Any Secrets Out There for Weight Loss???

Hi J.!

Hubby and I are just starting to get into the losing weight thing right now, so no end-user type feedback, but we have cut out all sodas (which in itself led to a lot of loss) and have tried to be sure to include more monounsaturated fats in our diet (they help you burn fat while you're eating! lol what's better than that? It's like a food workout in addition to the other workouts) also watching labels for hidden salts and sugars - trying to eat healthier in general. We have 6 little ones, and to try to help keep all this healthy eating within budget, we're growing a lot of food on our city lot this year, and I am going to be learning how to can things for storage :) Anyway, I just wanted to say "good luck!" and share a little support. OH! Another thing we are doing: http://www.sparkpeople.com it's an online community of people trying to lose and be healthy. I haven't tried any of the recipes yet (which I've heard are good) but they have personal workout suggestions, a meal watcher (you enter what you ate, and they tell you how many calories etc you just ingested (SCARY and EYE OPENING!) and have lots of great support and encouragement (you can even buy yourself or friends virtual "gifts"!

Happy losing!

Mercale

J.,

There are no "secrets" you need to burn more calories than you eat. I recently started a program through Unasource Weight Loss in troy- I'm lossing about 1- 1.5 pounds per week, by eating right and exercising.

I just finished a book call Naturally Thin by Bethaney Frankel...it's a great book.

Good luck.

Weight Watchers! I did it at home so I didnt pay for anything but the books...some people need to go to the meetings for motivation so its worth the price! You can eat what you want, you learn portions, and it works!!~~

Good Morning J.! Congratulations on 8!!

There are some definite "tricks " to weight loss besides more calories out than in. And it sounds like you've done a good job on increasing the number of calories out.

I have a good simple tool for helping you calculate your daily calorie target and simple ways to hit it...and it fits with family!

Often the hormonal piece really matters!! Would you like to look at some healthy solutions that can make all the difference?

I have used these things to keep weight off, even thru perimenopause, and I have have friends who have used this very healthy method to lose significant weight!

Does this sound like what you are looking for?

warmly, M.

Take a look at t-tapp.com I started doing this after I had my daughter in February of this year and I gained 45lbs with the pregnancy and from April until now I only have 4lbs left to go. I only do it 15min a day and I don't diet -I really enjoy it - it was actually just featured on Good Morning America this woman told her story:

http://t-tapp.com/success/heather/index.html

There are lots of different programs you can get and she has a specific formula for depending on how many clothing sizes you want to lose. The best part is once you get to the size you want, to maintain it all you do it is twice a week and again - no dieting!!! Of course I'm sure you can't eat fast food every meal but no calorie counting and stuff like that...

Hi J., I hit that same wall about a year ago. I had to step up my exercise. Instead of just walking, I tried to cut my time down. If I was walking a 15 min mile, then I would try to do 13 mins... change the route, etc. Definitely do a different work out tape, I have heard that your body gets "used" to doing the same things. I know that for my age, the target heart rate is between 125 and 135 for weight loss, when I get higher than that, I supposedly go back to using sugar instead of stored fat. I am not sure how "true" any of this is, but I did break my rut, and start losing again.

I am not sure what you are putting in your smoothies, but you need to be careful of the calories when you start doing smoothies. If you are adding protein powder than read all you can about protein powder. I learned that some are used as meal replacements and some have hormonal benefits and some you really only need if you are working out like a maniac. I am using soy protein, with berries and juice as a meal replacement and it is helping with hot flashes/night sweats. I am still hungry after I eat it though, so I have to be careful that it isn't jsut a treat, but that I don't end up eating 2 meals.

I think that you can eat anything but in moderation. Some of my killers are french fries, potatoes chips etc, so I switched to pop corn and if I eat out, I don't get the fries. It's too tempting for me to over do it with them. When I really am craving them I get them, but buy a child size serving, don't eat a cookie for a treat later. Don't deprive, regulate. Shoot for fewer calories, and if you eat too many, then do more exercise.

I don't know if any of it has helped, but I wish you well.

