Health At Every Size- NOT a weight loss group!!

[gwynne]

Okay folks, I updated the first post to outline the philosophy of a group focused on health instead of weight. Please take a moment to read it over.

Also, I do think the W.I.S.H boards is a more appropriate place for us so can a mod move this thread over there? Or should I just copy/past the first post and start a new thread?

What a nice idea for a thread. I sorta like it on the community board, but will follow wherever you select.

 

[obxlvr13]

I struggle with finding healthy breakfast options. That really is what sets my momentum for the day. I extremely picky and dont like a lot of veggies so an omelet just isnt something I would enjoy. I do like eggs and could get by w/ making some hard boiled eggs but what are some other suggestions?

Im Type 2 Diabetic but have not been managing my levels well and need to get back on some medication. I have been feeling very nauseous in the mornings and hungry so Id like to try and start of the day right w/ a good energy filled breakfast.

Im going to try to get into see a doctor just as soon as I find a new one. :/

 

[SirDuff]

I struggle with finding healthy breakfast options. That really is what sets my momentum for the day. I extremely picky and dont like a lot of veggies so an omelet just isnt something I would enjoy. I do like eggs and could get by w/ making some hard boiled eggs but what are some other suggestions?

Im Type 2 Diabetic but have not been managing my levels well and need to get back on some medication. I have been feeling very nauseous in the mornings and hungry so Id like to try and start of the day right w/ a good energy filled breakfast.

Im going to try to get into see a doctor just as soon as I find a new one. :/

I'm not a huge fan of a lot of breakfast items, so I often just eat non-breakfast items at breakfast. This morning, for example, was a chicken sandwich (at about 6:45am).

I will do eggs/omelets too but cannot do those everyday (and I like to make sure I get in some protein, so something like a muffin or most cereal doesn't work). In the winter (i.e. now) I will do hot cereal (generally this - http://www.bobsredmill.com/5-grain-rolled-cereal.html) which does have protein in it)

 

[-Hope-]

I struggle with finding healthy breakfast options. That really is what sets my momentum for the day. I extremely picky and dont like a lot of veggies so an omelet just isnt something I would enjoy. I do like eggs and could get by w/ making some hard boiled eggs but what are some other suggestions?

Im Type 2 Diabetic but have not been managing my levels well and need to get back on some medication. I have been feeling very nauseous in the mornings and hungry so Id like to try and start of the day right w/ a good energy filled breakfast.

Im going to try to get into see a doctor just as soon as I find a new one. :/

I have to get some protein in the morning for my day to go well (I'm also a T2 diabetic). When I have time to make myself something (and really it's only about 20 minutes to prepare and eat each of these) I like to choose from one of the following:

• an egg fried with cooking spray with a couple of slices of turkey bacon and a piece of rye or pumpernickel toast. For some reason rye and pumpernickel don't impact my blood sugar like other breads do. Sometimes I make a sandwich with these if I want to eat on the go. Just be sure the yolk is hard or you'll have egg on your shirt all day.
• scrambled eggs, sometimes with a small amount of sausage and cheese crumbled in.
• Protein pancakes- I mix 2 oz cream cheese, 2 eggs, 2 packets of splenda, and a dash of cinnamon in a blender. I pour it on a griddle to make several small pancakes (or more like a crepe type consistency) that I top with sugar free syrup or fruit. The cream cheese can be substituted with 2 tbsp of greek yogurt for an even lighter option.

