Diet & Fitness Blog

Comment: Thursday, July 10, 2008 5:23:00 AM -  Dreama - Age 44 said...  

Ever seen the commercial "My husband gave up soda and lost 40lbs. I haven't had a soda in 2 years and I lost 4 lbs." Then she drops water in the dogs bowl by accident and even he gets skinny? That's the way it is for most of us. Little tips like this are cute for girls who need to lose that stubborn five lbs. The rest of us who have real problems....well, sorry but your cute little articles are the biggest joke as we get up at five a.m. and head to the gym to kill ourselves so we can fit in our jeans AND we still haven't had soda in two years!!!

Comment: Thursday, July 10, 2008 11:43:00 AM -  Di said...  

It's true that giving up soda won't make you thin, but giving up a lot of the little things you take for granted will. That is the point behind the article. As you get older you HAVE to eat less and move more in order to counter balance a rapidly declining metabolism. I'm sure I'm not telling you anything you don't already know. Exercise is very important for weight loss but it does not stand alone. If you really want to lose weight you don't have to kill yourself at the gym at 5 am. Just start cutting calories and exercise portion control and in a few months you will see a marked difference.

Comment: Thursday, July 10, 2008 12:33:00 PM -  Chef Meg said...  

Really think before you grab what you eat. Think: Is this healthy for me at all? How am I gonna feel after I eat this? When did I eat last and was it nutritious? What can I eat that will have some protein, little fat, some carbs? Am I tired or hungry? I do this to make sure I'm ready to eat and except "my choice". After all we make our own choices. Realize this! You can choose to be healthy, lose weight, or what ever your goal is. Stick to your guns and take ownership for your choices.

Comment: Thursday, July 10, 2008 2:15:00 PM -  Anonymous said...  

Dreama,
If you will take the chip off your shoulder, listen to good advice from web sites like this or a nutritionist, and seek help, you may have success at weight loss. I am 10 years older than you are, was 100 pounds over weight, and have serious health issues and I am losing a pound a week. That may not sound like much but in a year's time, that will be a lot. I saw a nutritionist 4 months ago. I eat something small every 3 hours to try to get my metabolism going again. SMALL meals, 10 almonds or a fruit for snacks. No sugar items. Forget the cake, candy, and cookies if you are serious. If you just can't live without something sweet, eat a piece of sugar free hard candy. If you are serious you can lose. I walk in the pool for 1 hour 4 times a week. (I worked up to this. The first time I went it was an hour trip just to walk in the pool 10 minutes). Losing weight requires a lot of hard work, a lot of effort and time. It can be done when you make the decision to be serious and seek help. If you go out to eat cut your entire meal in half before you start eating and throw the rest out. Meals in restaurants are 2 portion size. Do not go to fast food places. If you need to eat out, get a turkey or grilled chicken sandwich on wheat bread from Subway. No Mayo. Eat it dry! Limit your oils and fats. Do not eat anything white like rice, bread, pasta. Everything needs to be whole wheat because it is healthier. There a hundreds of other tips a nutritionist can tell you. You can afford it too. Cut out some of the things in your life that are not as important as being alive and getting healthy. I was in your shoes and I was the angry one. If I can change, anyone can if they choose to.

Comment: Thursday, July 10, 2008 4:03:00 PM -  Nay said...  

Hi dreama...thatcommercial you are referring to is hilarious, and I agree with you whole heartedly...but like di said..the older we get we have to eat less and move more... even though this is easier said than done,we have to do what we must to look our best!

Comment: Thursday, July 10, 2008 4:07:00 PM -  Nay said...  

Dreama.. you mention that you eat every 3 hours to get your metabolism going... is that what eating every three hours does... I always hear to eat small meals throughout the day, but is it true that if you eat every three hours that you will speed up your metabolism...if so than for me it might be worth doing..

Comment: Thursday, July 10, 2008 6:08:00 PM -  Anonymous said...  

I lost 30 pounds 4 years ago, and am working to get rid of the 10 pounds that has come back! I think most peoples biggest mistake is portion size; at home I now give myself 1/2 of what my husband and adult son eat, and in a restaurant, I order either a 1/2 portion, or an appetizer, or ask for 2 plates, and share my meal with one of the above.I never end up feeling hungry after eating. I realize now that the weight started to come back when I stopped being careful how much I put on my plate.

