Ravenna
04-19-2003, 11:20 AM
I think I can safely say I've been dieting for somewhere between 5 and 7 years. I've tried at least 30 or 40 different diets - some of my own terrible making. During this time I managed to put on about 20-30 lbs.. Then I discovered Atkins and lost around 15lbs. all in all while starting and stopping his way of eating. I have since expanded my knowledge of low carb and keto diets and lost another 5lbs. of pure fat. I truly believe that these types of diets are THE very best for their fat loss and muscle sparing qualities. I have also learned that it IS possible to lose more than 2lbs. of fat per week, and that unless you are already about to keel over, doing so will not kill you. However, most people do not have access to the things that would allow them to do this, and even if they did might opt not to go that route.
With all this in mind, I used to think that these diets were the only things that was going to help me to lose weight. There was a clear cut science to it, and I understood how it worked. It was so much more detailed and explained so much more than ‘cut calories and you’ll lose weight’. I trusted it more.
The other day I went shopping for new clothes. I spent hours shopping, going store to store in search of a pair of jeans. I couldn’t find a single pair of jeans that fit me. Jeans are just not made for women like me. I have a 28in. waist, but 40in. hips. I went to the plus sized and all their clothes were too big. I was about ready to start sobbing in the dressing room. But it really got me thinking. That day I was semi starving. I was doing low cal\low carb and taking some supplements. I felt horrible. I started to think ‘Well, with all this on again off again hardcore dieting how far have I gotten? I can’t even fit into a pair of jeans. Why am I even doing this?’ I feel so bad on these diets – granted I get pretty extreme. But when I am doing them my point of view gets so dark, I get so depressed, and so fixated on my diet. I feel hopeless. Then I wake up one morning (without fail – every time I start a keto diet) in extreme hypoglycemia, shaking and ready to throw up until I get some carbohydrates. This fact also leads me to question whether or not these diets are for me. They work – no doubt about it. But they may not be for me. I’m tired of feeling so horrible, and not being able to be happy the way I am when I eat ‘normal’ food.
I think I am going to stop doing this to myself. I miss vegetables (I love a raw tomato with salt and pepper for breakfast). I sorely miss having sugar in my tea. Let’s admit it – Splenda in Earl Grey tea tastes like crap. I want to enjoy food again. Dieting is what got me into this mess. Some of you may remember that I ordered this ‘Maggie Drozd’s Method’ thing a few months ago. Many have the impression it’s just spice capsules and green tea, but there’s a book and a way of eating that comes with it. I’ve thrown out the pills (I'm so sick of things like that), and I am going to follow the book. Basically it’s about eating sensibly. There are three meals a day, eaten with specific combinations (no protein and carbs at the same time). I’m not sure how scientifically sound her theories are, but at this point I don’t really care. With this I will be eating veggies and fruit again, controlling my portions, and probably feeling a lot better than I have in a long time. I will keep some carbs – like bread and pasta type things – low just because I feel extremely sick when I eat them anymore. I think it’s time I changed my way of eating and keep an emphasis on doing that which makes me happy. It’s not worth it to lose a few pounds if you’re too depressed to feel good about it.
My goal is to lose about 20lbs. (hopefully of fat) this year. Maybe then I can fit into a pair of jeans. ;) That shopping trip was a real wake up call. It’s time to do something different.
Sorry this is so long. I don’t have anyone else to talk to about this, and I wanted to tell someone what I’ve learned. :)
[This message has been edited by Ravenna (edited 04-19-2003).]
With all this in mind, I used to think that these diets were the only things that was going to help me to lose weight. There was a clear cut science to it, and I understood how it worked. It was so much more detailed and explained so much more than ‘cut calories and you’ll lose weight’. I trusted it more.