Alissa at Be Well (on Old Woodward) is a great nutrition coach & personal trainer in Birmingham that I have had great success working with. She is incredibly creative and invested in her work - has even gone to the grocery store with me! Her # is: ###-###-####

if you really are exercising every day for 30 mins plus the walks at night your body has probably hit a rut, you need to change your routine, do a different workout tape, walk a different path, change it up it makes the body work harder. drink only water, no more pop. and of course snack on fruits and veggies.

I had a lot of weight to lose after all of my pregnancies because I'd gained so much. It was depressing. Someone told me about this and it worked and I did it for all mine and kept the weight off. Plus you feel good too!

Every day this is what you eat, and it helps to keep a daily journal. Plus, only weigh yourself once a week (no more).

2 Proteins (meat, eggs, fish, etc.)
3 Fruits
4 veggies (fresh is better)
2 Starch (potatoes, oatmeal, toast, etc)
1 Dairy (milk, yogurt, cheese - however low fat cheese is high in sodium so watch that)
add a little salt (low sodium)
add a little butter ("I can't believe it's not butter")

check serving sizes online to get an idea of how much a piece of fruit or veggie serving consists of. For instance, I think a green pepper is either 2 or 4 servings. As far as fruits, 10 grapes = 1 serving, or 1 small banana, 1/2 orange. So it sounds like a lot above, but it's real easy to get all your servings in.

If you like slim fast that counts as 1 protein, and 1 starch.

Keep fruits and veggies cut up and handy so if you're hungry you grab that instead of junk food.

On Sunday's I'd cheat a little bit otherwise I'd go crazy. Just don't over do it. It's better to cheat a little than to completely quit.

Sounds like you're doing well with the exercising. The combo of both should get that 40 lbs off you in no time! I think I lost about 30 lbs in 3 months (after all my kids). The last few 5 or 10 lbs are the hardest, but stick it out you'll get there!!!

Hi J.---I'm sure you realize and as other moms have said, there is no secret or magic when it comes to maintaining an ideal weight.

I am taking a series of wellness classes and I am learning a number of strategies in order to achieve optimal health. You really don't want to think of a diet in terms of losing weight. You want to think of your diet as something that sustains good health. When you eat the right foods, exercise, get adequate sleep, manage stress, your body will automatically go to your optimal weight.

I'm going to give a few brief suggestions, but I don't think I can cover everything in this format. So, please, call me if you want any more details on anything.

So don't count calories. If you must count something, count grams of fiber. Your diet should consist of mostly fruits, veggies, whole grains and legumes, along with nuts and seeds. These foods contain lots of nutrients but not very many calories. They also have lots of fiber. The more fiber rich foods you eat, the fewer calories you eat.

Minimize animal protein of any kind, and that includes milk and fish. The nutrition in milk is actually not worth the calories or risk of disease. Go to www.strongbones.org to learn why my family has decided to quit dairy. Think mostly vegetarian with a little meat for flavoring or as the side-side-dish. Too much animal protein in the diet is a risk for cancer, heart disease and diabetes. Please avoid an atkins type diet at all costs. It causes great harm to the body. It actually breaks down muscle tissue for energy as you don't consume enough carbohydrates, the body's preferred energy source. It does not help you to lose fat, which is what we want to lose. I can share the research on this when you call.

Think in terms of eating for your health. Be patient. It took time to get where you are now. It will take time to take it off. Slow and easy keeps the weight off.

I know I've covered alot and I'd bet you have a bunch of questions. I would be happy to answer them and I do this free of charge. Call me anytime. In health, D.
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I feel your pain and discomfort with where you are at right now. I did the same thing as you and lost the weight fast but I put it back on because the foods I cut out came back. Anyway, I'm on Weight Watchers Online now and LOVE it! I'm dowm 6 lbs. in 3 weeks. It would be more but I have cheated on a few days... They have a free trial for one week that's how I started and I stayed with it. The nice thing about WW is it make you realize how good/bad everything you eat is and that's what I needed because I tend to lie to myself alot. Good luck on your journey and stay positive!

