year and I've stayed at my goal weight of 110 all these years. I still to this day follow the simple rules I had after surgery and it's allowed me to completely maintain my weight. Even after I stopped working out, I'm able to maintain my weight. But working out isn't completely about losing weight but having stronger and better physical shape. Weight loss surgery wasn't the big bad wolf I thought it was, it wasn't taking the easy way out by any means either. It just gave me a reset button and tools to be successful in weight management for life. Good luck on your weight loss journey. I wish you tons of success. What are the simple rules you follow? |
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blue tulip
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 3,010
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Post by blue tulip on Jun 15, 2020 14:12:31 GMT
i could tell you a whole bunch of ways to change your lifestyle, diet and exercise to lose weight. i've done it a ton of times throughout my life, but inevitably the changes were not sustainable for me and i gained all the weight back plus some. almost 2 years ago i had gastric sleeve surgery, and it's completely changed my life. not just looks-wise, but i'm healthier and off several meds, no more sleep apnea, so much energy, and the mental difference of not having that cloud hanging over me is just.. i can't describe how freeing. and i never had that before, even tho i had lost a lot of weight at other times.
i would HIGHLY recommend going to talk to a local consult. my insurance paid for it because of my health issues. but even if you have to self-pay, it's worth it! Different places stateside where you can get it for $10k or less, and there are legit places in Mexico for less than that.
ETA: like a previous poster mentioned, it's not a magic bullet. it's a tool- it will make it easier for you, but not do the work for you. it is possible to fail your tool.
simple rules i follow are: stop drinking 10 minutes before meals, and don't drink for 45 min after. this keeps me feeling full, doesn't wash the food thru my tiny stomach too fast and allow me to eat more. stay away from slider foods like processed baked goods, chips, popcorn-i have small amounts of those in moderation. i eat my protein first and strive to stick to an 80/80/80 diet daily: 80g protein, 80oz water, less than 80g carbs.
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River
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 3,582
Location: Alabama
Jun 26, 2014 15:26:04 GMT
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Post by River on Jun 15, 2020 14:34:44 GMT
What are the simple rules you follow? Keep in mind all the below rules is to keep my stomach pouch small and not stretch it back out which is what causes regain. Eating really small meals. Eating my protein first as it fills you up, then Eating a few bites of whatever else I'm having. If I'm having dessert, I'll skip the carbs completely that meal. But because I've followed the rules, I've maintained my small stomach and have to stop after a bite or two. Other rules I continue to follow: I don't drink with meals other than a sip if needed. I wait 30 minutes before having a full glass of something. I have a few bites of something every hour or so, this keeps me from getting really hungry and wanting to over eat at meal time. Take really small bites..think something you'd cut up for a toddler size bite. Then I chew really well before swallowing. Basically I eat what I want (except for a few things that don't agree with me anymore after surgery, these foods very greatly from person to person). A small hand full of chips and I'm full and satisfied or a few bites of chocolate or whatever. I just have a feeling of knowing when I've had enough and can easily stop at that point. Mainly because I know if I don't stop I'm either going to be in awful pain for awhile or going to throw up on the spot. That will teach you to listen to your body's cues. Lol I'm sure there are more things I do that I just don't think about. I don't know that any of this would help much as it's designed to keep my pouch small and prevent regain. |
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Post by marysue63 on Jun 15, 2020 14:44:07 GMT
One rule that I follow after WLS that everyone can do is to STOP eating when you are satisfied. Not when you are full, when you are satisfied. Even if I only have 1 bite left of something, if I'm satisfied, I'm done.
I grew up with the clean your plate rule so it was really hard to make that change but it has made a world of difference to me.
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maryannscraps
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 4,798
Aug 28, 2017 12:51:28 GMT
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Post by maryannscraps on Jun 15, 2020 14:49:45 GMT
I've dropped 30 pounds with the "eat when I'm hungry and stop when I'm satisfied rule." That's without adding in any extensive exercise other than walking 30 minutes.
Another huge fan of Corinne Crabtree here.
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Deleted
Posts: 0
Nov 2, 2024 17:29:43 GMT
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Post by Deleted on Jun 15, 2020 15:08:00 GMT
My cardiologist has put me on a low carb diet, too. 90 grams/day. I sometimes have to go up to 120 grams because I need Cheerios (or something similar) for fiber. I am actually losing weight! We are at the age now where you can't exercise away a bad diet. You have to watch what you put into your body in order to lose weight.
Exercise is now a "bonus" where it keeps flexibility and cardio health in check. Protein doesn't always mean meat. Nuts, cottage cheese, protein powder in smoothies, and eggs/egg whites are the four ways I get most of my protein. I eat little red meat (usually chicken, ground turkey or canned tuna). Fat is the real surprising thing. I'm eating 80 grams of fat/day and my skin looks great and my body is not "creaking" as much as it used to.
My mother had gastric bypass about 15 years ago. It worked really well for her and at age 77 she is healthier now than she was in her 40's. What gastric by-pass did for her was make it to where she could eat all the high carb, high sugar, rich foods she was eating before - she would immediately eliminate them at one end or the other. Now she can only tolerate lean meats, veggies, and fruit. I find myself eating the same things and losing weight.
