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Across the Fence:  I am not dieting, I am changing my lifestyle  |
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MrsRooster
True Blue Farmgirl
1168 Posts
Amy
Seabrook
TX
USA
1168 Posts |
 Posted - Mar 19 2010 : 08:26:00 AM
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I need to lose weight. I have lost 20 lbs since moving to Texas in July. I would like to lose at least 30 more.
I am going to a wedding in Nov. But that isn't my motivation. My five year old is my motivation. I want to be healthy and be around for her.
Between thyroid disfunction, childbirth, less exercise, etc I am finding it very hard to lose weight. I was 96 lbs in 1988 when I graduated from high school. Granted, that was very unhealthy. I took dance or taught dance three nights a week. I didn't eat because I was always on the run. I burned up everything that I ate anyway. When I was 23, my thyroid disfunction turned to hypothyroid and I gained weight. I was 170 when I turned 30. I was 200 when I found out I was pregnant with my daughter in 2004. I gained 33 lbs. I lost all my baby weight plus after my c-section and first 6 weeks, then my thyroid stopped functioning and swelled. I got hives from hormones and stress. They gave me steriods. I was 260 at my worst. I am down to 235. I would like to be healthy. My goal is 175. I am being realistic. I don't care what my pants or dress size is. I would like to be able to buy a shirt and not have to pay an extra 2 dollars for a plus size. I would love to wear a dress and not feel horrible.
Will you share your story or hints. If you don't want to share them here, please email me.
I am using a salad plate instead of a dinner plate. I drinks tons of ice water. I use Splenda or Equal. I don't drink very much pop. I drink iced tea with Splenda or Equal. I park as far as possible and walk to the door. I play with my daughter at the park. We try to walk after we eat. There are no sidewalks here and the street is dangerous.
Will you help me? I am so very grateful for getting this off my chest and any advise or encouragement. It isn't easy to tell strangers such a personal thing.
www.mrsrooster.blogspot.com
Farmgirl #1259
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Roxy7
True Blue Farmgirl
1083 Posts
Robin
Denver
CO
USA
1083 Posts |
Posted - Mar 19 2010 : 08:36:30 AM
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Portion control and exercise are huge for me.I do aquacise. The pool is good for me as I have spine issues. I dont drink ice water because it slows my digestion but I drink room temp drinks and hot teas to help with digestion. I have just had a few rouns od steroids. It has made it harder for me. Be patient though, spring and summer are coming and more fresh foods will be such a helpful treat.
Good luck, I know how tough it is...I am trying for the same reasons you are...I have a 4 year little boy myself. |
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Annika
True Blue Farmgirl
5602 Posts
Annika
USA
5602 Posts |
Posted - Mar 19 2010 : 08:51:00 AM
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Amy, I hear ya sista'! I'm in the same boat with the thyroid dysfunction and then I have other health troubles that make it hard to exercise. I will say honestly that I was a size 1 and weighed 103 pounds about ten years ago. Then my health went ka-blooy and here I am.
The nutrionalist that I spoke with said that food on the plate should be half non-startchy vegetables, one quarter protein and one quarter startchy food stuff. I am trying to do that most of the time. I do not want to die early of heart disease and diabetes like my mama. Maybe we can help each other and encourage each other get to a healthy weight.
The roads where I live have no sidewalks and the drivers rip up the road and around corners like a bat out of you-know-where, so its a dangerous walking experience for sure.
I'm humiliated by my weight and health issues and just want to fit into normal sized clothing again  and be healthy!
So all we can do is work on lifestyle changes, because diets really are not the answer.
Hugs!
Annika
Farmgirl & sister #13
Palouse Prairie Girls Chapter
http://palouseprairiegirls.blogspot.com/
http://prairiegirlsjournal.blogspot.com/
Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication. ~Leonardo DaVinci
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1badmamawolf
True Blue Farmgirl
2199 Posts
Teresa
"Bent Fence Farms"
Ca
USA
2199 Posts |
Posted - Mar 19 2010 : 09:10:57 AM
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Don't eat anything that is white, i.e., bread, milk, potatos, sugar,etc. Excersise beyond what you are used to, gotta get your heart pumping. No snacks that are sugary, no eating after 7pm, 3 smart meals aday, and if you have to snack, veggy sticks or a small piece of fruit.
