Extremely Frustrated with Weight Problem

Dear J.,
First let me say "be kind to yourself". Frustration only hinders your ability to focus on your goal - whatever that goal is. Loosing weight, quitting smoking, changing our habits is all difficult when we don't have the right thoughts in our mind. All action begins in our thoughts. We have a thought (negative or positive), it creates and emotion, then a behavior. So, we need to try and get "I can't" out of our language. Every time you have a negative thought or "I can't" in your head, stop, and say out loud "I can", "I enjoy exercising" "I am a good ____" "I am great at _____". You have to build yourself up. God loves you and gave you great gifts - but most of the time we screw this up because of our own messed up self-image and thought pattern. So when you say these great things about yourself - eventually this will become your belief, then your emotion, then your behavior. Start off very small with excercise - wake up 10 minutes earlier and do some stretching, some basic exercises. Do this for 2 weeks 6 mornings. You will be so proud of yourself because you accomplish this that you will get the enthusiasm to increase the time. Set small goals that you can achieve so you don't get disapointed. It takes a while to create a new behavior so start out with little goals. You work 2 jobs - that is difficult so give yourself a break and don't be too hard on yourself.
Also, remember that our bodies cannot digest "fake" food - and diet pills doesn't give our body good fuel. Eat small meals throughout the day - energy food like fruit in the morning (no carbs in the morning unless whole grain oatmeal - breads will only turn to sugar and slow your metabolism down); munch on carrots and a few crackers mid morning at work; have a protein lunch with veggies, eat another snack mid-day and eat an early and healthy dinnner (by 6:30). Drink lots of water. Walk, Walk, Walk whenever you can. Take your daughter to the park and have a picnic dinner. Be active - every moment that you spend with your daughter turn it into an activity. Watch the wiggles with her and do their dances; make up a dance. Whatever you have to do to get moving that is FUN! You will find that you will have more energy, a clearer mind. Excercise doesn't make you tired if you are having fun at it - it actually makes you feel better. Set realistic goals - try to loose just a few pounds per month this way it will really stay off. Try to stay away from preservatives and all the non-natural foods - it just clogs our bodies. Don't do fad diets and again - be realistic and love yourself because God loves you so very much. All the best and many blessings. BC

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I know how you feel. Start eating a serving of rice about 20 minutes before your meal followed by a full glass of water, either cold or warm to your liking. It takes 20 minutes from your first bite for the body to recognize it has food in there and begin insulin production in response to the increase of blood sugar caused by the intake of food. For most people, they take less than 15 minutes to consume a meal that is way above the recommended portions. Then when you sit down to eat, fix your plate. Use a small plate and make the portions half the size you are used to. SLOWLY eat. Once you have completed your small plate, wait 10-15 minutes before taking seconds. The rice starts your body working on the blood sugar/insulin balance, the small portion should be enough. If you are still hungry in 10-15 minutes, then eat half of what you did earlier and wait another 10-15 minutes. It takes discipline and a little more time but it is worth it. If you eat out, before you take your first bite, ask for a take out container and divide your food in half. then you can concentrate on slowly eating your portion and most of the times I find that restaurant servings are even bigger than at home so I am usually full before I even finish half. You can eat a small apetizer before your meal. Just wait to order your meal until about 5 minutes after you complete your apetizer so you have enough time for the blood sugar/insulin balance to begin working out. Don't eat just to eat, always eat when your body is hungry. You have to learn what the difference between psychological and physcial hunger is. If you think you are hungry, drink some water and if it goes away, it was a psychological hunger, not physical. You may need to fast for a day or so to learn what physical hunger for sustenance feels like cause for me the feelings are very close, so I have to be really sure. I also only eat what I want. Otherwise I am not satisfied with what I had and I am still "hungry" though my stomach is full. I also am a texture eater. I prefer crunchy foods to soft so a soup would not be satisfying to me where as carrots, a few chips and dip would.

I hope this helps you.
C.

