Saturday, May 27, 2017

How's My Weight Loss Plan Really Going?

 


 A work colleague shared that she has put on 140 pounds in the last two and 1/2 years after having lost 170 over a two year period before. She was on  Medifast, and slowly but surely once she was off it, the pounds crept back on. I don't want to start a debate about weight loss programs, anyone can do what works for them, but I can't trust that any program that requires you to eat separate meals from your family, rely on packages, and doesn't help adjust an unhealthy life style cannot be successful for the long haul. 

So far, I have not felt like I'm dieting, though I have had the occasional mental struggle over the extra treat.(Someone brought three trays of donuts into our staff meeting Wednesday!) I've been applying a few basic criteria such as reducing sugar, limiting simple carbs, and creating meals around fruit and vegetables. A few side effects I haven't quite gotten over is the bit of stomach distress with the increase in fruits and vegetables, particularly cruciferous vegetables like broccoli. I know the impact now is because of too many years of not including enough fiber in my diet so should dissipate over time.
I've had the occasional treat-skipped the Wednesday donuts, but enjoyed a cookie and coffee at the choir teacher reception on Sunday. No doubt tonight I'll have a glass or two of wine or maybe a beer when we enjoy the first of the summer season bon fire toniht. I'll pass on the S'Mores the kids will be making. I'm curious to see how the 70% discounted Hershey chocolate rabbits will work in S'Mores-a deal I couldn't pass up, so bought three packages for summer and have stored them in the freezer.

Thank you to those that shared their ideas and links on my Rut-terless Meal Planning post.I love reading what works for others, and particularly new ideas on the food front. For you UK readers, tell me about your experience if you have any with the Slimming World recipes. It seems like when I see the prep and final results, the portions and variety are so much greater than when I've tried US program recipes like from Weight Watchers. I'd have to do some conversion, but for a change of pace, would be worth the effort.

8 comments:

  1. I agree with you about diets and prepared meals. When I try to lose weight it means adapting the meals I fix anyway by cutting carbs and adding more protein. It's harder when you're older and various medications add to the problem. But I get in as much exercise as I can beginning with a walk each day before breakfast and aerobics later in the day. Keep working at what works for you.

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    1. It does seem like retraining the way I eta will be better in the long run. My daughter bought me terrific shoes for walking at Christmas-I need to get some life out of them.

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  2. I am actually enrolled on Slimming World online (we can't get it here in France) right now and I think I have looked at it twice. Same with Weight Watchers. Went about 4 times last year then got fed up. I should know myself by now, I HATE being "told" what I can or can't eat so I just rebel. Many people have had great success with both plans but from what I see they usually put it back on again when they stop unless they are VERY disciplined - which I'm not. A few years ago some colleagues had wonderful success with the Dukan Diet - losing 50-100 lbs in some cases, but in all but one case they have put it all back on (and more) once the stopped. Same or these "meal replacement" diets. I know I couldn't do them. BUT I have been giving some thought to going vegetarian. I have tried a couple of times many years ago and the increase in my energy level was phenomenal. Now it's just me at home I can do what I like so even though I just want to have more energy I am hoping I will also lose weight. I am pretty food savvy as I love to cook so know I won't be missing out on protein and all that nonsense that sometimes gets spouted out. Before I tried it the first time (in my early 20s) I went to a cookery class run by the Vegetarian Society and the thing that struck me the most was what glowing skin they had. I know you sometimes see the "greasy haired, long cardigan" types who might put you off but this lady and her children looked amazing. I think I just got so tired of the meat that I was eating not tasting like anything - just processed muck. We'll see I guess (sorry this is more of a dissertation than a comment). Anna

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    1. I love when comment as you add so much to the discussion. I am increasing the amount of plant based and whole food based meals and have indeed felt better for it.Eggs an dairy are hard for me up give up, so probably wont go vegan,

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  3. good luck to you on all this.

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    1. Thank you, and at the risk of asking for free medical advice, suggestions welcome.

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  4. Well you know I fast but that's not for everyone I know however just half your portion size of food you want to eat. I think it's wise to be careful of eating too much fruit as even fruit sugars need to be in moderation. Eating less of everything is the key I think not eliminating foodstuffs which then make us feel miserable. As Treaders points out weight loss progs do work but as soon as that persons normal eating resumes back on it goes. I've lost count how many times my sister has started WW she's heavier now than ever so there's clearly something amiss. Keep going with it Sam and you will find what works for you.

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    1. Some days I still struggle with five a day, but understand the fruit sugar risk. I've been more trying to increase veg. My colleague, like your sister, I think if she doesn't nip some unhealthy habits now, she'll be back to the full 170 gained back plus more. My weight gain was over years, so I suspect losing it will need to be slow to be sustained.

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