"Treat the earth well, it was not given to you by your parents, it was loaned to you by your children" |
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Ingrid
True Blue Farmgirl
432 Posts
Ingrid
BC
Canada
432 Posts |
Posted - Mar 19 2010 : 09:14:07 AM
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Congratulations on your change of lifestyle. It is difficult but worth it. I have struggled my entire adult life with the yo yo weight thing. Fortunately, no health issues. All I can say is when you look at your beautiful daughter remind yourself why you are doing the lifestyle change. I agree it doesn't matter what size you wear it is how you feel. Just keep on going with this and make sure you let the people who are important in your life know what you are doing so they encourage, support and help when you need it. Above all don't be discouraged or upset with yourself if you feel you slip up, just jump back on the lifestyle change and keep going. It is worth it.
Give thanks to yourself everyday for all the wonderful things you do! |
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Faransgirl
True Blue Farmgirl
895 Posts
Beth
Houston
Texas
USA
895 Posts |
Posted - Mar 19 2010 : 11:32:42 AM
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I have fought my weight all my adult life. About 10 years ago I started working with horses and just caring for them I have slowly lost over 40 lbs just taking care of them and riding. I think it is just that I have something to do outside that I enjoy.
I know the physical labor helps alot. So I think finding something you love to do that makes you get out and work is the answer. Gardening and mowing if you like gardening, my husband gets his exercise running the dogs with his bicycle. So just find something that is physical that you don't in your mind think "Exercise". We have also cut down on the amount of meat we eat at meal times. Lots more veggies. I eat all my meals after 7 in the evening because of taking care of the horses. I also have started making sure I am hungry before I eat something. If my stomach isn't growling then I don't eat. It has worked for me.
Farmgirl Sister 572
When manure happens just say "WOO HOO Fertilizer". |
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kristin sherrill
True Blue Farmgirl
11303 Posts
kristin
chickamauga
ga
USA
11303 Posts |
Posted - Mar 19 2010 : 7:12:36 PM
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These are all great ways to get the pounds off. I hate to excercise. But I do get outside and do alot for the animals and gardening season really helps me out. That's right about all the white stuff. But milk? I could not give up my fresh, straight from the cow, and in a few weeks, goats milk. That's about all I drink besides water. How about if ya add chocolate to it?
I do wish you all the best in your quest for a healthier lifestyle. You can do it if your mind is set on doing it.
Kris
Happiness is simple. |
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prariehawk
True Blue Farmgirl
2914 Posts
Cindy
2914 Posts |
Posted - Mar 19 2010 : 7:21:57 PM
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Sometimes very simple exercises can help strengthen your muscles which in turn makes it easier to exercise. It's important to keep moving, it conditions your brain to prefer being in motion. As for the diet factor, drink lots of tea and avoid diet sodas--they trick your brain into feeling hungry. Be sure to get enough protein, preferably lean meats. And of course, eats lots of fruit and vegetables. I've been as small as a size two and as large as a twenty and I know how easy it is to let the pounds creep up on you. It's just as important to make mental changes as it is to make physical changes--it takes a lot of work, but nothing worthwhile can be gained without work. And sometimes making the mental changes is the hardest part of all. I wish you the best in your desire to be healthy. Remember: you DESERVE to be happy and healthy--not just for your daughter's sake but for your own peace of mind.
Cindy |
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spaciousplace
True Blue Farmgirl
80 Posts
Mary
Blue Bell
PA
USA
80 Posts |
Posted - Mar 19 2010 : 9:54:22 PM
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This is all such great advice, ladies! I too am in the same boat. I am hoping that by eliminating most processed foods from my diet, my health will improve greatly. If I could grow it, I can eat it!
Mary :)
Farmgirl Sister #378
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mellaisbella
True Blue Farmgirl
1862 Posts
melanie
living on Anne of Green
Gables land
Canada
1862 Posts |
Posted - Mar 20 2010 : 04:22:29 AM
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isn't it so hard? we are bombarded everywhere we go with messages of fast food....yes, a change in eating would be good for me too!
"we must be the change we wish to see in the world"
farmgal #150 |
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classygram
True Blue Farmgirl
1812 Posts
Brenda
Pleasant Hill
Mo.
USA
1812 Posts |
Posted - Mar 20 2010 : 04:44:15 AM
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I have stopped eating meat. I never cared for it and after some of the things I've read it's out of my food plan. What are the best ways to get protein? I to deal with up and down weight. Back in 1970 when I first got married I wore a size 3 wedding dress. I ws 5'8" SKINNY! Until I have my second baby I stayed that size. But boy did I pile it on after that. I lost almost a 100 lbs. back in 1991 and since than up and down. From a 10 to 20. Right now I'm in a 16-18 and I just can't seem to get it off. So diet change for me and hopefully after I get this back surgery over with I'll be able to do more physical exercise. This is a great site, maybe we could all work together and win this battle.
