Loose weight. Doctors orders.

[gracebowen]

Friday my mom's heart doctor told her to lose weight. She agreed to let me coach her. I put her on a 2000 calorie diet. I can stand to lose weight too so I'm on an 1800 calorie limit. I've hit my goal every day since. One day I was over but I mowed the yard that day so it's all good.

Mom is working on it but she's not there yet. She did switch to low-fat milk, light mayo and light butter though.

Now to get her used to measuring her food.

Oh and we both quit drinking soda. We now drink tea with 1/2 cup sugar 1/2 cup sugar.

We are joining a gym tomorrow and planning to go 2 days a week for now.

Me 196 target. 160
Mom 250. Target 215 for now. She needs to lose more but at 215 she will drop from obese class 2 to obese class 1.

 

[Dopey]

Hi Grace. I'm so glad that you and your mom have each other to support in this endeavor. Make life style changes and...well you know the drill. I'm not even going to go there. Good luck.

 

[Flboy]

:11::11: might want to cut back just a tad on the sugar!

 

[Kiwibird]

I'm glad you and your mom are making some lifestyle changes for the healthier! It's always hard to adjust to a major dietary change, but in time, you will get used to it and forget all about why you liked xyz so much in the first place

Just a suggestion, but if you are craving sweets, eat fruit. Not very calorie-dense, so you can really fill up on it (not to mention it's nutrient-dense!). And if you haven't already, join cronometer.com. It's free and lets you monitor your calorie and nutritional intake. I use it daily because I eat such a vastly different diet to most people (just to be sure I'm up on all my nutritional requirements). Good luck!

 

[thekarens]

I'm glad you and your mom are making some lifestyle changes for the healthier! It's always hard to adjust to a major dietary change, but in time, you will get used to it and forget all about why you liked xyz so much in the first place

Just a suggestion, but if you are craving sweets, eat fruit. Not very calorie-dense, so you can really fill up on it (not to mention it's nutrient-dense!). And if you haven't already, join cronometer.com. It's free and lets you monitor your calorie and nutritional intake. I use it daily because I eat such a vastly different diet to most people (just to be sure I'm up on all my nutritional requirements). Good luck!

I agree with Kiwi, except IMO fruit has a shocking amount of calories and sugar, but it's still better for you than processed sugar. More veggies is a better idea, but let's be realistic here

When I'm being good I use myfitnesspal to track calories, nutrition and exercise, when I'm not being good I use nothing

 

[gracebowen]

That was supposed to read 1/2 cup sugar. 1/2 cup splenda.

We used to drink 48 oz soda a day.

Thank you all for your support.

I satisfied my sweet tooth with a 10 calorie jello topped with a Tbs (25 calories) cool whip.
Next time I'm gonna try 1/2 tbs.

I had a mostly vegetarian lunch.

 

[gracebowen]

Oh and the tea that's for a whole gallon

 

[henpecked]

I'm glad you and your mom are making some lifestyle changes for the healthier! It's always hard to adjust to a major dietary change, but in time, you will get used to it and forget all about why you liked xyz so much in the first place

Just a suggestion, but if you are craving sweets, eat fruit. Not very calorie-dense, so you can really fill up on it (not to mention it's nutrient-dense!). And if you haven't already, join cronometer.com. It's free and lets you monitor your calorie and nutritional intake. I use it daily because I eat such a vastly different diet to most people (just to be sure I'm up on all my nutritional requirements). Good luck!

I agree with Kiwi, except IMO fruit has a shocking amount of calories and sugar, but it's still better for you than processed sugar. More veggies is a better idea, but let's be realistic here

When I'm being good I use myfitnesspal to track calories, nutrition and exercise, when I'm not being good I use nothing

Oh, i knew you where a bad girl.

 

[thekarens]

I'm glad you and your mom are making some lifestyle changes for the healthier! It's always hard to adjust to a major dietary change, but in time, you will get used to it and forget all about why you liked xyz so much in the first place



Just a suggestion, but if you are craving sweets, eat fruit. Not very calorie-dense, so you can really fill up on it (not to mention it's nutrient-dense!). And if you haven't already, join cronometer.com. It's free and lets you monitor your calorie and nutritional intake. I use it daily because I eat such a vastly different diet to most people (just to be sure I'm up on all my nutritional requirements). Good luck!

I agree with Kiwi, except IMO fruit has a shocking amount of calories and sugar, but it's still better for you than processed sugar. More veggies is a better idea, but let's be realistic here



When I'm being good I use myfitnesspal to track calories, nutrition and exercise, when I'm not being good I use nothing

Oh, i knew you where a bad girl.

True story!

It's also hard to fit wine and beer into a diet ;-)

 

[Kiwibird]

I agree with Kiwi, except IMO fruit has a shocking amount of calories and sugar, but it's still better for you than processed sugar. More veggies is a better idea, but let's be realistic here

There is sadly a lot of misinformation about fruit and it is demonized because of the sugar (and in some varieties, like avocados and bananas, the calories). The truth is, the body doesn't process fruit (or veg) the same as a processed snack of an equal amount of calories and refined sugar because humans are meant to eat fruit (cookies, not so much). Adding in more to your diet is always a helpful way to fill up on good stuff when your craving sweets I guess I have a bit different perspective though as a raw foodist who leans on the frutarian side of things. I eat a ridiculous amount of fruit and stay slim. In fact I have never seen an overweight fruitarian or (low fat) raw foodist. I know going raw vegan isn't for everyone (and am not suggesting it is), but adding more fresh produce is always good and definitely won't set you back when changing to a healthier diet. The one thing you do need to consider with adding lots of fruit is it will rot your teeth if you don't keep up on good oral hygiene practices (but so will anything with sugar).

 

[thekarens]

I agree with Kiwi, except IMO fruit has a shocking amount of calories and sugar, but it's still better for you than processed sugar. More veggies is a better idea, but let's be realistic here

There is sadly a lot of misinformation about fruit and it is demonized because of the sugar (and in some varieties, like avocados and bananas, the calories). The truth is, the body doesn't process fruit (or veg) the same as a processed snack of an equal amount of calories and refined sugar because humans are meant to eat fruit (cookies, not so much). Adding in more to your diet is always a helpful way to fill up on good stuff when your craving sweets I guess I have a bit different perspective though as a raw foodist who leans on the frutarian side of things. I eat a ridiculous amount of fruit and stay slim. In fact I have never seen an overweight fruitarian or (low fat) raw foodist. I know going raw vegan isn't for everyone (and am not suggesting it is), but adding more fresh produce is always good and definitely won't set you back when changing to a healthier diet. The one thing you do need to consider with adding lots of fruit is it will rot your teeth if you don't keep up on good oral hygiene practices (but so will anything with sugar).

Some people have genetics to help them stay slim and are very active. For people like me who are both sedentary and have the family traits sugar needs to be limited, even in fruits. I'm not making this up out of my own mind, but that's directions from both my physician and licensed nutritionist.

I'm all for people being vegan or vegetarian if that works for them, but the majority of people are meat eaters so there needs to be a balance.

And FWIW not all fats are bad as well so I don't think you need to go with a low fat diet, just pick good fats over the bad ones.

 

[RavensGryf]

Sounds like a great plan ! To put it very simply, the fruit sugars (fructose) absorb into your bloodstream in a much different way than simple sugars in junk food, and therefore do not result in the weight gain you see by eating junk foods.

Fruit is a great snack. I don't like all fruits, but the ones I do, I find so delicious that I crave them. My personal favorite fruit is a Mango. Especially the small variety (I've seen them called Champagne mango?) They are smooth, less stringy, skin peels easily, and soooo delicious! If you see these at the store, do try them champagne mango - Bing Images Other personal favorites are seasonal fruits like white nectarines, strawberries, and various melon. Raspberries and blueberries also a favorite. Fruit are tasty frozen too.
If you and your mom are craving something on the more savory side, try a portion of nuts which have mostly "good fats". Best wishes to you and your mother! Keep us posted

 

[Ann333]

Congrats to you and your mom for doing this! It must be so nice to have eachother!

I am starting to make changes as well. My fiance and i were eating fast food everyday sometimes for two meals a day! I would drink coffee or monster energy drink every single day. It was horrible.
I have a long way to go. A very very long way.... but my changes started 5 days ago. I cut out all fast food plus anything sweet (other than fruit) and only drink water now. Those are my three rules so far. I have to start with small changes or i wont stick with it...

Good luck to you and your mom on your weightloss! Keep us updated.