When I have less time I try one of these options:

• A one minute, single serving, nut muffin in a mug or bowl: I keep a ziploc bag in my pantry that has the basic mix in it- equal parts nuts (any nut will work) chopped to a fine meal in a food processor and granulated splenda, and a dash of baking cocoa. I mix 2 tablespoons melted butter (or cream cheese, or a greek yogurt, or a mixture of any of these), 1 egg, and about 1/4 cup of the nut mixture in a bowl or mug and microwave for one minute. I've also substituted the butter for banana and that was yummy. Sometimes I add some chunks of sugar free chocolate, also yummy.
• Greek yogurt with fruit and a couple of packets of splenda is good. Strawberries and bluberries are my favorite. I use WAY more fruit than yogurt in mine.
• If I know I'll have a busy week I whip up a mixture for scrambled eggs but instead of scrambling them I pour it into a muffin tin and bake. Makes a great on the go meal on it's own or on rye toast for a breakfast sandwich.
• I'll eat a protein bar in a pinch. They're not the cheapest so I don't eat them often but they're good once in a while. And Atkins has some single serving bars/brownie type things that don't spike my blood sugar.

And, FWIW, the nut "muffin" and greek yogurt/fruit combo also make a great afternoon snack.

 

[dawnball]

I struggle with finding healthy breakfast options. That really is what sets my momentum for the day. I extremely picky and dont like a lot of veggies so an omelet just isnt something I would enjoy.

What kind of breakfasts do you like? What kind of time/effort constraints do you have in the mornings? And are you open to non-traditional breakfasts?

 

[-Hope-]

What a nice idea for a thread. I sorta like it on the community board, but will follow wherever you select.

Well, no one has moved it so I'm just leaving it here. Honestly I was a little hesitant about the WISH boards because they're SO focused on weight I didn't know if people who don't want to lose weight would even venture over there.

 

[-Hope-]

I wanted to share with you guys something that has been working for me. I downloaded a step counter app, Accupedo, and keep it open and carry my phone everywhere. It's been really useful in tracking how much regular movement I get in a day and just being aware of it has helped me increase that movement. I conciously find myself parking further away at the store, making more trips to bring in the groceries from the car, walking over to ask my neighbor something instead of calling (my parents happen to be my neighbors so they're cool with a drop-in), walking to the mailbox after I park the car instead of pulling up to the mailbox when I get home, etc. All of these are small things but they add up.

I am doing well but I'm also always looking for ways to move even more.So, have any of you found anything that's helping you with that? Either as specifically exercising or just incorporating more movement in your regular routine? I'd love to hear some ideas!!

 

[-Hope-]

Seems like it is more about anything you want to do is healthy since your body wanted it.

Yes, exactly!

I'm glad to see folks talking about HAES here! I find weight loss talk really toxic and, frankly boring. I've been trying to exercise more to get ready for our trip to a WDW next month and am really excited about how much better I feel so far. My big issue is getting enough sleep so I'm not too draggy.

I completely agree about it being toxic. Glad to have someone joining in who seems familiar with HAES.

I have NO advice about sleep as it's a real issue for me as well. If you find something that helps, let me know.

 

[Michblue]

What a nice idea Hope. I have been varying stages of overweight since I was 5. Loosing weight has always been a main focus of my life. Stealing joy from life's great moments. Endless diets, 12 step groups, and two surgeries. I'm 41 now and ready to just call it what it is. This is who I am. It just is what it is!

It's so hard in a world obsessed with skinny. Surrounded my family and friends focused on weight and beauty and calling it a noble calling because it is "healthy". Then finding out that friend lost all that weight by developing an eating disorder. And to hear her receive constant compliments because of it.

Sorry to sound bitter. I'm really quite happy lately!
Looking forward to the thread.

 

[Michblue]

I struggle with finding healthy breakfast options. That really is what sets my momentum for the day. I extremely picky and dont like a lot of veggies so an omelet just isnt something I would enjoy. I do like eggs and could get by w/ making some hard boiled eggs but what are some other suggestions?

Im Type 2 Diabetic but have not been managing my levels well and need to get back on some medication. I have been feeling very nauseous in the mornings and hungry so Id like to try and start of the day right w/ a good energy filled breakfast.

Im going to try to get into see a doctor just as soon as I find a new one. :/

I don't have any tips for you. I'm a breakfast skipper. And I know that would not be a good thing for you with type 2 diabetes. But I wanted to say I can relate with breakfast (or in my case, the first meal) setting the momentum for the day. What I chose to eat is so powerful it seems to effect me for many, many hours.