Comment: Saturday, July 12, 2008 3:16:00 PM -  crissy27blue said...  

The more frequent and healthy the snack and meals the more they speed up the metabolism.You can have a piece of chocolate once in a while as bad as it may sound but that is an antioxidant and as long as it is more than 60% cocoa.Weight has a lot to do with different factors:my mom she had 3 kids,I am the eldest and my brother who is almost 13 (when my mom was 36).After she had me and my sister she snapped back into shape because she was younger(in her 20's) and because she could but after my brother's birth she packed on some pounds that she cannot get rid off.You can complain about weight and this and that yet if you do not have any knowledge about what you feed your body,how many cals you eat and how many you burn,etc..You are the one person who can take charge of what you eat and all things that you incorporate in your life.You should do something with your life vs.bitching about how life sucks because you weigh more than your friend or so.Is weight all that matter really?I know girls who are skinny and the epitemy of others yet stupid as heck and some of my smart friends are not skinny so that means that just because you are a bit big you find a million flaws because doing you will find unhappiness.

Comment: Sunday, July 13, 2008 8:45:00 PM -  Eliza said...  

The commercial is funny, at the same time if you don't have fun losing weight it becomes more of a burden. I was on Jenny Craig and lost my first 20 pds. I get bored easy, so I stopped. I am trying to do it on my own. I did learn alot with JC, portion control, calorie intake, watch the fat intake. It is a matter of choice what we put in our mouth. Don't play the blame game instead focus on your goal. If I fall off the wagon, I don't punish myself with negative talk I simply jump back on it. After all, I didn't gain all this weight at once. I am excited and determine to succeed and I focus on this. I know what I am doing wrong and why I'm not losing. I am weak when it comes to salt, chips, peanuts, etc. I recently changed to baked chips. I've decided to take baby steps to reach my goal. I am also trying to teach my 15 yr. old healthier habits. My husband is not overweight, but does have diabetes so my daughter might be affected by it. It's all in where I see myself in 3 to 5 yrs. I see myself eating healthier and being healthier with my body. I am 47, it sure was easy gaining the pds. and it is going to take time taking them off, that is my penalty for all the bad choices I made, but it's never to late. Give yourself credit where it is due whether half, one or two pds. Thanks elise

Comment: Thursday, August 21, 2008 1:20:00 AM -  MITA said...  

i guess in 3 things if u add one more is eating early will also help in reducing weight loss.......special 5 days a week u should try automatically it will reduce........mt

Comment: Thursday, August 21, 2008 8:21:00 AM -  golfnjudy said...  

Annonymous, I could have written your post....two years ago I gave up sugar and white flour. I lost 34 lbs by also cutting portions,walking and doing core training on a physio ball. I have gained 10 back because my portions have gone back up and I'm not exercises due to a torn meniscus in my knee. HOWEVER, I have still not had any cookies, cake, candy, etc. How? I told myself that I'm no different than an alcoholic....I am a confessed sugaraholic. If I eat one bite of that cookie, I will crave and want the whole bag. I can't do it. I will always be a sugaraholic so I can never have it again. I HAVE to use this mentality. Although I want to loose the extra 10 lbs, I know that I am healthier without the sugar. My arthritis pain is diminished and I have more energy. Now I just need to get back to smaller portions and more exercise....

Comment: Monday, August 25, 2008 11:45:00 PM -  Anonymous said...  

I see all of your comments and they are great. Lots of tips and things to lose weight. The only two things missing are: 1.- Sleep and 2.- Limit your stress. Of course that we have to burn what we eat. However, getting enough sleep and not so much cortisol (stress) makes a huge difference too!

Comment: Tuesday, September 02, 2008 6:02:00 PM -  Karen said...  

I was doing great several years ago, had lost 20-30 pounds. Don't know exactly what happened, but I gradually slipped out of my self-discipline and began eating some of the wrong foods, not exercising, not watching portion sizes carefully. I know exactly what to do, but right now I'm just not doing it.

