So I finally did it....

[vixen]

I joined a gym, got me a trainer and am on my way to a healthier me! I need some help here, its not going to be easy and I am a mess so I need support from you all, the most judgmental crew I know! LOL

What I also need are tips to get me through a day. I need to eat healthier which is rough as I have an ulcer and can't eat a lot of foods and am a HUGELY picky eater.

Thanks in advance for the support!!!

[Aisling Grey]

Fat Flush Diet. I lost 11 pounds in one week and its a diet that involves a lot of work but cleanses your body. You can buy the book at a bookstore or online.

[vixen]

While I appreciate the advice, I am looking for a lifestyle change not a quick fix :) - Thanks

[Aisling Grey]

It is a lifestyle change. Basically you cut out salt, unhealthy grains, caffeine and alcohol. The idea is that you need to cleanse your liver because all the crap we eat clogs it and leaves metals in it so your body cannot produce bile the way it should and in the consistancy that is needed. Once you cleanse your liver it can work on breaking down your food better. Its all science stuff but is def a lifestyle change with eating healthier and maintaining that health. Each person is different though. With all the diets I've tried I have learned the easier it is the less it works. Weight Watchers is also a good option. I lost about 45 pounds doing that a year or so ago.

[Dymond]

Um I just have www.sparkpeople.com

You can track your food, water and exercise and any other goals you want to track. They have great articles to help you with fitness, eating, motivation and overall good health and they have TONS of great groups you can join; people with similar goals or hobbies, people in your area etc. They also have their own seperate website for healthy recipes their users have submitted called www.sparkrecipes.com. I would say its the reason I've lost 46 lbs so far this year. I think w/o this place I would have fallen off the wagon.

[SweetHoney]

Hey Lady~

sparkpeople.com is awesome. Everything Dy said is true. The beautiful thing is that you can tailor your program to your own personal lifestyle. They won't let you choose unreasonable weight loss goals either, but your progress can be tracked according to fact. They give you guidelines to base your choices on, but nothing is set in stone. I chose to track ALL the vitamins and minerals I was eating as well to see if I was anywhere near getting my daily requirements in my diet. I now take a multivitamin.

Aside from the site, the only advice I can offer is to make small changes to start with. I lost 12 pounds my first week by just tracking my food intake and switching over from regular to diet sodas. I actually found an off-brand that didn't make me want to gag. *shock* You can try to eliminate things that you know are not good for you. Sugars of course. Fatty foods (ie: try rotisserie chicken over fried) can make a big difference too. Try to at least encourage yourself to pay attention to how much of what you are eating. It isn't bad to have a "regulation" sized bowl of cereal in the morning if it isn't frosted, but having a triple sized portion because it's what you are used to can be. Another plus to sparkpeople is that if they don't have YOUR item in their food "catalog" you can input your actual food choices for calorie and dietary ingredients. When you are paying attention to these things you notice that you are looking at labels more to see how much of your daily food ration is being used IF you eat "such and such".

I admire you for making this a public choice. You GO girl! *wink*

[Dymond]

WOW you sold that better than me! It really is a great site and I can't say enough good things about it..

Did I mention its also free?

[vixen]

thanks bee and dy

bee- I chose to make it public because the more people that know the more accountable I am for my actions. I know people are going to check in and ask how I am doing etc. I need these kicks in the butt.....I have never been in a mindset to change but I am now. I sit here drinking a diet soda and having a half portion of dinner. We are eating up the "bad foods" in the house because I can't see wasting it, but now I am changing how I eat etc. Lunch today was an apple with peanut butter for protein and 2 small yogurts, breakfast was a bowl of cereal and snack was natural pb on wheat bread( YUCK, LOL) and sugar free jelly....hey its a start, but I am really thinking about what I put in my body now :)

I AM SCARED OF THE SCALE, LMAO

[Santo]

Don't obsses over the scale, feeling better and more energetic as you progress should be a motivator enough (something about brain chemistry) and i'll be checking on you from time to time to see if you are motivated enough :P

[JaiJai]

Hey Vix! :Friends:

Im so glad to hear you're starting a healthy weightloss .. I'm really proud of ya sis! :)


You are definitely right when you say you need a lifestyle change rather than a quick fix with a fad diet. Losing slowly is the key... you don't want to lose fast orelse first of all you'll just end up gaining it back again.. and probably even more, and secondly if you lose too fast you'll lose your muscle tone. So be patient and let it come off slowly.. don't get discouraged if you only lose a pound or 2 a week. Stay consistent with it and by springtime you'll have lost quite abit. (Y) Change comes gradual.. jumping on a fad diet isn't real change. If you take it one day at a time.. you'll get there (Y)

Some rules of thumb that John and I follow... not just for weight control but all around healthy eating.