 

[Michblue]

I wanted to share with you guys something that has been working for me. I downloaded a step counter app, Accupedo, and keep it open and carry my phone everywhere. It's been really useful in tracking how much regular movement I get in a day and just being aware of it has helped me increase that movement. I conciously find myself parking further away at the store, making more trips to bring in the groceries from the car, walking over to ask my neighbor something instead of calling (my parents happen to be my neighbors so they're cool with a drop-in), walking to the mailbox after I park the car instead of pulling up to the mailbox when I get home, etc. All of these are small things but they add up.

I am doing well but I'm also always looking for ways to move even more.So, have any of you found anything that's helping you with that? Either as specifically exercising or just incorporating more movement in your regular routine? I'd love to hear some ideas!!

About a month ago I learn my phone has a step counter. I have enjoyed watching the numbers. I try to walk 30-45 minutes 5x a week. Some days I'm ready to go home after a short walk. But then I look at my steps and it usually prompts me to take a turn and do a few more streets.

Three years ago I joined a Curves down the street. I loved it! My cholesterol was getting high. I committed to work out for one year and see what happens. Well my blood work after one year improved greatly! My doctor was so happy. But the funny thing is my weight was exactly the same after one year. Ladies at Curves kept saying to me "keep it up, you will lose weight soon!" Sure thing. I just smiled and did my workout. Then the gym went out of business and I have not found another one I like.

For a while I did very little exercising. This summer I got back to regular walking. I'll be curious to see in my bloodwork shows anything. It got worse after I stoped going to the gym. I'm hoping walking alone is enough to improve it.

 

[gwynne]

Well, no one has moved it so I'm just leaving it here. Honestly I was a little hesitant about the WISH boards because they're SO focused on weight I didn't know if people who don't want to lose weight would even venture over there.

I love the idea of this thread. A bit of encouragement, some tips and sharing, all with a positive note. It's just what I need right now.

 

[-Hope-]

What a nice idea Hope. I have been varying stages of overweight since I was 5. Loosing weight has always been a main focus of my life. Stealing joy from life's great moments. Endless diets, 12 step groups, and two surgeries. I'm 41 now and ready to just call it what it is. This is who I am. It just is what it is!

It's so hard in a world obsessed with skinny. Surrounded my family and friends focused on weight and beauty and calling it a noble calling because it is "healthy". Then finding out that friend lost all that weight by developing an eating disorder. And to hear her receive constant compliments because of it.

Sorry to sound bitter. I'm really quite happy lately!
Looking forward to the thread.

Yep, I've been there and done it all. And I was the one with the eating disorder as a result. In spite of what the media claims the science is pretty clear, our behaviors define our health far more than our body size. In fact those who are classified as "average", "overweight" and "obese" have the SAME (low) risk of early death if they only adopt these four habits:

1)Don't smoke
2)Eat plenty of fruits and vegetables
3)Exercise and
4) Drink 1-2 servings of alcohol daily (not more though)

That finding comes from a meta-analysis of every peer reviewed weight loss trial over multiple decades. So, the science is pretty clear. I just wish the rest of the world would get on board.

And, fwiw, I'm pretty happy too but I can still get a little riled up about this topic.

 

[-Hope-]

About a month ago I learn my phone has a step counter. I have enjoyed watching the numbers. I try to walk 30-45 minutes 5x a week. Some days I'm ready to go home after a short walk. But then I look at my steps and it usually prompts me to take a turn and do a few more streets.

Three years ago I joined a Curves down the street. I loved it! My cholesterol was getting high. I committed to work out for one year and see what happens. Well my blood work after one year improved greatly! My doctor was so happy. But the funny thing is my weight was exactly the same after one year. Ladies at Curves kept saying to me "keep it up, you will lose weight soon!" Sure thing. I just smiled and did my workout. Then the gym went out of business and I have not found another one I like.