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Dear J.,
You can make a big difference in diet alone. A few key things - protein will help you feel full and the feeling will last longer. If you eat sugar, the effect will be the opposite. You'll feel full for a short time, your body will burn the sugar fast, then you'll crash and crave more. It's a terrible cycle. And the worst thing to do when you're feeling tired and craving food? Drinking sugary drinks. Drinking water, water, and more water is the best advice for any person trying to be healthier - and a GREAT way to lose weight. Just decide that you won't drink anything else, and soon you'll learn to love it, your body will start telling you when you're thirsty, and it will help you feel full when you're not. And one more tip - stop eating about 2 hrs before bed. If you're a late-night snacker like myself, this is pretty hard to do. But nothing has had more dramatic results. You wake up feeling thin! And for your last snack of the day, fruit (esp oranges for me, b/c they're good carbs and leave me feeling satisfied until bed) are a wonderful choice. Or I eat a non-sugary, high-fiber cereal, or grits, which are also filling and satisfying. Above all, just hang in there. Starting something new is always hard, but we are made to adapt, and your body will thank you for feeding it a healthier diet. Good luck and God bless.

- Oh, and LISTEN to your body. Don't ignore hunger - just feed those hunger pangs with healthier alternatives. Shop in the health food section of your store and get healthy snacks. Also, I'm a vegetarian, and you can't beat soy products for health benefits and hunger satisfaction. Try the Morning Star soy bacon - yummy on some wheat bread with cream cheese. Or the soy chicken nuggets are so good, most kids can't tell the difference.

M. B

1 mom found this helpful

I know this isn't what you want to hear, but exercise is the key. Try walking with your daughter in a stroller. I'm sure she'll love to be outside and you get the extra benifit from pushing her in the stroller. If it's cold just bundle her up. Aim for 30 minutes a day. Also, portion control. Try keeping a log of what you eat. Write down everything you put into your mouth for a week and then evaluate where you're getting the majority of your calories. You may be surprsied what you're filling up on. I hope this helps.

I once weighed 210 pounds and I am 5'5...You can imagine how rotound I was.

The first thing I did was cut out my sodas. I was drinking WWAAYYY to many. I hated drinking water but after about a week of it my body stopped craving the sodas and started craving the water. I ate 6 times a day, I was never hungry. I would eat breakfast, then at 10 am I would make a snack of some sort. I loved wraps, they were easy to make and convient for a work environment. At noon I would eat a lunch as always. At three pm I would make another snack. I usually premade fruit smoothie. I used a sugar free yogart to sweeten it and give it protien. All I had to do was get it out of the fridge at work, shake it up and it was ready for drinking. Just by changing my eating habits I went from 210 to 170. I would eat a decent meal that I usually put in the crock pot before leaving for work for dinner. I never ate past 6 pm. After 2 months, on the weekends, I would splurge a little. If I wanted ice cream or a chocolate bar I would have one. It helped satisfy cravings and I never felt like I was denying myself.

Then I bit the big one and I joined Curves. I know your schedule is hectic but Curves was a simple easy 30 min workout. They open at 7 in the morning and close at 7 at night. I loved it because it gave me some "ME" time. It was also within my meager budget. They have a great support system to encourage you during your workout. I still love it. I went from 170 to 135 in a year. I have been 135 for a year now and I do not ever plan on going back.

I hope this helps :)

Hi,J.,
I have my second baby this year January. After I stop breastfeeding, I start using BioleanII. This is not the quick weight loss pill, but is long term weight management. After 5 months, I manage to lose those baby fat and get back to my size 0-2.
Of course, I do exercise regularly. Actually, taking care of two young boys is a lot of exercise for me too. I do not strict myself to certain diet, just eat whenever I feel hungry. BioleanII helps to speed up the metabolism and build up the lean muscle. Since it is listed in current Physician Desk Reference for nonprescription drugs, I feel safe to use it. But for those have thyroid problem, Biolean cannot helps to lose the weight but do prevent to gain weight.