The other day I went shopping for new clothes. I spent hours shopping, going store to store in search of a pair of jeans. I couldn’t find a single pair of jeans that fit me. Jeans are just not made for women like me. I have a 28in. waist, but 40in. hips. I went to the plus sized and all their clothes were too big. I was about ready to start sobbing in the dressing room. But it really got me thinking. That day I was semi starving. I was doing low cal\low carb and taking some supplements. I felt horrible. I started to think ‘Well, with all this on again off again hardcore dieting how far have I gotten? I can’t even fit into a pair of jeans. Why am I even doing this?’ I feel so bad on these diets – granted I get pretty extreme. But when I am doing them my point of view gets so dark, I get so depressed, and so fixated on my diet. I feel hopeless. Then I wake up one morning (without fail – every time I start a keto diet) in extreme hypoglycemia, shaking and ready to throw up until I get some carbohydrates. This fact also leads me to question whether or not these diets are for me. They work – no doubt about it. But they may not be for me. I’m tired of feeling so horrible, and not being able to be happy the way I am when I eat ‘normal’ food.
I think I am going to stop doing this to myself. I miss vegetables (I love a raw tomato with salt and pepper for breakfast). I sorely miss having sugar in my tea. Let’s admit it – Splenda in Earl Grey tea tastes like crap. I want to enjoy food again. Dieting is what got me into this mess. Some of you may remember that I ordered this ‘Maggie Drozd’s Method’ thing a few months ago. Many have the impression it’s just spice capsules and green tea, but there’s a book and a way of eating that comes with it. I’ve thrown out the pills (I'm so sick of things like that), and I am going to follow the book. Basically it’s about eating sensibly. There are three meals a day, eaten with specific combinations (no protein and carbs at the same time). I’m not sure how scientifically sound her theories are, but at this point I don’t really care. With this I will be eating veggies and fruit again, controlling my portions, and probably feeling a lot better than I have in a long time. I will keep some carbs – like bread and pasta type things – low just because I feel extremely sick when I eat them anymore. I think it’s time I changed my way of eating and keep an emphasis on doing that which makes me happy. It’s not worth it to lose a few pounds if you’re too depressed to feel good about it.
My goal is to lose about 20lbs. (hopefully of fat) this year. Maybe then I can fit into a pair of jeans. ;) That shopping trip was a real wake up call. It’s time to do something different.
Sorry this is so long. I don’t have anyone else to talk to about this, and I wanted to tell someone what I’ve learned. :)
[This message has been edited by Ravenna (edited 04-19-2003).]
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Angelene
04-19-2003, 11:47 AM
I applaud you for your honesty, and for realizing that although these diets may work, finding the one that's right for you is the key to success.
This post is gold, guys, read it and believe it.
------------------
"Never give up, never surrender!"
This post is gold, guys, read it and believe it.
------------------
"Never give up, never surrender!"
Jo1528
04-19-2003, 12:00 PM
Ravenna,
Good for you! I truly understand the roller coaster of emotions that come with dieting. I can also relate to almost all of what you said in your post. Sometimes, it's all so overwhelming that you get to a point that leads you into a "burnout" cycle. It's at this time that, you begin to ask yourself what it is that will be right for you and will make you a happier person. Sounds like you hit the nail on the head and I wish you much success. I just wanted to "voice" my support and understanding to you :)
Good luck with Maggie's method!
Jo
Good for you! I truly understand the roller coaster of emotions that come with dieting. I can also relate to almost all of what you said in your post. Sometimes, it's all so overwhelming that you get to a point that leads you into a "burnout" cycle. It's at this time that, you begin to ask yourself what it is that will be right for you and will make you a happier person. Sounds like you hit the nail on the head and I wish you much success. I just wanted to "voice" my support and understanding to you :)
Good luck with Maggie's method!
Jo
Dietprincess
04-19-2003, 12:36 PM
wow rav! i was just saying pretty much the exact same thing to my fiance a few days ago!!!! I've been dieting and dieting...meanwhile either gaining, or staying the same! (or losing for a very brief stint!!!)
I'm so happy for you (for coming to terms with the truth and making yourself feel better) and wish you the best of luck. Sounds like you have the right attitude to do what works FOR YOU!