Comment: Tuesday, September 02, 2008 6:15:00 PM -  Anonymous said...  

These articles are meant to start making you think about what goes into body. Remember, the answer to anyone's problem about diet and exercise will not be found in an e-mail, a book, or a gym contract. Ultimately, the answer is found in your brain.

Comment: Tuesday, September 02, 2008 6:18:00 PM -  Sandi Jones said...  

Dreama, it isn't fair that men can lose weight easier, but that's because they have more lean muscle and muscle burns more calories than fat. I've lost 80 lbs over the past two years. I'm almost 60 and I learned to swim at 58. It is my main way of exercising and dealing with stress. I've also become a vegetarian (I eat eggs and dairy) and feel better. It still is a daily battle with temptation. I'm the original cookie monster, but I know that I can't eat the first one or the entire bag will be gone. I feel 100% better than I did 2 yrs ago. It is worth it to me. My taste buds have definitely changed. You can do anything you set your mind to do. Good luck, girl. Sandi

Comment: Wednesday, September 03, 2008 4:21:00 AM -  Gowri said...  

Dreama and anonymaous just swung to two extremes:one of dejection and the other give up all
Neither helps.
Give up this give up that is the first step to failing in good health-no food is good food and no food is bad food.
Dreama eat everything you want-I follow Paul Mckenna idea-eat anything and everything
So psychologically I dont feel I am sick.
Fill your plate-as I do and then sort that out into three little plates-eat one now,the others just keep it there.
And when you eat make sure you do two thingsLchew your food
Fatter people swallow food-so chew-sit down and chew slowly-you cant finish that one portion when you chew-believe me
Then put your spoon and fork down-so food into mouth-spoon/fork/down-chew
When mouth is empty , lift your spoon
Eat consciously-no other distractions.
Does it help?-hugely-yes
Try and see for yourself the amazing results-these are the small changes that we need to do

Comment: Wednesday, September 03, 2008 5:22:00 AM -  sharadhakv said...  

sir/madam...i am housewife.43age. 89kgs, hight 5.0i am go to hospitel harniya oparation but doctor tell heave weight complicated u weightloss after i do operation pleas u tell which vegtables,fruites quick weightloss without effect i am waiting u answer

Comment: Wednesday, September 03, 2008 8:44:00 AM -  dd said...  

If you really want to lose weight, the first line of defense is you mind. You have to re-arrange your way of thinking and your priorities. Second, don't think about the 60 or 100 lbs. that have to come off. Think smaller. I personally do five pounds at a time. I don't put a time limit on when the weight has to be off. I do slip up once in a while but I jump right back on the horse and continue on with my day. So far I've lose 20 pounds but still have a long way to go. Third, forget the diet pills. They only work because you think they do. Put that energy into yourself and you will be amazed at the results.

Comment: Wednesday, September 03, 2008 9:23:00 AM -  Anonymous said...  

I really appreciate everyone's comments. It's so true that the older we become the harder it is to loose weight. I'm now 44 and about 30 pounds over what I should be. I made a decision about 2 months ago to just start eating healthier. I try to eat more fiber,less carbs, and really watch the sugar intake. I don't concern myself with counting fat grams too much. I have lost about 7 pounds so far. It's a slow process, but I have more energy and a little bit better outlook on life. I'm still working on portion control since it seems to be my biggest downfall. I found that soy milk,wheat breads and mustard have helped. I now use mustard all the time instead of mayo. I mix it in my tuna and add a little dill with a couple of banana peppers. It's really tasty and much lower in calories. And if you really want a sweet snack, try reaching for a Fiber One Oats & Peanut butter bar. It taste just like a candy bar, only has 150 calories and is packed with fiber. I eat one everyday for a mid-morning snack. I also found that I drink a lot more water if I add plenty of ice and lots of lemon and lime slices. I have also gotten in the habit of weighing myself every morning. I know they say you shouldn't do that, but it really keeps me on track. If I've gained a pound back then I just cowgirl up and make myself even more aware of the day's choices. If I've lost a pound then I cowgirl up and make myself even more aware of the day's choices in hopes of seeing another pound bit the dust !!! It really is the little changes that can make a big difference.