well i know giving up fried food and refined sugar helped me out( i lost 50 lbs) but i also worked out 3 days a week 2 hours each time, thats not too bad right? i know you have alot going on in your life but even 30 min a day of moderate exersize would help, and limit your fast food to places like subway and panera bread, (try to replace white breads with wheats or whole grains). i'm down to 135(i'm 5,6", 25 yrs old) now and i still have a lil to go, but this has gotton me to where i am hope this helps

J., I wear a size 4 and this is what works for me. The key to feeling satisfied is eating a combination of lean proteins and the good carbs and vegetables and eating light snacks during the day. It's a cliche, but start off your day with a protein rich breakfast. In other words, eggs or cereal with a high amount of protein! About mid-morning, eat something light like cheese and celery, or a few slices of deli meat, an apple and peanut butter or a boiled egg. Instead of frying chicken, bake it. Or if you are pressed for time, buy a deli chicken, microwave some fresh vegetables and cut up a small dinner salad. Eat dessert, but do it sparingly. Strawberries with Splenda and Cool Whip or chocolate covered strawberries satisfy me enough. When I need chocolate, I eat dark chocolate. If you faithfully use that strategy, you WILL lose the weight and keep it off. For specific menus, check out the South Beach Diet book. Also, the YMCA offers childcare while you work out. I believe the Woodlands Rec. Center also has limited childcare.

The two things that work for me are staying off the refined carbs (avoiding doughnuts and pastries) and not snacking from my kid's food. Yep, no tablespoons of mac and cheese while I am making it. You'll need to reprogram your body to kick start your metabolism and lose the weight.

Another thing that helps is finding a workout buddy. Accountability to another person can be a big motivator. How about exercising with your kids? Take a long walk with a walkman while they ride their bikes. Good luck!!! You CAN do this!

I now have a very active lifestyle but after having my last child I did not. I was lucky to be a stay at home mom and be very close to a great gym with childcare, but after I bought my business I needed something that I could do in the afternoon with my kids. I totally cut out soda, fried food, and refined sugar. I still eat carbs as long as they are whole wheat and paired with a lean protein like tuna or even extra lean ground beef. Even then, exercise is still key. I have found that walking around the neighborhood with my kids works best. I also teach yoga. When I first started I thought I'd never have the time to keep it up. Most classes only last an hour to an hour and a half and when you are done not only have you had a great workout but you feel very energized. There are great yoga and pilates videos that you can do at home after kids are asleep. I recommend the ones from Gaiam. You can get them at gaiam.com. You don't even have to have a mat. Hope this helps.

J.,

I highly recommend the "Dr. Phil Ultimate Weight Loss Solution." You can find it at any bookstore, Walmart, or online.

I dieted from age 6 to age 30 and nothing worked permanently. Not only did I lose 25 lbs and get down to a size 2, but I am no longer a borderline diabetic, my cholesterol is normal, and I feel so much healthier.

It isn't a diet, it is a permanent lifestyle change. I think the difference is he focuses a lot on how to overcome the food addiction. Most plans just expect will power, which usually doesn't last forever.

Best of luck,
S.

I am a sugar addict and I know if I cut it out I would lose weight but it's hard. I do notice that when I don't eat sugar right before bed I'll wake up a little thinner. If I get hungry I the night I'll have a tiny handful of nuts.
When I used to eat cookies or ice cream and sugary stuff before bed I'd wake up still feeling fat. I know exercise in so important but I don't have the time either between working and taking care of my 2 year old. Definatly eat leaner meats instead of red meat. No fried food. Cut out soda. Water instead. Replace white breads with wheat. Good luck. Let us know what happens. HOnestly, 5'8'' in a size 16 isn't that big! Try to love yourself too.

What about finding a gym that has a kids play area, do mostly weight trainer say 15mins 3x's a week. Plus Weight watchers I have lost 25lbs in 3 months. Good Luck.

We all seem to have this problem. The only program that works for me is Weight Watchers. You don't have to go to the meetings if you don't have time (sounds like you are really busy!)

