HELP!! Weight Loss and Exercise !

B. go to www.loseweightgetwell.com Average price per meal is less than TWO bucks. You will feel great and gain tons of energy !! You get a personal coach and they are free with order. they work with you to find the perfect solution. I am a 38 yr. old with two daughters 8 and 10 and I have been able to run circles around them. For the first time I feel better than ever. Do I feel sexy and confident ? You better believe it !!! Did I forget to mention since I have been on the products I haven't even had a cold . You can also make delicious pies and shakes too !

B.....You've made a good start...exercise. My doctor recommended fruits and vegetables.....NO Pop!! If you don't like water I guess you can try the flavored waters or low-fat juices. Try to give up or limit breads, potatoes, pizza and junk foods. Good luck..you can do it. A positive attitude is what will help.

I've been on the Transitions Lifestyle Weight Loss & Management System since Nov. 08 and have lost 13 pounds....my 17 year old has lost 20! Classes are run out of Dr. Below's office in Westlake....call for more info at 44-###-###-####!

Dear B.,
There is a lady in my home town that weighed 748 lbs and she lost 400. If SHE can do it so can you. She was very driven and started out slowly. She started doing sit ups on the couch and kept increasing them as she was able. She cut down on food but I'm not sure how.
I think it is great that you lost so much weight so far. Keep it up. Try to only eat non-processed food. If you go out to eat, cut the portion in half or share it with a friend. Cokes have a lot of acid in them. To neutralize the acid in your body you have to drink 30 glasses of water! The cokes might be aggravating your stomach.
I would find a reputable chiropractor that will be able to help you to lose weight. He will be able to see what your body needs nutritionally to help with the stomach problems. Make sure he does deal in nutrition not just adjustments. I hope this helps, L. J

Hi B.! My name is V. and I can identify with you. I am in the process of working on my weight also and it is a challenge. I know that sometimes a change in your reqular routine might help. Instead of just walking on the treadmill try adding a run in for a minute. Also try a work out CD that has different options on it so that you won't get used to the same thing. I can't do just water but I'm a fan of Aquafina Flavor Splash. I drink it all the time and I have had to give up my choclate and icecream treats. Well not all together but I do let my guard down one day a week and have something sweet. Hope this helps!!!

I applaud you for recognizing exactly where you are at. It takes a lot to face reality. I would recommend that you journal. I too am a sweet eater and when I write down everything that I eat and aim for about 2000 - 2500 calories a day - it keeps me honest and it helps me realize whether or not I truly need that 150 calorie snicker bar or if I can find a healthier alternative. I also put 8 circles at the start of everyday and that is to aim for drinking 8 glasses of water a day. I then try to do 30 minutes of exercise and it counts running the sweeper and anything that gets your heart rate up. I lost 15 lbs this way. Best wishes!

Hi B., Well I definitely don't have all the answers because I too am fighting the get it off battle. I have about 40lbs to loose. But I wanted to throw one thought out there that someone gave me that has helped. Try to fix it so that you can watch a movie while you are on the treadmill instead of just TV. It takes me about three days to get through a flick but we have a lot of DVD's, many I do not watch with the kids around and since I work out at 5am this is not a problem. If you don't have any movies you could get a Netflix membership or even the library can be a good source for "rentals". The movie just seems to be a little better distraction that I'm not clock watching so much and sometimes by the third day (when it's coming to the end of the movie) I actually look forward to going to workout so I can see the end. Maybe this will help?
Good Luck to us all!

Everyone reaches that point where it is very hard to keep losing. You have done great, so don't put yourself down. And lucky you- you have a supportive husband.

Make a change in the routine. Have you looked at some exercise videos? You could pick up on a couple of exercises that burn calories, but are just different than the treadmill.
Try sitting on a chair, with weights in each hand and work your arms up and down, or lying on the floor bring legs and butt up and do the bicycle motion. Just ANY other exercises you can do for the same amount of time that you are on the treadmill, so you can get a break from it. Also, add 15 minutes a day to what you are doing now. Even if it is laying on the floor and raising your legs up and down- that is more than you were doing. Maybe you and hubby can take half hour walks when the weather gets warmer.

Set your goal low- say you just want to lose 10 more pounds, that will be much easier to achieve than 30, then after you lose it, you can set a new goal.

As for diet, since you love sweets (I do too) try to give up half of what you now eat. So, if you are eating sweets every day, make it every other day. If it is twice a week, try giving it up except on Fri or Sat or whatever day you want it to be, but make sure you are not changing the portion. Chocolate is addictive, so try to cut down as much as possible. It just makes you want more. Also, sugar replacements do mess with your body; for me they make me hungrier (maybe it is just mental), but I avoid these.

I haven't read any others responses so I may be repeatative. The one main and biggest thing you have to do is write down every thing that goes in your mouth, eat it, drink it, whatever. It may sound like a pain, but you are probably taking in way more than you think. Calories in is calories out, PERIOD!! Most women should be around 1200-1300, cutting your calories below that will only make your body go into starvation mode and it doesn't do you any good!!!! Please pay attention to this, it is sooooo true and most people don't want to believe this. The book, "The Calorie King" has every food, restaurants, etc in it that you will need and it's really cheap.

2nd if you have trouble with knees, treadmill is the WORST!!! Sell it on e-bay, just put that they have to live in the area and pick it up. We've sold furniture exercise stuff, tons of big stuff this way. And put the money down you get for an elliptical or recumbent bike they are the best for the body as for not being h*** o* it.

