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More on weight loss
Well I am back and thinner than i was in my previous post! I lost 5 pounds since the last time that I wrote, and I am feeling so much better. (encouragement please) :D I am eating this cereal right now called KASHI. It is the most disguisting thing ever. But its suppossed to help you lose weight. I remember having Kashi before and I dont think it tasted this bad so maybe it was a different kind of Kashi. Anyway, they say this stuff is a natural slimming system. (probably because you want to throw up after you eat it) Back to the point of my post......Last night I had a hamburger and frenchfries (Im named after them afterall!) Id like to know how many dancers on the board mess up like that once in awhile...and how bad of an effect fattening food has on a diet. Im not sure of the proper mix of food to be eating together. For example, Is it true that if you eat protein certain amount of fat and certain amount of carbohydrates together you will lose weight faster? I am 5 foot 2 now, and 120 pounds. I would like to get down to 115 or 110. Im not sure if its possible though. Can your body reach a dieting homeostasis and refuse to lose more weight no matter what you do? So far Ive just been really careful with my diet, and walking on the treadmill. Looking forward to hearing from any nutritionists out there!!!!!!Love always, Ms French Fries
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Re: More on weight loss
Great Ms.French Fries! And no....you did not mess up last night by having a hamburger and fries. You said once in awhile, that is a dietary change and i for one am proud of you. You lost weight, and you 'treated yourself' that is allowed, don't you think? Once in awhile!!!Not every day of course. And Kashi if full of fiber. Fiber will make you lose weight. You go to the bathroom more, at times while eating enough of it.
Usually when one tries to start losing weight at first, it's tough because your body will adjust and use up what it has, so you don't lose say for the fisrt week, or very very slowly, for some. Alot of people i have met trying to lose weight are impatient, they want it now! Well it did not go on now!! And i know you may be asking about protein and carbs...but why now. Since your last posting (not long ago) you lost 5LBS!!!!!
I think you are doing everything fine. Don't starve yourself hun, and take a multivitamin, while losing. If 5 more lbs is your goal i have faith you will get there. You already lost 5!!!! 5 more. Your at your weight.
I have found a great site to help you along, you can also email them with questions. Many Nutritionists on this site. Pamela~ PS if you have a few extra $ go see a nutritionist, they will put you ona life style change for your eating habits that is right for YOU.. Lotsa hand clapping here!!!!! :) ;) :D ;D 8)
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Re: More on weight loss
Congratulations!!!!
It is natural and healthy to treat yourself on an odd occasion. This means you don't feel deprived and are less likely to go on a binge eating session.
Don't worry about the amount of protein and carbs you are combining. You are obviously doing something right. It is possible to reach what seems like a plateau in your weight loss. I think what it really is, is that you have lost a fair amount of weight quickly in a short time frame because you have completely overhauled your diet. You are now at the dangerous point. This is the intial weight loss you will get from any diet, but that you will regain just as fast if you return to unhealthy habits. It is hard to stick it out from here on in, because the weight loss is slower and more gradual. But you haven't reached a final spot yet. Continue to eat healthily, with a wide variety of veges, fruit, grains, seeds, nuts, meat and low fat dairy, and you should continue to lose about 2 pounds a week. Make sure you eat lots of small meals regularly to keep that metabolism burning.
You could vary your exercise to help get off the weight. Have you heard about intensity training? It uses levels of exertion to help control your workout. These are my own explanations for the effort levels.
Level 1 - the effort involved in laying on your bed
Level 2 - desk work (eg. typing at the computer)
Level 3 - walking from the desk to the filing cabinet! :)
Level 4 - A light stroll
Level 5 - Starting to work; a brisk walk
Level 6 - Feeling it, a half walk/jog, starting to puff & glow a bit
Level 7 - Running, starting to sweat
Level 8 - Running, getting close to max effort
Level 9 - Maximum effort. An intense sprint
Level 10 - The ultimate sweating, puffing, out of breath, I'm being chased by a wild elephant stampede type of sprint!
On your treadmill, you could try this program.