They have the entire program online now. For 12.99 a month you can work the program from home and get advice, they have chat boards and everything too for support.

If you don't have the cash for that the basics are what others here are saying. Watch your portions, drink lots of water, eat a fair amount of protien to fill you up, leaner meat like chicken and turkey is better. For breads and pastas choose the ones with higher fiber content. Use lower fat choices when available like 98% fat free soups, 2% milk, reduced fat cheese, fat free sour cream. Still treat yourself though, thats the key. If you are craving something eat some of it in smaller portions and be done with it otherwise you snack yourself to death!

Good luck!

J.
I certainly feel your pain. I am a 41 year old mom of two boy's ages 12 and 16. I have been obese all my life. I tip the scales at about 425 and I have no idea where to even begin. I have tried walking but because of my weight it is almost impossible. I would love to do the lapbanding but our insurance does not pay for it. Like J. if anyone has any suggestions for me please please share them.

YOU CAN TRY THE SPECIAL K DIET. YOU EAT A BOWL IN THE MORNING AND A BOWL FOR LUNCH THEN A LITTLE SNACK AND A SINSABLE DINNER. MY FRIEND HAS LOST WEIGHT ON THAT. I'M GOING TO TRY IT ALSO.

Unfortunately I cannot help you with this problem seeing as I'm in the same boat... Please pass on any advice you get.

Thanks so much and good luck!

Hi J.,

I found myself in this exact situation; I didn't take Phentermine or any other appetite suppressants, because they have harsh side effects. But what I did do, was cut my caloric & fat intake down to what the recommended caloric & fat intake was for my goal weight. For ex: I cut my caloric intake down to 1200 calories a day and 15g of fat! I loss so much weight, people were saying I must have been sick or on drugs. Their comments were cruel, but I didn't care, I was losing weight. I lost 20 pounds in about 2 months, which is awesome. It is not always easy, but it works better if you give yourself 1 splurge item a week. It gives you something to look forward to. Another thing I did was not eat until I was full. But rather eat until I was satisfied and no longer felt hungry and I never ate when I was starving. If I found myself having hunger pains, I would eat a light snack (like fat free jello pudding) and would eat later, before the hunger pains returned.
I hope this helps.... After losing the weight, I did begin a regular exercise regimen to maintain my weight loss... Usually I just walk with my kids & sometimes with my fiancée.

Good luck!

I too have the same problem and unfortunatly can't do anything cuz still healing from c-section. But would like to know what to do in the future

Whenever your not working take the baby for a walk wheather its at the park on a warm day or at the mall. Walking is great exercise do it for half an hour or so. If you go to the mall you can't stop and look at clothes though. Continueously walk. At the park the more hills the better expessially if your pushing a stroller you use more muscles. Also I know this sounds strange but if you can find them anywhere get the carmen electra strip tease videos. They are not as bad as they sound. Its more of a dance routine and they are great fun there is nothing risque about them so the baby can do them too. My son dances with me he thinks its fun to dance with mommy. he is also 2.

I had a baby 18 months ago and was determined to lose all 40 pounds that I had gained. The problem was that I was overweight to begin with. I also am working full time and don't have much time to exercise. I started eating Jenny Craig, which worked for me. I lost the weight rather rapidly. It is not the best food, and it comes in small portions, but it works. I guess the saying that you are what you eat is pretty true. I also took the Advocare supplements which helped with energy. I still need to lose about 10 pounds to feel really good about myself, but am back to the original weight I was at before my pregnancy.

Try a HIGH PROTEIN diet, do eggs to meat and tuna!
no breads, no sugars, I went from a 24 to a 16 in about
6 mos. ! but I did use my tred-mill ! good luck ! ~

I too have this problem..and can't seem to do anything about it. I work out atleast every other day (not to mention chasing my twin 4 year olds) and I watch EVERYTHING I eat. Have you been tested for PCOS or Hypothyroid?? You should read up on both of them. PCOS causes middle obesity, I look great everywhere else but in the middle.