For a while I did very little exercising. This summer I got back to regular walking. I'll be curious to see in my bloodwork shows anything. It got worse after I stoped going to the gym. I'm hoping walking alone is enough to improve it.

I hope so too! I've found walking, combined with some light yoga/stretching in the evening is enough for me so hopefully it will be for you too.

I've found exactly the same thing with the step counter. It encourages me to go just bit a further, take the steps instead of the elevator, etc. I love that aspect of it!

I went to Curves for a while and liked it but the nearest one is about 30 miles away and it was just too hard to make it a habit. I had a circuit training app for a while and liked it but for some reason that never became a habit either. I think I'm just a walker and it works for me so I'll stick with it, lol. But if you enjoy the circuit type workout there might be an app for that!

I love the idea of this thread. A bit of encouragement, some tips and sharing, all with a positive note. It's just what I need right now.

Yay! I'm glad you're here!

 

[Stitch69]

Yes, exactly!

That is the problem with it.

 

[pigletgirl]

I would love to join. I have one daughter and she is almost 18 months. Ever since her birth, she has been breastfed but has been 30 lbs I have struggled to get rid of. In the past I did battle body image issues so I hate having my picture taken and standing in front of the mirror. A part of me would love to "get over" the fact that this is how I am, post baby, and I am healthy! I just do not like the way I look in clothes right now. My husband is very encouraging but I feel like such a downer.

We would like to try for another baby in the near future however I am fearful of gaining more weight and not loosing it.

FWIW, we do eat healthy and exercise on a regular basis. I am currently running 3x/week 4-5 miles. The weight isn't going anywhere!

 

[-Hope-]

That is the problem with it.

Sorry, I guess I misunderstood your first post. It wasn't exactly clear so I assumed you were here to be encouraging. I'm sorry that you think learning to listen to our bodies is a problem but if you don't like this approach, go to one of the hundreds of weight loss threads on the WISH boards. No need to come here and say why you think this approach is a problem. I have a lot of statistics and scientific studies that show why dieting is a problem but I'm not going into diet threads and hating on them. To each their own.

And, just as a heads up. I'm going to update the first post to reflect that this thread is for support and anyone coming in to argue will be reported to the mods.

 

[kuhltiffany]

Love it! It's how I tend to live (by how I feel, not a number on the scale or the size of my clothes). I didn't know it was an actual recognized philosophy!

I just had all my levels checked when I turned 45! and they are all within normal range, so obviously I'm doing ok. We recently moved to a nicer weather area and got a puppy, so I've been getting outside and walking more. Getting off my butt more has always been a goal of mine.

Looking forward to chatting with everyone!

 

[bcla]

Weight/height alone is a lousy means of determining if one is healthy. There are some elite athletes who are considered "obese" despite low bodyfat. There was a recent article in the New York Times about clothing businesses that are catering to athletes who can't fit in typical clothing because their body shapes emphasize huge thighs despite relatively normal calves and waist sizes.

http://www.nytimes.com/2014/11/13/s...ns-for-muscular-athletes.html?ref=sports&_r=0

 

[-Hope-]

Love it! It's how I tend to live (by how I feel, not a number on the scale or the size of my clothes). I didn't know it was an actual recognized philosophy!

I just had all my levels checked when I turned 45! and they are all within normal range, so obviously I'm doing ok. We recently moved to a nicer weather area and got a puppy, so I've been getting outside and walking more. Getting off my butt more has always been a goal of mine.

Looking forward to chatting with everyone!

Weight/height alone is a lousy means of determining if one is healthy. There are some elite athletes who are considered "obese" despite low bodyfat. There was a recent article in the New York Times about clothing businesses that are catering to athletes who can't fit in typical clothing because their body shapes emphasize huge thighs despite relatively normal calves and waist sizes.

http://www.nytimes.com/2014/11/13/s...ns-for-muscular-athletes.html?ref=sports&_r=0

Yep, and plenty of people who fall within the "normal" range aren't all that healthy. Interesting read. Thanks for the link.