2 mins at Level 4 (warm up)
1 min at Level 5
1 min at Level 6
1 min at Level 7
1 min at Level 8
1 min at Level 9
1 min at Level 5
1 min at Level 6
1 min at Level 7
1 min at Level 8
1 min at Level 9
1 min at Level 5
1 min at Level 6
1 min at Level 7
1 min at Level 8
1 min at Level 9
1 min at Level 5
1 min at Level 6
1 min at Level 7
1 min at Level 8
1 min at Level 9
1 min at Level 10
2 mins at Level 5/4 (cool down)
Try to do your workout first thing in the morning before eating, and (if possible, I know this can be really hard) try not to eat for 30mins after working out. Then you can eat all day and your metabolism will be one HOT fire!
Keep up your FANTASTIC work! xxx
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Re: More on weight loss
So by restricting too many calories for a certain period of time I could potentially be screwing myself over? I'm pretty convinced that my metabolism must be pretty messed up. ( I was told that eating too little lowers one's metabolism, but do I ever listen?? Noooooo) I was wondering though, if I eat properly and keep my calorie count at a good stable level (not too high, not too low) will my metabolism level out?
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Re: More on weight loss
It is true that having your daily caloric intake too low will slow your metabolism. For a short explanation, this is because your body feels it's not storing enough energy so it will slow down the rate at which it is burning your calories and store them instead. The key phrase in your last sentence was keeping your caloric intake at a stable level. It is also important to eat your meals at about the same time each day. This is because pretty much the same thing will happen if you are varying your caloric intake and when and what you eat too much. Your body then does not know when the next time it will get more energy (calories) is and how much it will get at that time. Therefore, it will save and store more calories than are truly necessary, so that it will have a backup energy source - hence, why skipping meals is extremely bad for your metabolism.
I don't know what your average caloric intake should be. There are some good sites where you can calculate what your average daily intake should be based on height weight, BMI, and whether you want to lose, gain, or stay at your current weight. I had a really good site which I lost the address for. I'm attempting to find it again right now, so if I do I'll post it for you.
Also, I don't worry so much about calories myself. There are calories in everything and you really need calories for energy purposes especially if you're working out while you're trying to lose weight.
Another thing is you have to remember everyone's body is different. You know how your body handles different things better than anyone else. For example, I've never had a problem with carbs. I never seem to gain weight from having too many carbs (I love bread, potatoes, rice, popcorn, etc.). I know other people who have serious issues with carbs and really have to limit their carb intake - they seem to favor a high-protein diet. Out of curiosity, I tried going on a low-carb, high-protein diet for about 4 months and I actually gained some weight. Those sort of diets have a higher level of recommended fat intake than others and, for me, fat calories are the problem. So, instead, I simply try to limit my fat intake (especially saturated fat) and eat healthy, natural foods. A good tip to keep in mind is the less processing involved in the food the better. Highly processed foods - even if you get the low/no fat version - are much harder for your body to digest, which then slows down your metabolism (not technically, but since it takes longer to process and burn that food before it can move on to burning more, it seems to us as though it does, if you get what I mean). Also, many of these such foods (fat free versions) have a lot of sugars in them which is not good if you're trying to lose weight so make sure you check labels for things like that when you're shopping.
What kind of Kashi are you eating?? My mom used to get that dry, gravel-type stuff that tastes like Kibble, and I don't care how good it is for you, that stuff is just gross. However, have you tried the Kashi Go-Lean Crunch?? I've heard from a bunch of people that that is actually pretty good. For other healthy cereals, my faves are Special K Red Berries (I pick out the freeze-dried berries, but the flakes in that version are just better than the regular version), Brown Sugar 'n Oat Total, and Harmony (which is specially designed w/women's health needs in mind and is, in my opinion, the best).
Another thing, if you like spicy foods there have been several studies which support the theory that they boost your metabolic rate. Do a search for the "hot diet" and you should be able to find some info on it and sample recipes.
I hope some of this rambling helped - it's 4 am at this point and I just seem to be suffering from insomnia or something. :P Hope at least some of this post was coherent for you! ;) Keep up the good work, hun, and definitely keep us posted!!!