Blessings, Brenda
"Happiness is when what you think, what you say, and what you do are in harmony" Mahatma Gandhi |
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MrsRooster
True Blue Farmgirl
1168 Posts
Amy
Seabrook
TX
USA
1168 Posts |
Posted - Mar 20 2010 : 08:07:02 AM
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We found a new park last evening. I put Bri on the "ferry" and had to crank the bars to "ferry" her across and crank it again to "ferry" her back. I did this a few time. I felt it in my arms. She had a blast and I got some arm work in!!!!
I was very proud of myself last night. We went to a great Mexican place. I ordered beef fajitas. I ate chips with salsa. I had one soup spoon of the cheese dip. When my meal came, I put rice and meat only on one tortilla. I put all the rest of the food into take home boxes. I enjoyed my tortilla. Then when I was done, I ate a few more chips and salsa. I felt full but not busting. I drank three glasses of iced tea with Equal. Everyone else complained all night about feeling like they were going to burst.
Thanks for joining me. We can all get healthy together.
www.mrsrooster.blogspot.com
Farmgirl #1259
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MommaJ9
True Blue Farmgirl
157 Posts
Kimberly
Longview
Washington
USA
157 Posts |
Posted - Mar 20 2010 : 1:36:50 PM
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Amy, there is a great website that I used. It's sparkpeople.com and it was a lifesaver. It is free, confidential and you can get as involved as you want. There is a place to keep track of calories/carbs/fat/protein, etc...a place for logging in exercise so that you can see how many calories you're burning and there is tons of support! It helped me to lose 42 inches. I didn't care about the scale, but I did keep track of measurements and there's a place for that too. I still use it occasionally...there are also hundreds of recipes! I cannot say enough great things about sparks, it really did help me.
Farmgirl #783
http://jabezfarm.blogspot.com |
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sewsweet
True Blue Farmgirl
172 Posts
Carol
Canada
172 Posts |
Posted - Mar 20 2010 : 5:25:33 PM
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I use Sparkpeople.com, too and I would definitely recommend it. It's fantastic. I've lost 25 pounds so using this site, tracking what I eat and tracking my exercise. I go for a walk at least 6 days out of the week. Usually 2 miles. That's all. And it's really working. The food tracker is great, because when I'm motivated to lose weight, I inevitably over do it and cut my calories too much. The tracker tells you when you aren't eating enough. It helps keep you out of that "starvation mode" so you can concentrate on healthy eating instead of eating to lose weight. I can't say enough good things about it.
I think it's awesome that you've made this commitment to yourself and you should be proud of yourself for making this change for your daughter, as well as yourself. Good luck. I KNOW you can do it!
Farmgirl Sister #1191 |
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Room To Grow
True Blue Farmgirl
974 Posts
Deborah
Kingston
Georgia
USA
974 Posts |
Posted - Mar 20 2010 : 7:24:02 PM
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I went on the Eat Right for your Blood Type diet. But I am with you Idont like to say diet...I like to say lifestyle. I lost 3 months..60lbs. in 3 months. And I did yoga 3 days a week for 3 weeks and then everyday t.afer that. It was a little hard at firs, but after a couple of weeks it was easy. And now if I need to take off 5lbs or so I just go back to it strickly. But I have not gone back to the things that I am not suppose to eat. And it is a great book to read...Alot of information. Good luck.
Deborah
we have moved to our farm...and love it |
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prairie_princess
True Blue Farmgirl
613 Posts
Elizabeth
Carpenter
WY
USA
613 Posts |
Posted - Mar 21 2010 : 3:21:36 PM
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first off, Amy, congratulations on wanting to make a lifestyle change! I think the small steps count almost more than the big ones, so just the fact that you are requesting help and support is an excellent step!
So much information to take in! It seems there is so much advice out there on what and what not to do as far as losing weight... it can be so confusing! DH and I have worked on researching what we think is true over the past few years. I've come to the conclusion, for my personal choice anyway, that there is no right or wrong as far as "diets" (i hate that word, too". So I dismiss anything that has to do with what's "right", anything that has to do with diets, calorie counting, amount of excercise, etc. All of it can bombard a person and stress you out even more! I suppose these "guidelines" may work for some people...
