shwankie
03-02-2007, 01:57 PM
Eric Stoner, thanks for the concern. It's nice to know there's someone out there who doesn't think women should be rail-thin and have no body fat :-)
I am currently at about 18% body fat, and ideally would like to get to 15-16%. An additional 5lbs. or so should do it, and put me at a good and reasonable weight for my small stature. I am by no means fat right now, and I know I'll never have a 6-pack. Genetically, it's just not in me. But, I would like to get rid of a bit of the extra I still have hanging on. I get plenty of fluids, mostly in the form of water with lemon (I don't drink soda at all, and rarely consume alcohol). And, I get plenty of sleep and cross-training excersize. It's hard for people who don't have hypoadrenal/hypothyroidism to understand how slow the metabolism of those of us with it is, but the basic math equation for losing fat simply does not work for us. I consult regularly with my doctor (who knows about and monitors my ephedra usage, including monitoring heart rates, etc), as well as use fitday.com to track nutrients, calories, and caloric output. I eat very well (my full-time business is presonal chef to people with diabetes and weight management issues, so cooking light and flavorful is a specialty).
It's not lack of good habits that is a problem for many of us, it's simply that our bodies will *not* let go of the fat as easily as it does for those without the health issues.
Ephedra, when used properly and in low doses, is fairly safe. I did a good bit of research on it before I decided to take it, and for people without pre-existing risk factors it is actually safer and has fewer side effects than the prescription weight-loss supplements. So long, of course, as it is used responsibly. I take low doses, and do not take it continually. 3 weeks on, 3 weeks off is pretty much my standard. I also do not "stack" it with other things, such as caffiene or asprin. If I found something that worked as well, I would happily switch (hence my interest in this thread). Unfortunately, thus far, it is the only thing aside from upping my meds that works for me, and increasing my dosage carries far more risks than the ephedra does at this point.
I am currently at about 18% body fat, and ideally would like to get to 15-16%. An additional 5lbs. or so should do it, and put me at a good and reasonable weight for my small stature. I am by no means fat right now, and I know I'll never have a 6-pack. Genetically, it's just not in me. But, I would like to get rid of a bit of the extra I still have hanging on. I get plenty of fluids, mostly in the form of water with lemon (I don't drink soda at all, and rarely consume alcohol). And, I get plenty of sleep and cross-training excersize. It's hard for people who don't have hypoadrenal/hypothyroidism to understand how slow the metabolism of those of us with it is, but the basic math equation for losing fat simply does not work for us. I consult regularly with my doctor (who knows about and monitors my ephedra usage, including monitoring heart rates, etc), as well as use fitday.com to track nutrients, calories, and caloric output. I eat very well (my full-time business is presonal chef to people with diabetes and weight management issues, so cooking light and flavorful is a specialty).
It's not lack of good habits that is a problem for many of us, it's simply that our bodies will *not* let go of the fat as easily as it does for those without the health issues.
Ephedra, when used properly and in low doses, is fairly safe. I did a good bit of research on it before I decided to take it, and for people without pre-existing risk factors it is actually safer and has fewer side effects than the prescription weight-loss supplements. So long, of course, as it is used responsibly. I take low doses, and do not take it continually. 3 weeks on, 3 weeks off is pretty much my standard. I also do not "stack" it with other things, such as caffiene or asprin. If I found something that worked as well, I would happily switch (hence my interest in this thread). Unfortunately, thus far, it is the only thing aside from upping my meds that works for me, and increasing my dosage carries far more risks than the ephedra does at this point.