I'm so happy for you (for coming to terms with the truth and making yourself feel better) and wish you the best of luck. Sounds like you have the right attitude to do what works FOR YOU!
jennielynn
04-21-2003, 10:23 AM
Ever hear the phrase "Great minds think alike"? That's what came to mine after reading the original post! I went shopping Saturday night-trying to find something to wear for Easter. Boy, was that depressing! I found lots that I liked...until I tried it on. Yesterday, was my "I feel so fat" day! I wore shorts to our family picnic (I might add-I was the only one) and felt totally gross. I've been heavier; so this shouldn't have bothered me. I guess the combination of excess weight and blinding white legs took it's toll!!LOL
Anyway, today is a new day and the beginning of the Memorial Day challenge. Today we are all given a chance to begin again. So,that's what I intend to do--one day at a time. Somewhere deep inside; we all have the power to make this work. We just need to find it. Today is the day that I intend to search deep within myself and pull it out. No more yo-yo dieting! It's time to eat healthy and take care of myself! I wish the best for everyone else who chooses to join me in this adventure!!!
Jen
Anyway, today is a new day and the beginning of the Memorial Day challenge. Today we are all given a chance to begin again. So,that's what I intend to do--one day at a time. Somewhere deep inside; we all have the power to make this work. We just need to find it. Today is the day that I intend to search deep within myself and pull it out. No more yo-yo dieting! It's time to eat healthy and take care of myself! I wish the best for everyone else who chooses to join me in this adventure!!!
Jen
kelly4
04-21-2003, 10:38 AM
I completely understand what you are saying. I am was talking to the nurse at the dr. office and told her I was having a really hard time losing weight she told me about a guy who just came in and had lost like 30lbs. All he was doing was eating less of what he normally eat. He ate what ever he wanted just half the amount. I am going to try this. I hate being on a "diet" and this to me feel less like one.
I hope you are feeling better about yourself.
I hope you are feeling better about yourself.
mahly
04-21-2003, 03:59 PM
Ravenna, I also ordered the "Maggie Drozd Method" and, to be honest, I haven't tried the eating habit changes, it seemed too hard. Now I am doing Atkins, which is no carbs nor fruits, even harder, I realize now. But I don't want to change this, since it is working, unless I know that Maggie's method does work. Will you let me know if it is working for you? I would love to know!!! Thanks!!!
Ravenna
04-21-2003, 06:39 PM
Mahly - Sure I will! I've been reading your past posts, and wondered how you did with it. I've been researching the entire web about this, and I've found one really interesting point: The people who basically either ignored the pills or thought of them as completely secondary to the diet itself are the ones who lost 20-40lbs. in 3 moths. The ones who have been largely unsuccessful have been the ones who took the pills for a week, ate the same crap, and did nothing else.
I threw away my pills long ago, so now I will try to see if my conclusion is correct.
I'm glad that I have so many good friends here. I will join the Memorial Day thread and see what happens. :)
I threw away my pills long ago, so now I will try to see if my conclusion is correct.
I'm glad that I have so many good friends here. I will join the Memorial Day thread and see what happens. :)
mahly
04-21-2003, 06:49 PM
You are so right!! I tried the pills alone and didn't lose a pound!! The green tea pills, I still take them, just because they say they are good for the digestive system, but they don't help me lose weight at all. I am so glad that there is someone here that knows about Maggie's method cause I was starting to feel that I was the only one who had heard about her.
But, I will try her method, soon, cause I am starting to feel very weak with Atkins, it is working, and I will never say otherwise, BUT, I seem to feel very lightheaded and very weak.
I am on the Memorial Day Weight Loss Challenge, too!!
Let's keep posted!!! I will let you know how it goes with the method!!! Thanks!
But, I will try her method, soon, cause I am starting to feel very weak with Atkins, it is working, and I will never say otherwise, BUT, I seem to feel very lightheaded and very weak.
I am on the Memorial Day Weight Loss Challenge, too!!
Let's keep posted!!! I will let you know how it goes with the method!!! Thanks!
neroli
04-21-2003, 08:04 PM
http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/confused.gif
I am laughing, why do we all keep doing it.... I lose a stone, swear I will never put it on again....1 year later I have put it on and more!!