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Re: More on weight loss
How often can you go off the diet, without immeditaely gaining everything back? How often do you ladies go out to eat? When I go out to eat, even if I order veggies they come loaded with butter and sodium. Where can I find a nutritionist? Have any of you gone to a nutritionist, or a program like weight watchers?
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Re: More on weight loss
Nutritionist yes, my mother is a diabetic. I asked alot of questions. What weight lose is about is dietary changes. Not a diet. When you go back to your old eating habitts, the weight comes back. Make changes in your eating habits forever!!! Thats how you do it. When in a restaurant you have the option of asking for no butter on anything fattening on top. And sodium is in everything, it's salt, makes some people retain fluid, drinking lots of water will move you smoothly with your bowels and urine. Also don't salt any food you eat. There is enough salt in just about everything we eat. But don't diet hun, make a lifestyle change with your eating habits, i think you may find changes work better than a diet. Diets don't work! Treat yourself now and again for pounds lost. Key: keep all your food in moderation. You should do fine. PS and move your body babe!!!! Lotsa luck, Pamla~
See if you can talk to a nutritionist...i love them.
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Re: More on weight loss
I've never been to Weight Watchers myself, but my mother used to go to Weight Watchers when I was younger. It's not really a diet, it's about changing your eating habits and making healthy food choices on a regular basis. You can still eat what you want, just in moderation. As Pamela said, this is what you ideally need to do if you want to lose the weight and really keep it off.
As for a nutrionist, I've never actually been to meet with one to discuss dietary plans or anything. However, one of my best friends is a nutrionist, so I do have the advantage of being able to ask him questions whenever I want. So talking with one might be a good move for you as they really are great with advice/tips.
I go out to eat all the time. The key is to make healthy choices. As Pamela said, you can ask for your vegetables without butter on them. That's what I do, however when I get them I just melt a small amount of butter on top myself, just so it has some flavor, but is not doused in the stuff. Also, for potato/rice choices, rice is typically better. However, if you want to go for the potato instead, I'll usually get garlic-smashed potatoes if they have them where I am. That way I don't feel the need to add butter, sour cream, etc. as I would with a baked potato. For entrees, chicken is always a good choice - just try to stay away from the skin. Those are just a few lil tips. I still eat everything I want just in moderation. If you completely deny yourself of the foods that you love, you'll never be able to stick with it.
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Re: More on weight loss
Thinking of this thread today while at the store, I picked up some Kashi! I remember a lady I worked with long ago was eating it to lose weight also. Well I got the Go Lean Crunch, it looked like it would taste better and it actually is not that bad. It's edible...but it's not the the Hostess Cupcakes I've been craving!! ;D I'm really really trying to lose a few pounds here as I prepare to go back to work.
~L
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Re: More on weight loss
I try not to stress about how often I'm eating out. I used to obsess about it and only eat anything that tasted good once a week - but that's how binging happens, when you're that obsessed with what you eat. Instead, I eat what I want most of the time. I avoid bread and over processed foods - I mostly eat meat, fruit, vegetables, and nuts.
If I want to eat out, I do, but if I think I'm going to feel bad about it later I don't. Steak or Chicken salads are always good :-)
Lena
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In Response
Make sure that the weight you are wanting to achieve is a healthy weight by making sure it is between 20-25 on the BMI (Body Mass Index).
As for weight loss... if want to permanently loose your weight than it is a lifestyle thing not a diet thing.
If you can maintain an active lifestyle (I said active... that means more than just exercise) as well as proper nutrition via your food and suppliements... then it is achievable.
You will need suppliments as it is impossible to get all the nutrition we need from the food available today due to mass production etc. Make sure the suppliments are of a good quality too.
Proper nutrition and an active lifestyle is all that is needed for anyone to maintain their ideal weight.
I personally use Herbalife products... others can say what they will about them however they work for me. I also have an active lifestyle anyway... :-)
Congratulations!
BTW... if you loose body fat and gain muscle... muscle is heavier than fat so you seem to gain weight but instead you are not... you are just toning up. :)
Oh yeah.. hope you are doing more than just weighing yourself on the scales... are you measuring yourself as well? The scales only tell part of the story.