If you have stomach troubles aspartime is the worst for it. You've got to figure other ways to get water in. If you don't do any other advice you get please count your calories, if your honest about it, I think you'll be amazed how much more your taking in than you think. Goodluck

If you like tea try Diet Green Tea or even Green Tea with citrus

You don't need a gym membership. Go to the library and check out workout videos. You can try different ones and see which ones you like.

Figuring out what to eat is simple. Go to http://www.freedieting.com/tools/calorie_calculator.htm# and you can figure out how much you need to eat to lose weight. Just remember it take a 500 calories a day for a week is a pound. If you eat that many (over what you need) you will gain. If you exercise that (A DAY) you will lose.

Diet Soda is from the devil. Get rid of it completely. It makes your body think it's sugar and then you produce insulin. Which makes you hungry later.

Stop with the excuses!! If you want to do this you can do it. I have a thyroid problem, had three kids in three years AND have gluten intolerance. If I can do it you can do it. You MUST write down EVERYTHING you eat. If you lick your finger making food that is calories. If you snag a chip off your daughters plate those are calories. If you bite it you write it. OH and NO MORE EXCUSES! Excuses are like butts every ones got one and they all stink!

Have to check to see if any of the gyms in your area are running specials? I know right now with the economy the way it is most of the gym in my area are offering specials for as little as $20 a month. Just think if you cut out the soda and the sugar snacks you could afford that!!

It sounds like you've reached a plateau so it's time to mix it up, shock the system, get a jump start!!
There's multiple ways to do it and once you start losing again you won't be so frustrated. Obviously you can do it and you know how, just stick to it. Weight lifting can also be working against you, muscle weighs more so while you may be getting leaner looking at the scale could be confusing you. I love my treadmill, there's a lot of ways to mix things up on that. Alternate speed walking for 5 minutes and then sprint for 5 minutes...add and incline...etc. Get that heart rate up!!! Running will definitely burn more calories faster than walking. That's what I have started doing since I have limited time and had a baby 5 months ago.
Also...stick with water!! Personally I would rather use those drink calories towards food! ;) good luck, you can do it!!

Hi B.,

Congratulations on making good progress so far! You've lost a bunch of weight, and have started making some healthier choices (reducing the diet cola, baking instead of frying, etc.)

Read the book Ultra Metabolism (I forget the author, I think it is Dr. Mark Hyman but not sure). Or listen to it on CD while you walk the treadmill. Lots of good stuff in there.

With the nausea, could you be pregnant? It would be difficult and unwise to lose weight if that is the case.

Maybe you need to switch your form of exercise or walk somewhere else besides the treadmill. If you walk outside, you get different scenery, also can you find a place to walk up hills? or on sand? I don't have a treadmill but I do notice a difference in walking those places versus walking on the flat roads.

If your knees hurt now, jogging will only make them worse. Can you swim somewhere? or do water exercises? My mom loved those--they were held at a local high school pool during the day (while kids were in class). They did exercises (leg lifts, kicks, etc) while in the pool. Even just walking in the water burns calories, you have to push against the water, but because the water also supports some of your weight, it is easier on joints. Plus it's cool in summer!

Someone else mentioned a stationary bike being easier on knees; you could get a regular bike and go outdoors too.

My cousin swears by Weight Watchers. It does cost money but I don't know how much.

Does your local hospital or clinic have a weight loss support group? you could check into TOPS (Take Off Pounds Sensibly) another support group. There's also Overeaters Anonymous. Maybe there is an online group somewhere?

Ask your doc for advice next time you are in for something else. Might nausea be a side effect of some of your meds, and could you switch to different ones?

Have you thought about yoga? It's great for flexibility and stress reduction. If I had all your medical conditions, I'd be stressed!

chiropractor for the joint pain?

Keep up the good work on reducing the sweets, artificial sweeteners and junk food. Load up on fruits and veggies, then you may be too full to want junk food.

To make water a little more attractive--I use a Brita filter because I hate the taste of our tap water especially in the summer. It helps. Sometimes I also get a lemon or lime and cut it into small wedges. I squeeze the juice from a wedge into my glass of water, then drop the wedge in too. Gives a little flavor with virtually no calories. Usually I eat the wedge when I get done with the water.

Get a walking/biking/diet buddy, either someone you actually get together with, or via email, keep each other honest.

Do you like to play any sports? Are there any you'd like to try? now might be the time.

Dancing burns calories too, I like it lots better than working out--lol!

Look for ways to "sneak" more exercise into your day--stairs instead of elevator, park your car far from the store, etc.

Sorry to run on, hope that helps! Good luck!

K. Z.

My first bit of advice is to join Sparkpeople.com. It's a free site that offers a place for you to journal your meals and your exercises. There are message boards to get help. Groups with your same goals that you can join. Tons of articles and motivational tools. It's an amazing site and I think it could help you a lot.

In addition, I would suggest finding other means of working cardio into your exercise regimen if the treadmill hurts your knees, back and neck. If you have access to a pool in the area, then take advantage of it! Working out with weights is a great thing to do and if you do it at a high enough intensity (little rests between sets) then you get your cardio in there as well. I agree that a bike might be better for your pains. And perhaps you should look into the Leslie Sansone Walk Away The Pounds videos. They are great!!!

Finally, look into eating a "clean" diet. Google "clean eating" and you'll get a better understanding of what that means.