1. Use Extra virgin olive oil instead of other cooking oils.
2. Use skim milk (if u can't handle that, at least just use 1% milk)
3. Keep bowls of cut up veggies and fruits in the fridge.. If it's easily accessible then you'll get used to grabbing that instead of chips etc... I usually keep watermelon, canteloup and strawberries cut up in a big bowl.. and brocoli, cauliflower, celery and carrots and cabbage in another big bowl. You can dip the veggies in fat free ranch too.
4. Trim fat off of your meat, and of course grill or bake it if u can.
5. Eat frozen yogurts, sherbert, etc.. rather than ice cream.
6. If you do use butter.. use real butter rather than margarine. (both aren't good for you, but real butter is the lesser of the 2 evils)
7. Try to eat a bowl of oatmeal or fiberone type cereals several times a week.. the high fiber is good for you in many ways.
8. Always eat something for breakfast, even if it's a piece of toast and glass of juice.. or whatever.. because it will start your metabolism moving. Studies have found that ppl who skip breakfast don't lose weight as easily and also have less energy through the day.
9. Drink LOTS of water.. and if you don't like water... use crystal light or something sugar free... but you really need lots of water.. it helps flush the fat and toxins out of your system as you lose wieght etc.. Water is just really important!
10. If you like to use sugar.. use Splenda instead.
11. Watch your starches... try to avoid eating too much potatoes, rice, breads etc..
12. Use whole grain bread rather than white bread.
13. If you drink pop, try to use diet rite, or a diet pop that's low in sodium.
14. Don't eat processed foods.. they are high in fat and sodium.. things like frozen pizza, burritos, Velvetta.. pre processed stuff is bad bad bad. Use fresh vegetables, meats, cheeses, etc.. John and I have roasted vegetables a few times a week.. just cut up things like brocoli, sweet potatos, cabbage, celery, onion, carrots, parsnips or whatever u like, drizzle with olive oil and a touch of basil, and roast in the oven. They are delicious! :P
15. Read labels.. the hydrogenated fats are the worst.. the trans fats are what causes heart disease.

All of these little things add up in the end.

Excercise!! that's the most important element of this. Walk... Ride a bike.. Swim laps... do whatever is comfortable for you.. but do Something! You have to excerise in order to have a complete healthy lifestyle. And changing your eating habits and adding excercise is a life time change that will keep you fit and healthier. You'll also find that the more you excercise.. the more energy you'll have.. and also it's great for relieving stress.

Good luck Vix.. you've got my full support. Of course, If you get weak and need a boost, you've got my phone number :)

Oh yea.. and don't eat up the "bad foods"... toss em!

[tca]

9. Drink LOTS of water.. and if you don't like water... use crystal light or something sugar free... but you really need lots of water.. it helps flush the fat and toxins out of your system as you lose wieght etc.. Water is just really important!

So true, i gave up soft drinks completey in feburary, drink nothing but water and omg, you feel so much better once ounce of sugary drinks are out of your system.

Not much to add really, just good for you Vix and i know you'll do well.

Edit - /me is coming to Resas to eat all their snacks :D

[Aisling Grey]

Also be careful with extra virgin olive oil. If you cook it to too high of a temperature or in an iron skillet it is just as bad as regular oil.

[Dymond]

9. Drink LOTS of water.. and if you don't like water... use crystal light or something sugar free... but you really need lots of water.. it helps flush the fat and toxins out of your system as you lose wieght etc.. Water is just really important!

So true, i gave up soft drinks completey in feburary, drink nothing but water and omg, you feel so much better once ounce of sugary drinks are out of your system.


Totally.. I drink water all the time now. I've just grown used to always drinking it. I am fortunate cause Northern Utah has some great tasting water so I don't have to sweat getting bottled or pain in the ass filters and it tastes better than diet sodas *blech*.

[Colonel Sanders]

I hate water with a passion.

I am somewhat of an oddball when it comes to the following however. I drink milk....a lot and lots of milk...constantly at all times of the day. Where as I know 80% of the people out there don't even buy milk except maybe half a galon and thats for a recipe. I never understood why, to me milk is the best shit ever. I go through an 2.5 gallons a week, sometimes more if I am doing manual labor.

If I go more than 2 days without some milk I start getting agitated and soon I can't think of anything but.

[Dymond]

You sound like my kids.. They could devastate a gallon of milk!