Sounds like you are doing a lot of the right things.

I have a unique weight management program called Cinch. It is for people who are tired of the YO YO dieting. So it works to loose the inches/pounds and keep it off. Did you know that a pound of fat the body burns 2 calories, but a pound of muscle burns 50 calories?

If you would like more information, email me and we can discuss it further.

hey J. way to go on the 15 pounds i do this tape that greatif you can make it pass the way it make you feal the first couple day afterwards i picked it up at rite aide and it called 08 min fitness it .it has four section abs arms buns thighs each one being one 08 mins after two weeks of not changin anything eles and doing that 6 days a week you can drop 2 to 3 pant sizes . it will leave you sore so the first couple of nite before bed take a tylone good luck keep up the good work

I recently lost 18 pounds. The key for me was NO SUGAR. There is so much HIDDEN sugar in all the food we purchase. All the "-oses"...fructose, sucrose, lactose are on food labels and are in salad dressing, yogurt...read the labels you will be amazed. White food...flour, sugar, pasta are all simple carbs that your system will PREFER to burn rather than the fat you WANT to burn. Diet pop is deadly, the artificial sweeteners are chemically bad for your liver and they make you hungry. Pop really doesn't quench your thirst either. Drink lots of water. I eat organic when I can, lots of fresh vegetables, lots of water and proper sleep. Limit your coffee too, it interferes with your metabolism. I also am going to the Alternative Healthcare Center in Grosse Pointe. This is a group of Chiropratcor/Clinical Nutritionists. They can determine if you have any food allergies and what your current diet might be lacking.
I know it is very typical for women who have had hystorectomies to gain weight...change in those hormones that you no longer have. :( They can help with that too, naturally without toxic chemicals. Give it a look by going to their website www.ahccenter.com WOW 8 kids you are one busy gal!! Good luck.

Hi J.,

Sounds like you're on the right track.

With 8 kids I'm sure you're VERY busy! And with all that business you may not REALLY be paying attention to what you are eating. I have found that I do BEST when I actually write down everything that goes into my mouth.

A great website is caloriecounter.com It can help you track your caloric intake, what you should be eating, and help you get on the right track.

It's not just about moving more. It's also what you're eating. BALANCE BALANCE BALANCE! I've found most 'diets' cater to one type of individual (and for every diet that is different). Some people will loose tons of weight by cutting out carbs, some will loose by cutting out other things. BALANCE is key. We all need carbs, and fats, and proteins, and fruits and veggies.

Adopting a healthy diet... LEAN proteins, lots of fruits and veggies, moving more and getting enough rest are the keys to success. Now, don't get me wrong. It isn't a magic formula and by no means am I perfect! ha ha ! I have some pounds that need to go! But, when I really get serious about it... following this 'formula' works wonders.

When you hit a wall, then your body has adjusted to your 'new' routine... and you have to change it up. You say you walk 3 miles each night. That's great! But, what about biking 6? Your body becomes used to the new thing then you have to engage new muscles.

Also, by really taking a look at what you're eating, I think you'll be surprised. I know I always am! You have to write down EVERYTHING that goes into your mouth whether it is food or drink. It ALL has calories.

Journal it for a few days and then go back and look at it. See what is going on. I know when I am really busy I don't always THINK about what I am eating and then it adds up.

Also, watch your portion control. Drink LOTS of water. HYDRATE HYDRATE HYDRATE! Rule of thumb.... 2 liters per day. It will not only keep you hydrated, but help you feel full at meal times so you don't over eat and will help flush out your system. Your urine should be or be near colorless.

Good luck!

Hi J.,

Try to find something sustainable! Don't go with anything that's "low" this or "no" that. You need to find a program that offers a sensible solution using REAL food (not pre-packaged) & exercise. My recommendation is Body for Life by Bill Phillips with TONS of support at www.transformation.com. Go there. Check it out. Read the stories. It WORKS! Best of luck to you!

L.