Carb Manager has been EXTREMELY helpful. The way it presents how much of the main macros I have eaten really helps me plan and stay on track - much more so than MyFitnessPal, FitBit, NOOM, or LoseIt! ever did.
I do find myself eating a lot of the same things over and over and over but I can also tell my mindset is changing. Food = fuel and not pleasure. Yes, I ate pizza this past weekend and blew my carb allowance for the first time in three weeks. You know what? That's OK. I'm back on the wagon this morning and know I will keep everything in check because I am feeling better already.
Consistency over time.
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katybee
Drama Llama
Posts: 5,459
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Post by katybee on Jun 15, 2020 15:44:28 GMT
My cardiologist swears by atkins, low carb but the high meat just doesn't seem safe to I think low carb/low to no sugar is key—but that doesn’t have to mean high fat, lots of meat. I’ve been eating lean meats and LOTS of veggies. For example, for dinner, I might have roast chicken, a bunch of roasted broccoli and a few roasted sweet potatoes. Or a grilled pork chop and asparagus. Or chili with chicken and white beans. Or zucchini lasagna boats (halved zucchini topped with a ricotta cheese mixture, chunky marinara sauce and mozzarella cheese). And I do a lot of meatless meals with beans as my main source of protein. I just try to make my plate mostly green veggies, with a little lean protein, and sometimes a small amount of a healthy carb (I try to avoid white or highly processed carbs like white rice, white potatoes, white bread, etc). For snacks, I eat a lot of nuts, olives, berries, cheeses. I look for hidden sugar—like in marinara sauce, ketchup, yogurt, etc. and I never drink my calories. Pre-pandemic, I was doing intermittent fasting (only eating between the hours of 11 and 7) and that worked really well for me, but now that I’m home and not working (teacher on summer break), I need breakfast. I’ll start again once I’m back at school. And I allow myself treats—because life is too short to never ever have mashed potatoes or chocolate cake. |
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Post by Really Red on Jun 15, 2020 16:08:17 GMT
You have to find what works for you. I cannot imagine not having a drink now and then so I chose keto. I was very diligent and it was very, very easy to stick to. The only number that was bad for me (numbers in my physical) was my triglycerides and in one month (maybe 5 weeks max) they came down 100 pts, from 221 to 121. Every other number I have was already fine, but got much better. My cholesterol, which was borderline bad at just under 200, is now back in the 150s. I feel so much better when I am not on all the sugars and grains. Every single day is difficult, but if you are a planner and can plan your food, then you'll be great. Before Covid, I basically just stopped drinking because I didn't feel like it anymore. Now I drink more than usual, but I still stay pretty strict. What I love about keto, is that if you follow it and DO NOT CHEAT, you can easily lose 2-3 lbs a week. The first week I do not measure my calories, but by the second week I am keeping myself around 1500/day max. If you search for the Keto groups on FB, you can find so many incredible recipes. Whatever you do is going to be hard, but you have to see what works best for you and your lifestyle. For me, it's easy to say no to specific foods, but apparently impossible to take a little bit of anything. So WW doesn't work for me. I just love the energy that no sugar gives me. I feel so good! |
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Post by iamkristinl16 on Jun 15, 2020 16:57:31 GMT
I like trim healthy mama. I am a very slow loser (or not at all) which is very frustrating to me right now. But overall, the plan is great and people do well on it.
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Post by beaglemom on Jun 15, 2020 17:09:44 GMT
I would highly recommend reading the Whole30 book and doing a strict round of Whole30 for at least 30 days, if not longer. Then slowly do a strict reintroduction, see how your body reacts to different things.
I'm in my late 30's and after having baby #4 my weight was out of control. Almost 2 years after she was born I was 10 lbs heavier than when I delivered. I got my Peloton Januart 2019 and had been riding faithfully at least 3 days a week for at least 30 minutes and usually hitting over 15,000 steps. I wasn't losing weight, I was using chocolate to relieve my stress.
March 1 dh and I decided to do Whole30 (45) till Passover/Easter. I lost about 10lbs. We have been doing whole30/paleo since. We do 2 weeks on, 1 day off. For me, it usually just means dinner off with a little bit of chocolate throughout the day. I've learned that gluten aggravates my asthma, so if I am going to do any working out I need to do it before I have any gluten (hence usually just having some at dinner on my cheat day). Sugar and dairy can bother my stomach, to the point that as I am slowly gaining a better relationship with food I am doing a better job or really assessing if it is worth the discomfort to have something.
Starting April 1 I committed to myself to ride at least 30 minutes a day. Most days I am riding 45-90 minutes. I am doing a zoom Bootcamp workout with a friend M/W/F focusing on strength and core for 45 minutes. May 1 I added 10 minutes of upper body strength. I'm currently 3 weeks into an 8-week bike challenge. There are 4 45 minute, 1 60 or 90 minute, and 1 optional 30-minute ride assigned. So I am doing all those plus a couple of extras each week. We have been hiking 2-4 miles on Sundays with my inlaws and then I do another 3-5 with some friends.
I am down 25 from my highest in January. I still have another 50-60 to go, but I feel like this is sustainable. I really believe it is all about food. I think the exercise I am doing is just an added bonus helping to tone things up and to help me burn a little bit more. The great thing about whole30 is there is no counting, just things that are off-limits, and proportions to be aware of.
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