Done all the diets, except the Atkins... so bought the book 4 weeks ago.
Had bacon/eggs for breakfast on first day... then hadn't a clue what I wanted for other meals, without bread..which I adore.
So came off that.
Must lose that stone in next 3 months for holidays, so starting tomorrow... going to try low fat diet...at least I can eat my bread.
I am laughing, why do we all keep doing it.... I lose a stone, swear I will never put it on again....1 year later I have put it on and more!!
Done all the diets, except the Atkins... so bought the book 4 weeks ago.
Had bacon/eggs for breakfast on first day... then hadn't a clue what I wanted for other meals, without bread..which I adore.
So came off that.
Must lose that stone in next 3 months for holidays, so starting tomorrow... going to try low fat diet...at least I can eat my bread.
Ravenna
04-21-2003, 08:18 PM
Mahly - When you go off Atkins, beware. Your scale will say that you've put on weight pretty much the day of or after you start eating more carbs. Don't freak out because this isn't fat. It is your muscles restoring glucogen (sp? even right word?) levels and water. If you've lost fat, it wont come back in a day or two. Just a heads up. If this happens, don't worry. :)
neroli - Yeah, I'm in love with bread too. It used to be the whole reason I rushed home from school in the afternoons during middle school. Just for the comfort 3-4 pieces of toast with butter gave me. :)
Good luck with low fat! :)
(P.S. - Mahly - as much as I'd like a partner doing Maggie's Method, if Atkins is working maybe you just need to adjust it a little? Try adding about 10 more grams of carbohydrates until you feel a little more normal. See if that doesn't help.
neroli - how much is a stone?? )
[This message has been edited by Ravenna (edited 04-21-2003).]
neroli - Yeah, I'm in love with bread too. It used to be the whole reason I rushed home from school in the afternoons during middle school. Just for the comfort 3-4 pieces of toast with butter gave me. :)
Good luck with low fat! :)
(P.S. - Mahly - as much as I'd like a partner doing Maggie's Method, if Atkins is working maybe you just need to adjust it a little? Try adding about 10 more grams of carbohydrates until you feel a little more normal. See if that doesn't help.
neroli - how much is a stone?? )
[This message has been edited by Ravenna (edited 04-21-2003).]
mahly
04-21-2003, 10:11 PM
Ravenna- I think I know what I am gonna do. Since I love fruit (I love bread and crackers, and rice and peas), I am going to start slowly. First, when I crave it, I will eat fruit in the morning. Just fruit. I will wait 2 to 3 hours before I eat anything else. Follow Atkins. I won't introduce other carbs until I know I am doing good with the fruits. I need the fruits, I feel dizzy if I don't.
But I will keep posted, to see how it goes. (Thanks for the advice, I didn't know that. Now I know not to totally freak out!)
Let me know of your progress. Good luck!
But I will keep posted, to see how it goes. (Thanks for the advice, I didn't know that. Now I know not to totally freak out!)
Let me know of your progress. Good luck!
neroli
04-22-2003, 04:23 PM
Hi
A stone is 14 pounds... English.
I am 5' 6" and weight 11 stones... no good at maths!!
But know that I am overweight.....
Done well today.. decorated the bathroom to take my mind of it
Neroli x
A stone is 14 pounds... English.
I am 5' 6" and weight 11 stones... no good at maths!!
But know that I am overweight.....