J., keep up the good work, sounds like a very busy life, i would jump start adkins again, especially after a hysterectomy, somehow it seemed to work better after mine, adkins is great, if done right, you slowly adapt your body into burning off its fat, but our bodies get used to things and level off, on adkins, you only have 20 grams for the first week or so, or two weeks, do 20 grams of fat for a month , and then add up after that, do the meals just the same, but take it slower, like this month do 20 grams of fat, next month 25, etc, go slow, your body will loose and then level off again, its ok, really all adkins is the same diet for diabetics, so it will not hurt you to cut out sugars and fats, try it again, if it worked once, it should work again , since your body has leveled off, time to reboost it, have fun and enjoy D. s

Hi J.,
Well, I don't agree with the Adkins diet. My husband did this over several years and I believe it's really messed with his metobolism as well as a loss of lean muscle which helps to burn calories. Did you know that the Adkins diet was implemented for patients prior to heart surgery? It puts your body in a starvation state! My husband and I have had the most success on a FITworks diet FIT standing for Food Induced Thermogentics. This diet helped boost our metobolism and we were eating the foods God has given us in abundance! You can check out this diet at: http://bodyapplicator.itworks.net/fit-works/FIT-Start.aspx - its only $29.95 to join and $9.95 a month its all online and everything you need is there! A downloadable book, recipes updated, a KIDS Zone where your kids can learn about proper diet and exercise too! It's an awesome way to lose weight and keep it off! My husband lost 55 pounds in 3 1/2 months and I lost 25 pounds! Check out and keep me posted on your results. I would love to hear how it works for you too!
Take care, C.

My family and several friends have had tremendous success with Weight Watchers. Some friends do it on-line but my family goes to meetings, which increases your chance to really get and keep the weight off. You have to change your thinking and habits and realize it's for a lifetime. WW will work for anyone and you can eat anywhere you have to. My 2 daughters have lost about 35 and 70 and my husband 75, and are keeping it off. I've lost 70 of the 125 I need to lose. It's taken 9 months. I also am post-menopausal. I didn't think I could lose this much but I've become quite disciplined and am reaping the benefits. You're already doing the 30 mins of exercise recommended, so this would fit very well with your life. If you're really serious, I'd do this program and not some quickie deal where you'll put it all back on again. Waste of money and time!

EVERYONE is going to say Weight Watchers. I too lost weight with Weight Watchers but I did it eating brownies only on some days. Here's the good news ~ I lost 25 pounds of FAT using Transitions Lifestyle System and have kept it off for 18 months. I am healthier than I have ever been. I can mentor you in this program if you are interested.

S.
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I have had some good weight loss. There was a threat of giving me shots of insulin as a great motivator. I found out that if I eat 15 to thirty carborhydrates every 2 to three hours and eating a lot of citrus fruit. As part of those carbs. The only thing that blew the diet was I was spending long periods of time at the hospital with my daughter. Leaving long enough to go home, shower, change, and possible eat something quick. I did that twice in one year. Now I'm getting back on the band wagon.

Hello J. i have no secrets but i am in the same boat. I had a total hyst. in March and have put on about 20 pounds, if you could please share any feedback you get with me. I need all the help i can get!!!!!!!

Hi J.,
It just so happens that i work as a wellness coach and I have a great program available to you if you are interested. It's called Creating Wellness and it has workd wonders. I follow the program myself and have been able to lose a good amount of weight. It's a lifestyle modification program with a protocol of being fit, eating right and thinking well, with weekly coaching. The biggest and best side effect of a healthy lifestyle is a healthy weight. :)
You can reach me at Khalil Family Wellness and Intervention
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Also check out these websites; khalilcenters.com & creatingwellness.com.
Yours in health,
V.

I'm not sure where you are located, but check out Be Well in Birmingham. They have a great wellness program that addresses all of the aspects of weight gain from diet and exercise to stress and other unhealthy habits. Diets have a stopping point but a healthy lifestyle will last a lifetime and you won't have to worry about the yoyo effect! www.DiscoverBeWell.com