Needs to lose 150+ pounds and looking for suggestions!!! - Obesity Message Board

upsetandobese · 10-27-2003, 08:18 PM

Also, on antidepressants and haved gained weight, although, I have been overweight my entire 33 years. I am trying to eat healthy and be more active. Really finding it tough. Chocolate and sweets are a big issue, was wondering about this high fibre intake. More fruits, vegetables and higher cereal fibre. Some opinions would be great. I have joined weightwatchers but am really not into all this point counting thing. Also, joined Curves back in July but haven't been going lately, trying to get back into it again. Hoping to try walking but never been a lover of it. Please, help me. Any suggestions and support would be appreciated!! Thanks!!

Angelwatcher · 10-29-2003, 10:54 AM

Have you read "PROTEIN POWER", by Michael R. Eades, MD and Mary Dan Eades, MD? I too have a great deal of weight to lose (in excess of 100 lbs). My dentist (who recently lost weight) suggested that I read this book - and that I should be counting "carbs" not "fat". He suggested I look at labels and compare (there are basically 3 essential components - FAT; PROTEIN; CARBS) - Regular Foods to low fat foods to fat free foods - when they remove fat they have to put something else in to compensate - it's usually carbs. I bought the book and am now beginning to read it. I hope this helps - I know there are a lot of us struggling with this battle to lose weight - I have struggled with weight gain and diets most of my life. I'm hoping carb watching will bring some signs of progress. Good Luck to you.

thumsclerk · 10-30-2003, 11:19 AM

I ordered a book called Lean for Life. It is a low fat and moderate carb diet. You are allowed between 50-100 carbs per day, whatever it takes to keep you in ketosis (differs for each person)which I can actually live with. I usually eat about 60 carbs per day.

You have 5-6 servings of protein, 2 salads (lettuce) 2 servings of vegetables, 2-3 servings of fruit and one serving of grains per day. You do this for 4 weeks, and after 4 weeks, when your metabolism has started to slow down, you gradually add more food for the next 2 weeks and maintain your weight for those 2 weeks. Then you do what they call "prep days" for 3 days and eat normally for those 3 days. Even allowing yourself pizza or a cheeseburger, along with your regular fruit and veggies. Then your metabolism is running high again because of eating more food and you start your 4 week/2 week cycle again until you have lost all you want to.

I started this diet in May and have gone from 315 lbs to 235 lbs in 22 weeks, which is about 3.5 lbs per week. Sometimes I have gone off the plan and gained 5 lbs, but I lost it again. So I am very happy with this diet. I would highly recommend it for anyone who has a lot to lose because you lose very quickly and it is encouraging when you see results so quickly.

As for exercise (this used to be a dirty word for me, as I have been obese since I was 10), try a recumbent bike (like a chair with pedals). You don't even have to leave the house and can watch TV if you want while you ride!

I still have about 75 lbs to go, but to be more than halfway makes the weight loss not seem so daunting. Good luck--there is hope for people like us!

HONEYDEWS · 10-30-2003, 01:21 PM

Hi Thumsclerk!! You are doing great! I too started at 315, I am now at 270. I had lost 37 pounds by going to the gym and doing cardio and weight training then it just stopped. I quit going to the gym for awhile but I didn't gain any back. I started the South Beach Diet two weeks ago and have lost 8 more pounds for a total of 45. I Really like this eating plan, it fits well with my life and is very good for my diabetes. These first two weeks I did not exercise as I am testing to see how much difference it makes. So for the next two weeks I will be going to the gym every other day. Looking forward to seeing what a difference it makes. I want to go to the gym - don't get me wrong. I feel so much better when I exercise!

Keep it up and I'd love to here of your progress!

HONEYDEWS/DEWSHONEY

thumsclerk · 11-02-2003, 09:00 PM

Thanks, Honeydews! Sometimes it's hard to stay connected to someone who is going through the same things you are! I am glad you have found a diet that is working for you. I, too, have slacked off on my exercise routine. But I am trying to re-establish my routine and actually rode 15 miles today. I guess part of it is feeling guilty for all the Halloween candy I ate Friday!

But this is another week to begin to eat right, so here I go again...Stupidly, I feel like I am sometimes rewarding my weight loss by eating...like I am sabotaging myself...Do you know what I mean?

Well, happy Monday tomorrow!