Done well today.. decorated the bathroom to take my mind of it
Neroli x
JPIPES
04-22-2003, 07:49 PM
CAN SOMEONE HELP BY GIVING ME A FEW MEAL IDEAS OUT OF MAGGIE'S MEAL BOOK. MY MOTHER-IN-LAW IS TAKING THE PILLS, BUT NOT DOING THE MEAL PLAN. I HAVEN'T SEEN A DIFFENCE IN HER. I JUST NEED TO DO SOMETHING FOR MYSELF. I CAN RELATE TO ALL OF YOU. I AM NOW PUSHING A SIZE 18. THIS IS THE LARGEST I HAVE EVER BEEN. AFTER HAVING MY FIRST DAUGHTER I COULD WEAR AN 11 WITH NO PROBLEM. I AM NOW 26 AND DO NOT FEEL MY AGE. I SHOULD BE OUT PLAYING WITH MY KIDS. NOT HIDING IN MY HOUSE. I HAVE TRIED EVERY TYPE OF OVER THE COUNTER DIET PILL MONEY CAN BUY. I LOSE OF FEW POUNDS AND THEN GAIN IT BACK. I TRY TO WALK EVERY MORNING AND DO YARD WORK OR CLEAN TO KEEP MY MIND OFF OF FOOD. I WON'T EVEN GO FISHING WITH MY HUSBAND AT THE BEACH ANYMORE BECAUSE I DON'T WANT TO BE SEEN IN SHORT. I WEAR JEANS AND CAPRIS EVERYWHERE, NO MATTER HOW HOT IT IS. (AND TEXAS IS HOT) I AM ALMOST TO THE POINT OF FORCING MYSELF TO THROW UP JUST TO LOSE WEIGHT. PLEASE HELP ME FIND A PLAN THAT MIGHT WORK. ALL I WANT IS TO LOSE 20LBS TO BE COMFORTABLE, BUT HOW?
mahly
04-22-2003, 09:30 PM
Hi!! Yeah, the pills will not work alone, it's just part of it. Her meal plans are basic stuff, pasta w/ veggies or meat/chicken/fish w/veggies, that's it. Her "secret", which it is really important, and it's the main reason for the book, besides some other techniques for mentally helping you achieve your goal is, DO NOT mix carbohydrates with proteins, and do not mix fruits with anything. After eating a meal of carbs wait four hours to eat anything, and after eating a meal with protein, you also wait four hours. After eating fruit, you have to wait 2 hours. Never mix fruits, fruits with fruits only. When eating meals with protein or carbs, it is reccomended to eat plenty of veggies. And drink plenty of water, not during meals, but between meals.
That's pretty much, in a nut shell. Hope this helps!!
That's pretty much, in a nut shell. Hope this helps!!
whitesheep
04-23-2003, 04:04 AM
Hi Ravenna,
I know it just becomes too much and you just hate the way you look. I was finding trying to organise food, what should I eat , what shouldn't I eat, just getting me really depressed. I decided to go to weight watchers 4 weeks ago and I felt such a relief when I was given the first weeks book and it had a whole weeks meals and a shopping list. also with weight watchers you can eat what you like you just have to watch the portions.
I realised I was eating way too much for me and that was why I couldn't lose weight through exercise etc.
In the first week i lost 3.5 lbs and I realised I had finally found the "eating Plan" not "diet" for me.
Hope this helps, I am so much happier now as I felt if ww didn't help I really didn't know what i was going to do! I was there last night and one lady lost 5.5lbs in her first week! Fantastic!
------------------
whitesheep
I know it just becomes too much and you just hate the way you look. I was finding trying to organise food, what should I eat , what shouldn't I eat, just getting me really depressed. I decided to go to weight watchers 4 weeks ago and I felt such a relief when I was given the first weeks book and it had a whole weeks meals and a shopping list. also with weight watchers you can eat what you like you just have to watch the portions.
I realised I was eating way too much for me and that was why I couldn't lose weight through exercise etc.
In the first week i lost 3.5 lbs and I realised I had finally found the "eating Plan" not "diet" for me.
Hope this helps, I am so much happier now as I felt if ww didn't help I really didn't know what i was going to do! I was there last night and one lady lost 5.5lbs in her first week! Fantastic!
------------------
whitesheep
Jimini
04-24-2003, 01:08 AM
Congrats!!!Realizing that dieting isn't simply about depravation but about a change in how you approach food and the way you plan out what you do with food is very important! The fat days are definately not the best to shop on, and those mirrors ...HORROR...but we will survive and conquer!!!