[vixen]

today, cereal for breakfast, yogurt for snack, healthy choice ham and cheese on whole grain wheat bread for lunch, baked chicken and veggies for dinner this is rough

[hoos]

That looks like a pretty good meal. What you need to do is get on the internet and talk to me because I haven't talked to you in ohhhh 2 1/2-3 months. SAME TO THE REST OF YOUS

Anywho, good for you for what you are doing. Just watch your calorie intake and make sure you are getting all your grains and fibers and such. My gf eats high fiber cereal for breakfast (I know, she's crazy, that's why I love her) and usually like an English muffin with whole grains, or whole wheat toast. Only eat wheat bread (like for lunch today, good job :) ) and it's ok to eat ice cream, cake, etc. just see how many calories and sugars it has. If it is high in those, eat less of it. Moderation is the key :) Hope to talk to you soon g$, I'll be at school tomorrow so I'll be on MSN more often now

[vixen]

one week down, no soda, no choclate, no desserts, no sweets, no sugar, no flour - still ate white rice I know its not good but that was my bad stuff for the week - this is HARD!

[Ridgeback]

Yep, it is hard vix. I'm now in my 6th week of not smoking, and touch wood, everything is going well. To help me, I've also joined a gym and am looking at my diet as I don't want to put weight on now I'm not smoking!

[Dymond]

I'm sensing we need to do some sort of challenge.. maybe something gym based?

[vixen]

I go to the gym 5 days a week now, kicked my ass with some weight training this morning

[s4l]

vixey, im proud of you!!

[Dymond]

Yeah weight training can be fun the first week or two!

[odd th0mas]

It is a lifestyle change. Basically you cut out salt, unhealthy grains, caffeine and alcohol. The idea is that you need to cleanse your liver because all the crap we eat clogs it and leaves metals in it so your body cannot produce bile the way it should and in the consistancy that is needed. Once you cleanse your liver it can work on breaking down your food better. Its all science stuff but is def a lifestyle change with eating healthier and maintaining that health. Each person is different though. With all the diets I've tried I have learned the easier it is the less it works. Weight Watchers is also a good option. I lost about 45 pounds doing that a year or so ago.

imo, this is best advice so far(know nothing about weight watchers tho).

you need to detox your system. i don't know your situation but purging poisons from your blood-stream/liver/kidneys should be primary concern for ANYBODY who wants to start feeling better. cleanse kits may work, but i personally achieve the same results by doing a couple 3-10 day water-fasts a year. they can have miraculous results for your mind, body, soul, plus water(pure, not tap) is nearly free!! also, if you've ever fasted, you know that once you've completed one, that your body will crave healthy foods and will find junk-food absolutely revolting.

take no advice at face value. research what you think will work best for you. your body is a temple. good luck. i'm rooting for ya! :)

[edit] also research the 'whole-grain' hoax because grains containing gluten(wheat, oats,rye) can have a negative effect on one's body! bread just ain't good for ya cause like sugar, it promotes candida growth and or infestation. brown-rice cakes, on other hand, don't and are the bees-knees.

[Dymond]

imo, this is best advice so far(know nothing about weight watchers tho).

you need to detox your system. i don't know your situation but purging poisons from your blood-stream/liver/kidneys should be primary concern for ANYBODY who wants to start feeling better. cleanse kits may work, but i personally achieve the same results by doing a couple 3-10 day water-fasts a year. they can have miraculous results for your mind, body, soul, plus water(pure, not tap) is nearly free!! also, if you've ever fasted, you know that once you've completed one, that your body will crave healthy foods and will find junk-food absolutely revolting.

take no advice at face value. research what you think will work best for you. your body is a temple. good luck. i'm rooting for ya! :)

[edit] also research the 'whole-grain' hoax because grains containing gluten(wheat, oats,rye) can have a negative effect on one's body! bread just ain't good for ya cause like sugar, it promotes candida growth and or infestation. brown-rice cakes, on other hand, don't and are the bees-knees.


Guys studies have shown that 'detoxing' really doesn't work, overall changes to your eating behavior and picking healthier food choices does.

