Thin, Healthy Body Thread (Weight Loss Tips and Support)

[icebrat001]

I love WW because it is a sensible plan. Points are assigned to foods based on calories,fat, and fiber. I'll give you my basic run-down. I get 28 points/day (I am currently at 226 lbs- down 4 lbs since MONDAY!!). An example of food points:

1 med. apple = 1 point.
1 C. grapes = 1 point
smothered cheese fries at Denny's = 19 points (see where I am going with this?)

No foods are off limits, but it helps you learn to make better choices for yourself. ALSO- I don't want to waste 19 of my 28 points on smothered cheese fries, because then I'll be hungry the rest of the day. Look around at www.weightwatchers.com I do WW online. You can look up the point value of any food online, but at the meetings you get a portable point calculater. Some people go into the meetings. I have done those in the past.

Now, in order for you to NOT lose any more weight, when you prepare meals, simply add an extra serving of something, or include a protein shake in your day. Maybe discuss it with your Dr.'s to see how you can best combine it. My DH and I just eat separate meals 1/2 the time (he doesn't need to lose weight either). When I cook for both of us, he eats as much as he wants, and I always make sure to measure my portions.

Thanks for the tips, I think I'll give it a try, but I don't know about adding an extra portion, I am a 6 small meals type of girl, I don't think I can eat anything else without feeling sick.

I'll talk to our nutritionist.

 

[disykat]

I have to mention it for those who are saying they are so happy to have found this thread - are you aware there's an entire forum on these boards dedicated to this subject? You can visit by scrolling down to the forum jump bar and selecting WISH (for We're Inspired to Stay Healthy).

 

[KarenAylwood]

Something I do to stay in shape (have never had a weight problem) is to work out with weights. I know I know, many women freak with this idea, I'm not talking about putting on large muscles, but work out with light-medium weights and the nautilus machines, (along with some low impact aerobics also which is good for endurance, your heart, etc.) And don't be a slave to the scale as you may actually put on a lb or 2 but that will be lean firm muscle and not fat. I work out MUCH less then most women who I see an hour plus slaving on those dang bicycles, stairclimbers, or aerobic classes, etc. My husband and I have been doing this for 15 years now, we're both in our early 40's (don't look it) and have never had a weight problem as muscle burns fat and increases your metabolism. Also try to eat whole grain foods, they have protein also and lower glycemic index and keep your sugar at a more regular level, not white bread, (besides the fact that white bread is stripped of essential nutrients and bleached which has been shown to cause cancer in rates, it is highly addictive and has a high glycemic index), try to avoid sugar when possible (although I do eat sugar sometimes myself), and try to eat a lot of raw foods, salads, vegetables, nuts, seeds. And never starve yourself, your body will go into starvation mode and you will gain back. And don't give up fats, your body needs fats but good fats such as Omega 3 fatty acids found in fish oils, nuts, soy. Avoid hydrogenated transfats.

Totally agree with this!! I've been doing South Beach for a while and it's exactly what you describe. I'd rather eat naturally and know that I'm doing something healthy for my body other than just losing weight. I also do better knowing there are certain things I can't eat than trying to keep up with a points system (or even worse, paying for weight loss). It's incredibly easy to keep the weight off too- and in phase 3 (maintenance), anything is allowed in small doses!

I have always exercised using a lot of cardio. Well a few weeks ago I added in weights and have seen an INCREDIBLE difference. I had always been scared of weights but have started body sculpting classes which are some aerobics with a lot of free weights, and I've also started lifting on a weight circuit. I have never seen these kind of results before and it's definitely encouraging me to keep this up!

icebrat001: I'd look into the South Beach diet - your nutritionist should be familiar with it, but if he/she isn't you can describe it essentially as tinkerdorabelle did above. Many people find that it's great to do with an SO even if one doesn't need to lose weight. You can add in more fruit and grains than she does and it works with the 6 meal plan because it's three meals w/ snacks as well. You also don't need to pay for anything other than food. You're essentially just following healthy eating guidelines so it's great for anyone no matter if you want/need to lose weight or not- you're improving your health and that is important for everyone.

Goodluck whatever you & SO decide!!

 

[sm4987]

Saw the thread and thought I'd chime in. Have any of you gone to the wish boards? They are extremely helpful over there and have several challenges going on that could help you reach your goals, or just help put you in the mindset to losing weight. It was wonderful for me 2 years ago, and the support helped me drop 60 pounds!

 

[Ladyhawke10]

I have always exercised using a lot of cardio. Well a few weeks ago I added in weights and have seen an INCREDIBLE difference. I had always been scared of weights but have started body sculpting classes which are some aerobics with a lot of free weights, and I've also started lifting on a weight circuit. I have never seen these kind of results before and it's definitely encouraging me to keep this up!
Goodluck whatever you & SO decide!!

I know I NEED to encourage myself to do weights. I'm okay about cardio, but I have tried weights in the past (once--right after I had my son) for like 18 mos and didn't see much diff. I'd be sore, weights would increase, but I didn't see any difference in my metabolism that was noticeable...on the other hand, when I diet and do cardio, that's what finally helped me to take off pounds. So that's why I have a hard time to get motivated to do it because I remember that long stretch of weight training that yielded minimal results--but now I have a gym in my condo complex--so I really have no excuse (except the old standby...that I'm tired ) to not do it. I'm sure it helps to some degree.

 

[Ladyhawke10]

Thanks for the hug!!! I went to curves today and worked out this morning!! Feeling good! Already got 1 1/2 bottles of water in (i'm having a hard time with my water consumption).

Cheers for everyone today!!!

Thanks for reminding me to get my water in. I need to go fill my big tumbler with arrowhead right now

 

[Ladyhawke10]

Saw the thread and thought I'd chime in. Have any of you gone to the wish boards? They are extremely helpful over there and have several challenges going on that could help you reach your goals, or just help put you in the mindset to losing weight. It was wonderful for me 2 years ago, and the support helped me drop 60 pounds!

No, I hadn't seen the wish board until just now. I thought it stood for something else (having to with Make A Wish Foundation). Honestly, that's what I always assumed it was about until now

So far, I've been really inspired by the posts here. When I feel like giving in to cravings, it helps to remind myself that I have people supporting me on here. Thanks to everyone that's helped me get through these first few days! Honestly, I'm doing great and so excited about it.

 

[Jennifer S]

I just lost 20 pounds in the last few months. Here's my secret www.sparkpeople.com It's like WW on-line but FREE and you don't have to calculate points. They have a meal tracker and you input what you eat and it does all the adding of calories, fat, carbs and protein for you. It has message boards for support, recipes and fitness tracker.

To make weight loss easier you have to do cardio. I'm convinced. I've always tried to lose and never succeeded until I started exercising. Good luck. I'm here if anyone needs help or has questions.

 

[Minnie824]

Hi all. I started trying to lose weight beginning of Jan. I have a weekly plan of how much I should weigh by the end of each week thru November (before my Disney trip). I plan to lose .5 lbs/week...that I figure is more realistic for me, and something I can stick to and stay motivated. Well, Jan I was doing great...ahead of the chart. Then Feb came and I gained weight back. But this week I worked extra hard, and I am not back on schedule! Lost 5.5 lbs since beginning of the year. I've been doing SO good with snacking and desserts (just water at night!). Now I just need to find time to step up the exercising, and hopefully will be doing even better. Last year, I looked into WW and lots of stuff. I'm too picky of an eater to do that even. For me, I just need to watch the sweets, pizza (portions of pizza especially!) and exercise. Good luck to everyone!

 

[The Mystery Machine]

DH and I just joined a gym. I wanted to because of the classes. It helps control my eating and I drink more water when I take cardio classes.

Just by walking the dogs daily I dropped a few pounds without really changing my diet.

I really just want to lose 5-10lbs but mainly I need to do strength training and overall toning esp. in the major areas. I am out of shape!

 

[nwdisgal]

Thank you...

this is the time of day where the day's stress starts to get to me, and I'm ready to go bury myself in cookies or something. I'm making tea again to help myself relax without hurting my body.

Thanks for all the great tips so far!

Keep 'em coming!

Drinking water and chewing gum (to keep my mouth busy) help me when I want to snack. Good luck to you!