 

[JerseyWendy]

Having lost 60 pounds pounds since last October, you've got some great advice here.

I wanted a fitness tracker for my birthday, so my husband bought me the Garmin Vivofit, and I LOVE it. I also used MyFitnessPal religiously (in the beginning), tracked every single thing that went into my mouth. Initially it was a bit of a PITA, but I was determined to get this weight off, so I stuck with it.

Started going to the gym (again), and made it a habit of going at least 5 times a week. Exercise, combined with portion control and staying away from as much processed foods as possible helped me achieve my goal.

I never thought weight loss and menopause would fit in one sentence...but if I can do it, anyone can. Why? Because I LOVE to eat. :54:

 

[Christinenc2000]

I went from size 14 to 8 in the course of two years. Slow keeps it off. I speed walked three times a week . Drank LOTS of water. Ate just about anything I wanted BUT within reason portion wise. Quit ALL fast food. I have never liked sweets so that was no trouble. Well Hostess cupcakes. I LOVE those suckers.

My trouble was sitting ALL the time. I drive a hour to work and home. Sit all day at the office . Got me out of shape bad and its easy to stay there. I was more worried about my heart than anything.

 

[Christinenc2000]

Stick with it you can do it. Much respect for helping your Mom. It will make it a lot easier on her

 

[Xraysrrad]

Awesome. So glad you Mom is open to trying. My Mom wasn't and her doctor was trying to get her to loose weight for years.

She passed away last January. She was a diabetic and was in renal failure. She was not a very compliant patient and I miss her every day!

With that being said, please consider adding 6 - 8 glasses of water to your new diet. I PROMISE.....it will help you drop pounds quicker and make a world of difference to your health! (Adding lemon to your water also helps with weight loss.)

 

[June2012]

Sounds like a great plan ! To put it very simply, the fruit sugars (fructose) absorb into your bloodstream in a much different way than simple sugars in junk food, and therefore do not result in the weight gain you see by eating junk foods.

Fruit is a great snack. I don't like all fruits, but the ones I do, I find so delicious that I crave them. My personal favorite fruit is a Mango. Especially the small variety (I've seen them called Champagne mango?) They are smooth, less stringy, skin peels easily, and soooo delicious! If you see these at the store, do try them champagne mango - Bing Images Other personal favorites are seasonal fruits like white nectarines, strawberries, and various melon. Raspberries and blueberries also a favorite. Fruit are tasty frozen too.
If you and your mom are craving something on the more savory side, try a portion of nuts which have mostly "good fats". Best wishes to you and your mother! Keep us posted

Yup! The fiber in fruits is good for you and can slow down the process of sugar instantly turning into fat. And you can microwave the nuts for a bit. I microwave for a minute, mix around, and another minute. I use almonds, and the nutty flavor is amplified. SO GOOD. I also suggest shooting for sugar free and using Stevia, not splenda! Aspertane isn't good for you~

My mother is fighting type 2 diabetes and is on two medications: Metformin and some other med I can't type. She doesn't want to turn to insulin and uses a glucometer to regulate her blood sugar. She restricts her calories and exercises 3 times a week, progessing to four, and the goal so far is 5-6 times a week. Due to a car accident, her lower back is in fair amounts of pain. (Surgery won't work, either.) She can't do a lot of the exercises that other people can, or even do a sit up. She does a lot of cardio and does what she can to build her core muscles. My mother also has hypothyroidism from a messed up surgery, so she has to be more careful about food.

ANYONE can be healthy, ANYONE can achieve a better lifestyle. It's all up to YOU! Don't give up. My mom isn't the most extreme of cases, nor was she ever obese, but she's been battling back pain and her metabolism every time. I think she lost 10-15 pounds so far. NOTE: Make your weight goals short. If you want to lose 50 pounds, divide them. It's a lot easier and more realistic thsn just thinking about the future. ^^

I sincerely wish you luck, or anyone in their journey and fight for a better body (on the inside!). It's hard work but it's worth it and it's possible. Work hard and you can do it!!!!

 

[Kyoto]

While I don't struggle with a weight problem, my husband does due to his diabetes. I try really hard to make healthy food, but it can be so difficult! Hang in there, I know how tough it is.

 

[gracebowen]

We have both lost 2 pounds.