Bottom line is that every decision you make, every day, needs to be one that brings you closer to your goals and not further away. If you like sweets - find low-calorie alternatives. They're out there. It takes some time to research and gather the info/recipes, but it's worth that time investement.

Best of luck!!

God's blessings,
M.

Hi B.,
If you are anywhere near the West Akron area, we have very fun Weight Loss Challenges going on that offer 12 Weeks of FREE Nutritional Coaching. The entry fee is $34.95 for the entire 12 weeks. You also have a chance to be one of the three top weight loss "Losers" and win big cash prizes. We have been doing Weight Loss Challenges in the Akron Area with amazing results, lots of fun and support, and people walking away with hundreds of dollars each session. Call or email me if your are interested. 330.701.
0734 or ____@____.com

HI B., I understand what you're going through, I'm just now "getting around" to losing the baby fat (and my son is 23 months old today LOL). Anyway, I've just recently started and lost 6 lbs in 3 weeks but have many more to go. First, you need to pat yourself on the back for the weight you've already lost! I think the first 10 and last 10 are the hardest to lose and you've gotten past the first part. Also, I would switch up my routine. If your exercise has gotten to the point you resent it, then you need to change. Continue with the weights because it helps build lean muscle mass and increases your metabolism. Switch your diet up to heat more lean proteins and less carbs. Don't eliminate carbs completely though. I found this to be helpful. If you're already doing this, ignore me, but definitely keep eating breakfast. And to switch up your routine, you might want to borrow some pilates or aerobics DVD's from the library. It's free and a change of pace. Best of luck! A.

Hi B.,

First off, let's look at the positive side....you've lost alot of weight. Good for you!!!! You should be proud of yourself.

I know some products that can help you with the weight issue and make the pain go away. They are all natural, no toxins or anything in them. If you would like more information, let me know.

I have done scrapbooking too and I am a stamper as well. Used to sell stamps..It's great to relieve stress, but you sit on your keaster all day, so that's not good.

Look at the positive things that tread mill has done for you.....put a map and pretend you are going to the park, buy a great CD you can listen to that is outdoor sounds.

Again if I can help, let me know. Be positive!!!! You CAN do this!

I'm a stay at home grandma trying to start a great business that is health and wellness for everyone.

I just wanted to share with you my recent dieting experience! I just had my third baby and really wanted to get the weight off...so along with going to the gym, I have made sure that my daily caloric intake is less than what I use. The easiest way for me to do that was to use slimfast. I have a shake for breakfast, and then I usually have a salad or Progresso soup (they have so many with only 60 - 100 calories per serving) and then I'm able to eat whatever I want for dinner. I've been able to lose 10 lbs. in less than 2 months and I'm never hungry! And my gym time has not been too frequent...I know that I could have lost more had I been to the gym more often.

B., B., B....
I am no expert and I too need to lose weight, just as bad...but have you ever had your thyroid checked? Have you ever been diagnosed with sleep apnea? other medical issues? Also, if you go to webmd, you will learn that DIET drinks are NOT good for you. They contain sugar still..a sweet and low. Aspertain is not a good choice to help you lose weight. I learned that because my sister was extrememly over weight and had gestational diabetes...and they told her that she might end up with the full blown. She couldn't afford a personal trainer either..until now. But the thing is, The diet drinks are the worst and the candy. Stick to Water and any 100% Fruit Juice, even if its homemade. That's what we have been doing. I'm addicted to pepsi, but I gotta remind myself that, that one drink can add up to 200 calories if not more. But honestly...I have went to a dietician and I found out that soda is empty calories..don't matter if you drink diet or regular, they still contain sugar, which sugar adds on fat that still burns fast, yet...don't do any good for your teeth, your digestive system nor your weight. My other down fall is ICE CREAM!
And I got a website that you can check out...its called Sparklepeople.com that web site has workout ideas, calorie counter, activity things to do as a family, recipes, what to stay away from...etc...also, those ppl there are good, that there also are personal trainers and people who don't mind making friends..and helping others out. (SMILE)...Good Luck!

Beth I AM EXCITED FOR YOU!!!!!
I may have what you're looking for. It is proven to work and right now we have rewards as an incentive for you to get to your ideal weight. Please give me an email (____@____.com) and I can explain that this is the last 'diet' you will ever have to be on.
Look slimmer, feel healthier, plus you could be $25,000 richer. The Cinch® Biggest Loser Challenge puts you on the road to success.
Simply, get started on the Cinch Inch Loss Plan—a leucine-powered
weight management program that is designed to help
you retain muscle while you burn fat—and kiss those
extra pounds goodbye.* Before you know it, you’ll be
inching your way toward a healthier you—and a
chance at earning a huge cash reward.

You can earn $25,000!
Also available:
• Five $10,000 rewards
• Five $5,000 rewards

Look forward to talking to you
S.

South Beach---Its not like adkins and is really heathy

I didn't read all the responses (you have got quite a bit) but have you ever tried Weight Watchers? My husband joined online and he lost 40 pounds on it. It is only online so you don't have to go to weigh-ins or meetings or anything like that. I think we pay like $16.95 a month which isn't that bad I don't think. But that price may be different now since he has been on it for almost 2 years. They have tons of recipes that I have made and they are good and really easy.
But I must say that he lost the weight pretty quickly and then you sort of reach a plateau and the last few pounds are always hard to get rid of! He is always complaining that it is hard to loose the last amount of weight he wants to loose. Of course, I don't think he exercises as much as he should. He has a desk job too which dosen't help.
I can't really do a lot of exercising now that I am 7 1/2 months pregnant but before I used to do a lot of pilates. It is low impact and helps ton and tighten. Good Luck and keep on exercising!! Don't give up because even though you may not be loosing weight right off now, in the long run it keeps you healthy and helps circulation and keeps you active.

Hi B.!

Good for you; you have identified many of your challenges! I am certain the aspartame is "messing with" you. Good for you for cutting back on diet coke and I would stay away from the crystal light too. It's clear you have a "sugar addiction" which plays out in over production of insulin (I'm certain) and inflammation. Rather than keeping the "diet" mentality of what you shouldn't eat, try focusing on what you should eat. Lots of greens, vegetables, fruits, beans and whole grains. One of my clients with many of your same symptoms and more noticed a tremendous difference in how she feels daily by eliminating potatoes, rice, bread and pasta. She immediately lost the joint pain, reflux and lost weight which motivated her to continue and increased her endurance when she worked out. When she got "stuck" again she realized those things had crept back into her eating. If you try it, tell yourself it's not forever, it's just for right now and have a plan for what you will eat instead of these things...because the cravings will be difficult at first and when you are hungry it's hard to be clear about what to eat. You can do this and you deserve it! If you don't enjoy the treadmill, do something else or convince yourself to do just 15 minutes a day (or whatever you can do). I'm happy to talk to you more and I have some free resources I'd be happy to share. My website is www.cincyhealthcoach.com or you can email me at ____@____.com. I won't try and sell you any products --promise! If you don't want to talk, you can sign up for my free newsletter under resources at my web site. Good for you for reaching out!

First the upset stomach sounds like I use to before loosing weight. My suggestion first is to get your sugar tested.I found out not eating after 6 in evening helped me alot.It is starting to get nice outside I suggest u walk to start and cut down on portions of what you eat gradually. I have lost around 100 but just do it gradually because I have tried many diet pills and went to dr. and always gained back plus more.By doing on your own and getting in better eating habits helps alot.Hope this will help you some. Don't get discussed just do little at time.I still have more to loose. You can treat yourself once in awhile. GOOD LUCK

Running or jogging is a great exercise but you need to have strong knees. Walking should be the first thing you do. FInd a walking partner that will encourage you, maybe another lady in the neighborhood. Go to your library and get some books about nutrition. PLan out your own diet. If diet and exercise don't work talk to your doctor and check to see if you have a thyroid disorder. Thyroid disorders can prevent weight loss. SO you need to rule out a medical reason. I think diet pop is worse than regular pop. Just becuase it says diet does not mean it it good for your diet. Find another drink to substitute for it without the carbonation. If you really want to loose the weight only you can get your self to do it. Good luck and you can do it.

I feel your pain!!! I've just started interval training on my treadmill. I bet it would work even if you didn't run though. Basically you start off at your regular "warm up" speed for 4 mins. Then kick it up to a level 6 (1 being easy and 10 can't even breathe) for 30 secs. Then back to your warm up speed for 90 secs. Then kick it up to a level 7 for 30 secs. Then 90 secs at warm up speed. Then kick it up to level 8 for 30 secs. Then back to warm up speed for 90 secs. You repeat this 2 or 3 times, however much time you have. It really goes fast though! Instead of running, maybe you could up the incline for those hard 30 secs... Anyway, I hear that this is a uber fast way of dropping those pounds. I have started it and it is a fantastic way to get a quick workout in! Good luck!!!!!

First of all call your doctor and express your concerns. Make sure they do a complete blood work up to rule out any problems that can be causing the weight to remain on, such as thryoid or hormonal imbalance. Make sure you get enough fiber and protien in your diet. A good resouce is the book the insulin resistent diet. Aspartame does not cause bowel issues its the fillers like manitol, and aditives they use to make aspartame pourable and provide a good mouth feel like the high fructose corn syrup type products that they use as filers that cause these issues. I used to work in a lab that developed these products and we would test them in house and everybody had bowel issues after awhile.

My husband bought me a wii fit and I love it. Get out and walk even if its at a mall. Get a pedometer and try to strive for 10k steps a day. Vary your routine, do strenght training one day and pilates or yoga the next.

First of all, congrats on your current weight loss. That in itself it a big deal!!

As for what to do, SWITCH IT UP!! If you are over the treadmill, put on some music with a great beat and shake your buns! The bigger your movements the more you sweat, the better the workout!! It's almost spring, bundle up and go for a walk on some of the nice days. If you could invest in a Tae Bo , kick boxing dvd that is a great work out.

Diet wise, you need about 1200-1300 calories a day. I would shoot to eat a protein and a starch in every meal. Like 5-6 times a day. By starch I don't mean bread all the time ( maybe once a day, it is easy to over do grain carbs). Veggies and fruits are your very best choices. Don't eat the same meal over and over again, your body adapts to it. But ya gotta drink your water. It's a detoxifying flush for the body. Try lemon slices in your water. Even sprigs of mint. Something to switch up the flavor and keep it interesting. Just think, you don't want to drink that water, but what do you want more, a nice bod, or a few minutes of uncomfortable drinking? Best wishes to you!

Hi B. I am in the same boat as you. I have a treadmill also and I for the life of me can not make myself use it. I have just about every thing wrong as you do. The IBS is just be horrible when you can't always go out for fear it will hit.

My knees have hurt for a long time and recently on a trip to see our kids in Ca.. As soon as I stepped into the terminal at LAX I caught my toe on the carpet and fell hitting my face on the chair seat a few feet away and ended up with 14 stitches and now have fluid on the knee I fell on so it seems as there is always something to keep me from walking.

Anyway I have been taking 1000 mg. of Acai Berry and have lost 22 pounds in the last three months. If you decide to do this DO NOT BUY IT FROM THE ADVERTISEMENTS I got mine through PurtainPride.com and it is less than 3/4 the price of the advertised brand.

I also just heard a Dr. on TV say whatever you choose stick with it and don't jump around to different diets. ;-)

GOOD LUCK in whatever you choose.

Hi B.!

First, congrats on the weight you have already lost! I was in a similar situation and I tried Nutrisystem. It works!!! I have lost 21 pounds in 3 months WITHOUT exercising! I just follow the program as they require and the pounds dropped off. They have a website that is very supportive, including chat areas and coaches. Imagine what I could have lost if I actually got off my lazy butt and exercised!!!

You are right...you need to lose the soda and learn to love the water. Weight loss is not a decision to be taken lightly (no pun intended!). You can't be on the program one day and off the next. It is a life changing committment you have to make. All you need to do is look at your kids and ask yourself if you want to be around to see them graduate or get married (and how you want to look in the pictures from those events!!!).

I am also an avid scrapbooker & cardmaker (and sell Close to My Heart products), so if you want to e-mail me privately about that, feel free to do so! Whatever course of action you decide upon, I wish you the best of luck! Hang in there!!!

The junk food may be causing some of your stomach problems. Try to buy whole foods (nothing in a box) and shop the parameter of the grocery store. Try avoiding anything with high fructose corn syrup or partially hydrogenized oils, they are the worst for you. Try snacking on fresh fruits and veggies (raw are best, as they provide the most nutrients. If you do have to cook your veggies try cooking them for the shortest time possible to preserve more nutrients. Just changing your diet can give you more energy. If you are a snacker try snacking on grapes or a good cereal with whole grains, high fiber and protein. Read labels, it helps you to think twice about what you are consuming. It is a lifestyle change and takes time. You can't make all of the changes at once. I rarely crave junk food anymore, and when I do eat it I feel blah or it bothers my stomach. As for the exercise, bundle up and head outside, the fresh air will feel good and it will be nice to get outside again. Reserve the treadmill for really bad weather days. You will enjoy walking more outside with the change in scenery. Good luck!

Congratulations on coming this far!! Losing that much weight must not have been very easy, but you did it!! I don't know what your religious affiliations are, but there is a great book that I am reading now...It's called Body by God by Dr. Ben Lerner. It talks about respecting your body and choosing foods that will fuel it. It's not an all or nothing pholosophy, but a gradual one. I am really enjoying it. Also there is a class at the Church of Polaris in Westerville called Healthy Lifstyles we meet on Wednesday nights to learn about good nutrition and lifestyle changes...the best part is it's free. You are more than welcome to attend 7pm-8pm. Good luck..

Dear B.,

The list of problems may indicate some serious problems. You need help to get your body under control and your weight will follow. My friend, Becky, had IBS for almost 40 years. She got help from Dr. Merkle and in six weeks her bleeding stopped. She couldn't stay off the diet drinks and relapsed. That was her wakeup call and she is now off it all and doing well.

I suggest that you figure out how to see Dr. Merkle. His web site is www.3000health.com and the office is 937 43-3241. He is in Dayton, Ohio but does what he does by blood and other lab work so you don't have to make the trip is you are somewhere else. On the web site are case histories and radio shows. They will give you an idea of how he works. One of the good side effects of his program is people lose weight.

God Bless,

S.

Halloween is my favorite holiday too! Okay, first of all, stop beating yourself up. It isn't helping you lose weight or improve your self-esteem. Give yourself credit for the fact that you've already lost a lot of weight. Pop is terrible for you. Just give it up completely. Start there. Switch to sweetening with honey, maple syrup, stevia, and agave nectar. Don't eat anything containing High Fructose Corn Syrup or partially hydrogenated vegetable oil. This will eliminate most of your junk food. Choose healthier snacks like Amy's or Newman's from the health food store, and cut the sugar a little when you bake. I'm addicted to sugar too. You have to ween yourself off it and still allow yourself some sweets. You are at risk for diabetes, so it's important to start kicking the junk food habit. Okay, now you have to find an exercise you enjoy, not one you dread. I love yoga, and I teach belly dancing. Get outside and walk, darn it! It's free, and being outside will lift your spirits. Take it one day at a time, be kind to yourself, and be patient. You can do it! Blessings, R.

Several things:

1. If you crave sweets....YOU'RE NOT GETTING ENOUGH PROTEIN!!! TRUST ME!!! Protein takes longer to digest and makes you feel fuller. In addition, PROTEIN IS REQUIRED FOR THE BREAKDOWN OF FATS & CARBOHYDRATES!

2. GET EVERYTHING OUT OF THE HOUSE THAT WILL SABOTAGE YOU! Replace it with fresh fruits, etc. Good that you've gotten rid of the diet cokes. Stay AWAY from as much processed food as possible. Particularly w/ sodas, it's the CHEMICALS that create the problems as much as the calories.

3. Make lemonade, if you have to, either w/ fresh lemons or lemon juice. DO NOT BUY FROZEN STUFF W/ HIGH FRUCTOSE CORN SYRUP!!!!! I REPEAT.....DO NOT BUY FROZEN WITH HIGH FRUCTOSE CORN SYRUP!!! EVERY FUNCTION IN YOUR BODY REQUIRES WATER......WATER........and MORE WATER!!! If you don't have adequate amounts.....how do you expect your body to do what it needs to do? Sodas, coffee, etc. don't count! You can't dissolve a cup of sugar in a teaspoon of water. The functions in your body are the same. Can't get the job done, if you don't provide the right stimulus .....WATER!!!

3. Try drinking 8-10 oz BEFORE you eat. You won't eat as much. Keep pickles around. If you THINK you have to have something sweet.........eat a pickle. THAT will fix it! I think it's the vinegar that does it, but TRUST ME......it works! I found out several years ago by accident.

4. If your knees & joints are bothering you, you need to go to the EGOSCUE website and pull of a couple of e-cises for your knee pain. THEY DO HELP!!! Sounds like you got multiple structural issues. Acid reflux is something that seems to be common among heavier people, but also those who are forward in their torso (torso not directly over hips) and/or shoulders dropped forward. If you stop and think about it.....that means everything on the front is COMPRESSED!!! YOU CAN CHANGE THAT WITHOUT MEDS....Meds only mask the symptoms. Again, e-mail a therapist on the EGOSCUE site and they will help you out. I see it all the time.

The contents of your body CHANGE whem the structure changes. For example, if you crush one side of a box, the contents shift and are compressed. Your body is no different. So if you are tighter on the anterior side of the body, that means your heart, lungs, esophagus, etc. are all squished. They need to be opened up! Make sense??

As far as your exercise goes, you HAVE to change your program. Your body gets used to things so you need to make changes. Change an incline, increase the speed for 1 minute intervals, start out at 2 minutes, increase for 1, increase another 1 and then increse another one, drop back down to where you started for 2, etc. THERE ARE TONS OF WAYS TO CHANGE IT!

Do things like AIRBENCH/WALL SIT to help your knees AND get some exercise. There are TONS of things you can do on an exercise ball. If all this bothers you too much, find a local pool you can go to. Many of the local schools have open swim for the community. Take advantage of that.

Educate yourself. You need to eat 5-6 small meals a day. EACH OF THOSE should consist of protein and fruit or protein & vegetable. If you do this......you WONT be hungry, you WONT crave sweets and you WILL increase your metabolism and lose weight. When I competed for nationals before I won MS. USA, I was eating 7-9 times a day and waking up between 1-3 in the morning needing to eat because I had stomach cramps. I would get up & eat some string cheese, or almonds, something minimal but something to take the edge off.

THE BETTER YOU EAT THE LESS YOU HAVE TO WORK!! If you do what I suggest, you'll be eating adequate amounts of protein and at least the minimum amounts of fruits and vegetables you need.

If you have stairs, use them. Do whatever you can TO MOVE!!

B., you've done a really good job so far. You should be proud of yourself! I'm another person who's been majorly addicted to diet soda, and that you're down to 1 or 2 cans a day is another big accomplishment. I found it easier to cut it out by switching to caffeine free first, then giving it up. That way no headaches. For the weight loss, check out the Zone diet. You can get tapes from your library and just listen. If you follow it really intensely, eating lower on the glycemic index, the weight will just come off. Then you'll feel more like exercising. Good luck and keep up the good work.

It's called a plateau, and I'm all to familiar with them. It takes a new exercise to break through. Keeping your diet under 2000 calories and changing your workout will shock your body into losing weight. I was on a plateau twice and broke through by changing the excercise, and the trainer I hired helped make a breakthrough by noting I wasn't getting my heart rate up high enough (125+) or holding it there OVER 30 minutes. She said the fat loss doesn't BEGIN until you've had your heart rate over 115-120 for 30 minutes, so I started working out on an eliptical / row/ treadmill until I was good enough to keep it up for over an hour (yeah iPod!). I plateaued again, so I'm changing exercises again. I'm with you on the frustration!!! Tony Horton calls it "muscle confusion" and it's the ONLY way to keep it going down. =)

Hi B., I thought I was the only one in the world addicted to candles! Have you tried the diet pill Alli? it is great and I know my freind had great success with it.. It does not mess with your heart rate or mood, it works on the fat intake you consume. You should look into it, I know she lost weight in about 3 months and she is keeping it off! good luck B. and God Bless..
p.s. I am looking into making my own candles to save money, do you buy your candles? I love yankee of course they are too expensive but I buy them anyway..

Hi B., I feel your pain. I was 43 and was at about 190 lbs. when I decided to change my body. It took a lot of trial and error before I came up with an exercise routine that worked for me. I also HAD a treadmill, Hated it, I tried an exercise bike, hated it, tried a stepper, really hated it then I tried a mini trampoline. Mine is a little bigger than the ones at Wal-Mart or store like that. But I made myself some CDs and I jump on the trampoline during one song them switch to a floor exercise of some type for one song and then back to the tramoline for the next. It isn't a workout that you dread and my husband said it wasn't going to do a thing. Wrong, I got down to my target weight of 130 and looked better at 44 than I ever had. Unfortunately I had to have a hystorectomy and stoped the working out and I have really let the weight come back on. I just started my old workout routine again and I know it will work with a lot less torture than most workout plans. I hope this helps, good luck to you, N.

Take a look at a book and website called "Eat This, Not That"
http://www.menshealth.com/eatthis/best-and-worst/
It gives you better options on food choices without the feeling of depravation.
I also NEVER buy any food with Partially Hydrogenated oil or High Fructose Corn Syrup. This helps with weight lose because both of these ingredients are really bad on different levels.
I have lost over 50 pounds and have kept it off for almost 4 years. I still eat chocolate and other sweets but I buy the better-for-you kind.
Take one step at a time and do it at a pace where you don't feel deprived. AND If you splurge...DON'T beat yourself up.
Good luck!

Anyone with IBS should consider that they probably are gluten intolerant--it is not easy but you willfelso much better and will lose weight if you take all gluten out of your diet. Artificial sweeteners not only have many bad side effects but studies have shown that they actually have the opposite effect in that you still crave carbs/sweets so the result is that you gain or can't lose weight with consuming these products. It is a whole life change that is needed NOT special diets or diet products. Eat whole grains such as rice, millet and quinuo(no wheat products), fish, chicken, beans, tempeh, lots of vegetables and a small amount of fruits--as much organic and free range as possible will help you feel better and healthier. Make sure you have some healthy fats as you will feel more full with them and be heatlhier--we use olive oil on salads and for stir frys. Don't have ANY junk in the house--it is too tempting. For a special treat once a week buy the best possible quality of what you desire and savor a very small amount of it. For example i am a chocolate addict--if I eat a small amount of high qualtiy chocolate and take my time and enjoy it, that is better than mindlessly eating junk chocolate or denying myself entirely.
Excercise--find something you enjoy, and mix it up so you are not getting bored/frustrated. If your knees hurt you need to find something else until you lose more weight then your knees will most likely feel better. Massage can be a great way to help you feel better about yourself, help your knee pain and be a great reward for when you do well!
My fiance and I go for long walks whenever the weather allows and in the winter we dance! Check out community centers for low cost lessons: ballroom dance is great for couples, for just you maybe belly dance, or african dance. Even if you just take a couple classes to get started then use DVD's at home. I have several DVDs to choose from so I don't get bored. Yoga, Taiji and Qigong are also an important part of our routines--they are actually more excercise then they look, and help to feel calm and peaceful which are important too! And as others have said pat yourself on the back for losing as much as you have that is great! Also, licorice tablets and slippery elm tea will help the acid reflux as well as not drinking carbonated beverages. Water and tea should be the only things you drink--filter your water and add lemon or lime and you will enjoy it more. Good luck!

You have been doing great with already getting rid of almost 40 unwanted pounds!
I face some of the same medical stuff you do. So after doing some research, I found that sitting on a stationary bike is less painful on the knees and I actually like it. The bike I have is an older model and doesn't have a whole lot of options but it does the trick for me and I use it for my cardio training.
I think that it is great of you to give up your soda and that you are trying other options. Have you tried carbonated water? Or carbonated flavored water? It might be easier to get down than just regular water. I would not eat/drink anything w/artificial sugar. It really messes with tons of things in your body and it looks like your body is reacting to it.
As far as junk food goes, try to limit your intake to for example 3 or 4 chips instead of a bowl and then try to "suck" on them or let them dissolve in your mouth. And have an apple or something right afterwards. If you are really craving something sweet, try to eat some honey (straight from the jar... a tsp full does it for me). Honey is so sweet that it could satisfy your craving.
Also, you said that you do watch your portions and that is great. I would recommend to you to read: "Body For Life" by Bill Phillips. He has some great strategies w/food and easy to do. When I lost 40 lbs I was a complete novice abt eating right and exercising and I was able to easily follow his program.
I think your greatest challenge would be to just pace and discipline yourself. If you continue to give in to your cravings for junk food, your progress will be so slow causing you to be frustrated. So, if you want faster progress with losing weight, you'll have to make changes and stick to them which is hard. If you can get to the point of patience with yourself and your body, it would be much better for you. I don't believe in losing weight fast b/c more often than not, such a drastic change in lifestyle will not last and most people regain their weight and then some (which unfortunately I did). It is much better to do it slower and incorporate changes into your life so when you get to your targeted weight, it's a way of life and you can maintain it.
Maybe you can check out some Pilates dvds from the library. Pilates might help you getting into the swing of things again. You know your body and you'll find what works for you.
By the way, I eat chocolate early in the morning if I can b/c I know that I'll burn it off during the day anyway. I also eat healthy 6 days a week and on the 7th day, I eat what I want even if it is a lot of junk food. Through the Body of Life though I have learned to pace myself and discipline my body more. It's more about balance in my life.
You may also try to work out without your hubby? Maybe a different time of day will work better for you.
Good luck to you. Keep your eyes on the goal and you'll get there! Don't give up. Persevere.

Hey B.:

I am not sure if this will help, but I have been in a similar situation for many, many years. I lost a ton of weight on weight watchers and then I got pregnant with my daughter and gained a lot of it back...and then even more. I tried weight watchers the second time around and it just didn't work for me the same. I have found there are certain foods that work for me and certain foods that do not, but I came across this program and it really made sense to me. Anyway, you are allowed to eat a lot of things you wouldn't think you could, but you do cut out a lot of the processed foods. For example...I eat potatoes almost every meal, but I do not eat any bread. You do need to get away from the diet soda's, etc. though to really be successful. An occasional diet coke is not going to be horrible, but it should be once or twice a week not a day. What I did was I switched to tea at first and then weened myself off from there. Try to use splenda instead of the other sweetners. I even do this southern green beans where you heat up the green beans and you mix in the splenda and vinegar and yes it will smell bad if you don't like vinegar, but the taste is so sweet that I eat it as a dessert sometimes. I eat a lot of chicken and fish, but the most important thing I found was that I was not eating enough food. When I started this new eating plan with my mom she would have to force me to eat...I just wasn't hungry...and then I thought how do you eat all those potatoes, etc. and still lose weight. Well she did it the right way and I ate the right foods, but only when I was hungry...she lost 10 pounds the first week and I gained 5. I decided to do it her way...and have finally started to lose, but it has been harder for me to make the changes. My mom on the other hand has lost from 345lbs down to 155lbs in less than a year and she doesn't exercise at all. She does a lot of walking with her job, but nothing else extra and to top it off...she is 60 years old. I believe losing weight is about eating the right foods for your metabolism, burning more than you take in and trying not to restrict yourself to the point that you are miserable. When my mom wanted something sweet or salty she would have a small amount of it, but she said the longer she ate this way the less she wanted those things. Those cravings have a lot to do with your bloodsugar. So she never eats a carbohydrate without a protien to counter it and you have to eat a combination of carbs, protien and fats in the right amount...they all serve their purpose. My mom said it has been 3 or 4 months since she wanted something sweet. Anyway, a normal day of eating would be to have eggs and hashbrowns with as many vegatables in her eggs as she wanted. for a snack she might eat a spoon of peanut butter and an apple then for lunch she would eat a whole can of tuna with vegatables cut up in it like green peppers, onions, celery, and pickles and then her mayonaisse and she uses full fat mayo. then she would have a spoon of peanut butter and another apple and for dinner she would eat some type of chicken or fish and potatoes another vegatable or two. and I am not sure how this played into things because it seemed really wierd to me, but every night she has a bowl of cereal and another spoon of peanut butter. She normally eats about every 3 hours and when she eats a meal she eats until she is full. I am telling you that the weight has just fallen off of her. I am getting started again and have learned how to organize my shopping and my busy day to help me out. I hope you get lots of good advise and that you find the one plan that works well for you. Good luck and God Bless.

Dear B.,

Your desire to get healthier is wonderful, and I know you can do it when you find the right program for you.

I found my right program almost exactly a year ago when I started seeing my best friend's sister, who is an Integrative M.D. She blends traditional and alternative medicine to find the right balance for each patient. As luck would have it, she has helped me to solve many of my health problems through diet, exercise, and supplements alone.

The most important part of her plan is the diet, which we (family and friends) call the Dr. Sandy Diet. It is the basis of her practice, and she recommends this plan for every single patient in her care. It's a diet for life, and it really makes a huge difference. I lost about 40 lbs with no plateaus at all, and my Body Mass Index went from abysmal to ideal. The only exercise I was doing was walking and some other rhythmic exercises at home. It all adds up to about an hour of rhythmic exercise a day, which you can get through walking, dancing, waving your arms around ~ anything rhythmic! And you can do it all at once, twice a day for 30 minutes, 4 times a day for 15 minutes, or even 5 minutes an hour for 12 hours. Whatever is the easiest way to fit it into your schedule.

I will be glad to send you the outline of the diet that we've been working on for a web site or facebook group. i can help you with recipe and eating out options, and help you learn how to love eating this way.

Not only did I lose nearly 40 lbs., but I also saw a huge improvement in my allergic reactions, and in chronic pain issues. I had migraines (2 x a month to 2 x a week), terrible allergies, and fibromyalgia (that's something I'll always have, but the pain and discomfort are gone now). The only change I made in my life to account for my improvement was following Dr. Sandy's advice. And believe me ~ when I eat the foods on my "avoid" list, I feel it for a day or two afterward. Now I know it was the food that was making me sick.

Please send me a private message if you're interested in the plan, and I'll send it to you ASAP.

Give up the diet coke and anything with artificial sweetners in it.Those artificial sweetners will actually make you fatter. You must decide if you are really serious about the weight coming off and staying off. Water it your best drink of choice.It cleans that fat out of your system and refreshes your entire body.I drink on average 4 to 6 bottles a day they are slightly over 19 ounces each.I have lost 50 pounds and was seriously addicted to Coke a cola for many years. I might drink 1 can of soda a month now and it tastes awful to me now that I made myself start drinking water.Water is tasteless.If you have city water get a good filter for your faucet that removes all those chemicals from it.The artificial sweetners also cause forgetfulness and headaches as well as cancers and depression. If I need something sweet I go for fruit, natures candy.I also use a herb called stevia , it is 100 times sweeter than sugar and a very small amount in my coffee does the trick.I buy Stevia balance at our local health food store it is in a orange and purple box, my friend say's that Walmart carries it as well.I went to a dietitian and she gave me a booklet to go by for meal planning.Meat no bigger than a deck of cards, fruits and vegtables 1/2 cup things like that have really helped pull the weight off.Exercising is great for your heart and muscles but muscle weighs more than fat.I walk on average 2 miles a day . You have to keep your triglicerides numbers down as well and sugars only raise them. Get your cholesterol checked too. You are young enough but old enough to get diabetis and believe me you don't want it.It devistated me when I had readings over 220, 122 is at the point they put me on medication to lower it.Now my reading are in the low 80's.I have more energy and feel so much better. Your local hospital should have a dietian and it only cost me around $100. for a 45 minute meeting.That is cheap compared to a gym. Call and see what they would charge you since your insurance won't cover it.I am short and round and probably always will be but so is my family tree. We can fight for what we want we just have to be extra serious to do it and get the weight off.Give up the junk food as well it is only teaching your kids bad nutrition.Think healthy, eat healthy and stay healthy.
Debbie