Comment: Wednesday, September 03, 2008 10:56:00 AM -  Anonymous said...  

to sharadhakv, Try a vegetable called spagetti squash. It looks like an ablong melon and can be found in most grocery stores. It is a pale yellow in color. Just cut it in half ( length ways ) scoop out the seeds and pop it in the microwave for about 5 minutes. Please note that it will be very hot so use potholders to remove. Let it set for another 5 minutes to cool and then take a fork and rake out the meat inside. You can eat it plain which is how I like it. Or you can sprinkle a little cinnomon ontop. It is filled with fiber, low carbs and only 40 calories in a whole cup ! You can also use it as a sbstitute for pasta or any kind of noodle dinner. Good luck to you with your operation. I will keep you in my prayers.

Comment: Wednesday, September 03, 2008 11:05:00 AM -  Anonymous said...  

I have done a lot reading about proper weight for your height, etc. The thing that made the most sense to me was that you should not buy into the idea that as you get older, you simply have to gain weight. I read an article that said that if you were healthy and active when you graduated from high school, your lifetime weight fluctuation shouldn't be more than 10%. I was the picture of health at the age of 18 when I graduated and I weighed 93 pounds. (I'm only 5'3"). That means that if I get to be more than 102 pounds, I'm not at a healthy weight. I find truth in this, as I was at 127 pounds for several years after my son was born, and a few years ago made a few lifestyle changes that took me down to 101 pounds without even trying. I was healthy, happy, energetic, and enjoying buying clothes for the first time in a long time. Do you know what happened? Everyone around me thought I had become a drug addict or had cancer. It just wasn't natural for someone my age (53) to be that slender. My doctor even told me if I dropped anymore weight he'd put me in the hospital for tests. It was like everyone around me got into the act, trying to 'fatten me up,' especially my husband who would buy all the foods he knew I couldn't resist. Well, they succeeded. I'm back up to 129 pounds, and I'm not happy, and I'm not healthy, and I'm not energetic, and I have a whole closet full of beautiful, expensive clothes that no longer fit me. My best weight loss tip is don't listen to anyone else in your life about your weight. You know where you're comfortable and their opinions don't count. If you have people in your life who make it hard for you to eat healthy and maintain a healthy weight, get rid of them. They're not acting in your best interests anyway. They're acting in their own best interests. Friends don't want you to look better than they do, and husbands don't want anyone else to look at you, period! Eat a lot of vegetables, drink a lot of water, and if you have any room left, eat protein and some grains. If you're still not full, then it's emotional and get some help.

Comment: Wednesday, September 03, 2008 11:15:00 AM -  Anonymous said...  

This is all excellent advice! Drinking plenty of water is also very important. I keep a large bottle of water in different parts of my home and office to drink from as a reminder to drink. I happen to like room temperature water so this works for me. I learned that often, what seems to be hunger is really thirst or boredom. Much power to you all in your efforts! XO, Jackie

Comment: Wednesday, September 03, 2008 12:57:00 PM -  Anonymous said...  

Just remembering to start and finish your day with 6 to 8 glasses of water can really help to shed pounds and, if you add to that 20 to 30 minutes of walking or jumping jacks 3 to 4 times a week, that can truly jumpstart your weight loss. Also, remember not to be too hard on yourself if you slack off a day here or there. Just get back on track right away and remember that this is something you are doing for yourself and, after all, if you aren't worth it, then who is?

Comment: Wednesday, September 03, 2008 8:41:00 PM -  LizzyR said...  

I totally stopped drinking soda and it was easy but I forgot about quitting it and couldn't figure out why I lost 13 pounds, my doctor was puzzled also but then I remembered the soda and he confirmed that's exactly why you lost 13 pounds (in just under a year) Hard to believe but very true!!

Comment: Thursday, September 04, 2008 7:49:00 AM -  Anonymous said...  

angel - age 60 I do not eat anything
after 6:30p.m. Besides aging, haveing
a slow digestive system, I find that
eating 5 small meals daily, help me
control the GERD I have! I am a Type
1 diabetic and have Celiac disease, so varying my diet is a bit challenging! I need tips in this
department!!!!