[odd th0mas]

Guys studies have shown that 'detoxing' really doesn't work, overall changes to your eating behavior and picking healthier food choices does.

there's alot of disinfo out there to keep people shoveling in the garbage that they have the gall to call 'food'. it's a S.A.D.(standard american diet) situation, really.

but, luckily, only humans read that shit tho, and it's a good thing cause the other 90% of the animal kingdom that does fast regularly, but can't read, has no idea that it don't work. :)


[edit]my study can beat-up your study! ;)

A study was performed on earthworms that demonstrated the extension of life due to fasting. The experiment was performed in the 1930s by isolating one worm and putting it on a cycle of fasting and feeding. The isolated worm outlasted its relatives by 19 generations, while still maintaining its youthful physiological traits. The worm was able to survive on its own tissue for months. Once the size of the worm began to decrease, the scientists would resume feeding it at which point it showed great vigor and energy. "The life-span extension of these worms was the equivalent of keeping a man alive for 600 to 700 years." (8)

[Dymond]

there's alot of disinfo out there to keep people shoveling in the garbage that they have the gall to call 'food'. it's a S.A.D.(standard american diet) situation, really.

but, luckily, only humans read that shit tho, and it's a good thing cause the other 90% of the animal kingdom that does fast regularly, but can't read, has no idea that it don't work. :)


[edit]my study can beat-up your study! ;)

A study was performed on earthworms that demonstrated the extension of life due to fasting. The experiment was performed in the 1930s by isolating one worm and putting it on a cycle of fasting and feeding. The isolated worm outlasted its relatives by 19 generations, while still maintaining its youthful physiological traits. The worm was able to survive on its own tissue for months. Once the size of the worm began to decrease, the scientists would resume feeding it at which point it showed great vigor and energy. "The life-span extension of these worms was the equivalent of keeping a man alive for 600 to 700 years." (8)

Once again making what should be easy harder than it needs to be. Just EAT healthy. You don't need to shove cranberry juice up your arse or drink filtered tea from a mummys armpit to get closer to god an experience live on a whole different level. I'm not disagreeing with you about SAD, that part is totally true but I am disagreeing with the extremes people will go in the opposite direction because eating sensible sounds.. too easy.

[odd th0mas]

Once again making what should be easy harder than it needs to be. Just EAT healthy. You don't need to shove cranberry juice up your arse or drink filtered tea from a mummys armpit to get closer to god an experience live on a whole different level. I'm not disagreeing with you about SAD, that part is totally true but I am disagreeing with the extremes people will go in the opposite direction because eating sensible sounds.. too easy.

lol!

i get what your saying.

but eating sensible means alot of different things to different people. say for instance: for breakfast you drink O.J, have a bowl of cereal and a piece of whole wheat toast. it sounds sensible but what about the pesticides, herbicides, funguscides? what about the sugar, the gluten, the antibiotics, growth hormones? what about the artificial flavors and colors? the genetic modification, the packaging, etc?

it'd be more sensible to eat termites out of a tree-stump with chop-sticks and drink a glass of water! :)

[Dymond]

lol!

i get what your saying.

but eating sensible means alot of different things to different people. say for instance: for breakfast you drink O.J, have a bowl of cereal and a piece of whole wheat toast. it sounds sensible but what about the pesticides, herbicides, funguscides? what about the sugar, the gluten, the antibiotics, growth hormones? what about the artificial flavors and colors? the genetic modification, the packaging, etc?

it'd be more sensible to eat termites out of a tree-stump with chop-sticks and drink a glass of water! :)


LOL but dude if your not eating it.. your breathing it! All you can do is do the best you can with what you got. You eat your tree bark.. I'll stick to my wheat toast.

[vixen]

Thank you all for your kind words and helpful info.

Its a tough road I won't lie. I hate going to the gym but I do it faithfully. I miss chocolate and ice cream but I gave it up to win this fight.

As I tell people I am doing this for me because I don't want to wake up in 2 years, be 40 and have the shape of a blob.....

Resa you are kind to check on me ILU!

Dym that link ROCKS

Bee - One day at a time you are right

AG - the fat flush is not my style but I appreciate the thought.

Santo - I may need you soon, this is tough ;)

tca - I never thought I liked water, still not a fan but it is working :)

hoos - you aren't around when I am on :P

ridge - you don't smoke and I won't eat bad things, deal??

OT- you surprised me the most, thanks for the support, it may come from the most odd (no pun intended) places I thank you

I appreciate you all!

[Dymond]

Well good for you for taking those steps! It does get easier but never easy thats for sure!

[Stinger]

Wonders how Vixen is doing this week. *hugs*
~Bee~

[hoos]

no YOU'RE not on when I'm on. pfft. Blaming it all on me.

Good job :P

[PinkPanther]

every1 is going on a diet nowadays... cept i'm on one to eat 5000-6000 healthy calories a day... now thats damn hard! :(

[Infidel]

5000-6000? thats it, come one, the 8000 calorie diet is much better. step up!

[PinkPanther]

5000-6000? thats it, come one, the 8000 calorie diet is much better. step up!

you try that shit.. its damn hard :glare: