Groan! Need to go on a diet

[Bessie]

I hate dieting but the scales are saying something really horrible to me and I bought some clothes today and the changing rooms mirrors said the same horrible things to me as the scales (are they in cahoots?!!) I still managed to fit into size 10 (UK) jeans but they are stretch so that isn't as good as it sounds. I love my food, I mostly eat pretty healthily, I have a reasonably physical lifestyle (but could do more cardio) I am getting more and more AF days under my belt, which helps but I now need to start doing something about the weight. Got a wedding at the end of June as a goal and probably could do with losing 14lbs. I know that it is a simple equation of less calories consumed plus more calories expended = weight loss but could do with a plan to help me along.

Anyone got any recommendations for diets/eating plans/good fat burning exercise/forums like this for dieters? Surgery/drugs/extreme eating and exercise only considered as a last resort!!



Bessie xx (Who is feeling porky)
I have just cleared the last of the icecream from the freezer so I am ready for tomorrow!!!

[Dolly Sunshine]

Cut the carbs. At least the white ones. It has made a world of difference for me.

[greeneyes]

Gives new meaning to big girl pants, does it not? LOL - I know you've missed me.

[Sunbeam]

I eat as many fresh raw fruits and vegetables as I can. I take a banana, apple and couple dozen baby carrots to work to eat during the day - keeps me from buying other indulgences. The sweetness of the carrots and banana help reduce sugar cravings. Oatmeal with two other fruits for breakfast, beans/brown rice/cooked veggies or hearty soup for lunch, a smaller plate of meat/starch/veggies for dinner. 5 Triscuits with a glass of skim milk most evenings. Usually when I try to lose weight, my metabolism just slows down, so I'm eating less but not losing weight. So far with this plan, I've l've lost about a pound a week.

[Accountable for Me]

Cutting out the 'white' carbs will make the most impact. Potatoes, white rice, bread, white pasta....

There is no magical, 'healthy' way to lose weight for good unless you change your eating habits and lifestyle. Obviously a no brainer.

Lots of fresh veggies, some fruit, lean meats, and a small amount of whole grain/wheat carbs. Don't over drink, and get in some exercise regularly.

I am eating as I described above and working out 5 times a week now, at least 20 minutes a day. I already feel better and it has only been 9 days!

I completely believe that once you start making changes in your life to become healthier, your desire to drink will decrease as well. :-)

[greeneyes]

Bessie is the work out queen! She runs her house a farm and a B&B! She is up and running before most wander out of bed. So I am going to drop back and punt as I am in a pants mood. Glucose in the AM if that is when you do your phsical work, Muscles want glucose. Protien later. small portions, space them out. 5 a day.healthy beverages but watch the sugar. Even juice is a hit to the pancreas.

[Bessie]

Thanks for all that. I'll have to hang a pair of my biggest BGPs over the scales as incentive!!

I do DO a lot but I don't do enough cardio vascular/energy burning stuff so will try to build some of that in. Really difficult to find the time but faster dog walks and riding the horse more at trot and canter might help a bit. And getting out in the garden as there are lots of physical jobs needing doing. I LOVE swimming but so hard to find the time to do it.

Giving up the refined carbs is a definite. I do try to avoid those normally but they slip into my life too easily!! Out, out damn cake! Veggies I love so no probs there and not that big into fruit but can usually get a fill of it with breakfast.

Glucose in the am makes sense and explains why I am a bit pathetic at bucket carrying etc in the morning as I usually do the feeds etc for the animals before I have breakfast. Later in the day, when I have eaten, I am stronger. Don't really do juices apart from to get the All in One down my neck and then it is watered down - drinks of choice are tea. occasionally coffee and water. Semi skimmed milk. Can't go to skimmed unless it is for cooking.

I haven't actually changed my weight for quite a few months now but I think I also haven't tried on any new clothes for a few months either!! I had a Mirena (hormone) coil fitted last year and put on about 7-8lbs pretty much straight away. That should have settled down no so hopefully won't get in the way of the weight coming off.

Thanks for your help. Any more gratefully received. Particularly simple ideas for lunches/dinners. I can cook well enough but just sometimes run out of mental energy to decide what is the healthy choice for a meal and just find what I can when I get hungry. I know planning ahead is key to it.

Bessie xx

[LVT25]

Bessie--curious about what you said about the Mirena IUD. I need to get my IUD replaced and that is what my DR recommends. Is weight gain a side effect.?

I guess it's better than weight gain from a pregnancy at age 47!

[Bessie]

Yep weight gain is a well known one. I think I suffered from some others. Moodiness (normally I'm fairly well balanced!) and breakthrough bleeding and a few other things - all fairly minor - but they lasted about 6 months and I was ready to give it up (if it wasn't for the thought of it being removed - ouch!!) - but stuck with it and no problems at all now. Except for needing to lose the bloody weight!

Bessie xx

[hippie37]

Bessie, from a psychological viewpoint try to look at it as eating more healthily than dieting. Dieting in my eyes meant I was depriving myself of foods so I looked at it as changing my diet/lifestyle. A good place to start as well is to kick start your metabolism to work in your favour. Some general supplements and vitamins like Vitamin C (500mg), Vitamin B and Omega 3 oil capsules helped me. I lost 11lbs last month and that was by taking the vits., eating healthily, drinking lots of water (no sugary drinks whatsoever) and I did NO strenuous work-outs. Half hour walks once a day would suffice in the beginning. I am now looking at taking the exercise a bit further but long cardiovascular workouts is not the way for me. If you get the chance read a book called "The Doctor's Heart Cure" by Dr. Al. Sears. you can get a copy from Amazon for about £6.00 and well worth the money. It's full of good advice on exercise, healthy eating, supplements and vitamins etc. and you can tailor things to your own needs very easily.

Good luck Bessie!!

Love and Happiness
Hippie
xx