I think every one is different, every body is different, there is no weight or size we are "supposed" to be. We just need to be healthy for that level our bodies have deemed is healthy for our individual self. Don't forget that muscle weighs more than fat, too! If you don't lose that 30 lbs, but are making good choices, you may be at that level that is healthy for you and have gained some muscle in the process. Don't buy into fast weight loss solutions... I've read the body is most healthy when the weight comes off at a slow, natural pace. The first pounds may come off fast.. that's ok. But I've discovered the times when it comes off the slowest, the easier it stays off. I didn't have to worry about Thanksgiving this year because I'd lost quite a bit of weight (for me) in a long period of time and my body stayed regulated even when I ate a bit more than I was supposed to.
I found after making healthier choices, the weight started coming off... namely homemaking my food, including snacks. And not eating out. But don't restrict yourself either! The body is an amazing thing... it will let you know what it wants! Some of the best advice I've read is once you start making healthier choices, your body will start craving healthier foods! But never deny yourself small amounts of bad things, either. It's just as important to give into cravings as it is to eat healthy foods... If you allow yourself those things, you won't crave them as much. Depriving yourself is one of the most harmful things you can do!
DH and I have tried to get rid of as many fake sugars included in foods, such as high fructose corn syrup, as possible. I've also read some scary things about fake sugars, such as Splenda... I'd be careful about those, as well. I just add a very small amount of real sugar to coffee or tea, just enough to taste.
And like some of the ladies said, pick "excercise" you enjoy... which includes chores, gardening, etc. I lost the most weight last summer while just doing a project outside, tearing down and repairing our shed. I've discovered that if you are in a more constant motion all throughout the day, isn't that more efficient than one burst of energy for a short period of time? And any movement whatsoever will be good for your muscles. Take it slow at first, be kind to your body! There's no point in killing yourself, then hurting yourself and having to take time off from excercise (which I've done plenty of times). Give your body time to get used to new movements, to build muscle and get stronger slowly.
I'd like to recommend an excellent book: Reality Fitness- Inspiration for your health and well-being by Nicki Anderson. It's the most realistic book I've read about excercise and being healthy. That most of us lead busy lives, don't have time for excercise. And to get rid of the notion you have to workout 5 hours a day to lose weight. It's possible to lose weight realistically and healthily in a busy life! I also believe your body will tell you what is best for it... you'll know when you've tried some different things and you feel so good about what you're doing. Also, practice mindful eating... you'll enjoy food more and you'll notice the signs your body gives you letting you know it's satisfied with how much you've eaten.
Good luck and keep us updated!
"Only two things that money can't buy, that's true love and homegrown tomatoes."
- Guy Clark
"The man who has planted a garden feels he has done something for the good of the world."
- Charles Dudley Warner |
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asnedecor
True Blue Farmgirl
1054 Posts
Anne
Portland
Or
USA
1054 Posts |
Posted - Mar 21 2010 : 4:14:03 PM
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I too have the thyroid issues since I was 22. I was skinny in high school and college, but after the thyroid diagnosis and the thyroid medication I started to gain. I would lose a few pounds, and then gain. I was up and down like a yo-yo. After I got married, the pounds, just kept coming. I joined a gym, watched what I ate, talked to my doctor, still the pounds would come off a few and then more would come. I finally gave up - thought I had probably messed up my metabolism with the ups and downs. After a few years I finally stabilized - no gain, but no loss either. Then when the recession got bad and we started having lay offs at work, I decided to start taking my lunch every day and my breakfast for work. No buying lattes, or sandwiches, etc. I now eat healthier and 25 lbs have gone. I am now looking at what I did differently, adding to it slowly - i.e. more veggies, more exercise to see if more weight will go. It is slow and gradual and I am not trying to have high expectations - just want to weigh a bit less and feel a bit better. So far it is working. So good luck and remember it took a long time to gain the weight and it will take a while to loose, but slow and steady is the best way.
Anne in Portland, OR
"Weeds are flowers too, once you get to know them" Eyeore from Winnie the Pooh
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MrsRooster
True Blue Farmgirl
1168 Posts
Amy
Seabrook
TX
USA
1168 Posts |
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MrsRooster
True Blue Farmgirl
1168 Posts
Amy
Seabrook
TX
USA
1168 Posts |
Posted - Mar 22 2010 : 07:55:33 AM
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Thanks to everyone who are commenting and telling me their story. It is helping me and hopefully will help others.
Have a wonderful week!!
www.mrsrooster.blogspot.com
Farmgirl #1259
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Across the Fence: I am not dieting, I am changing my lifestyle |
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I am not dieting, I am changing my lifestyle
