Sensible Diet for Me and My Husband

Updated on February 13, 2010
V.K. asks from Roseville, CA
6 answers

Both my husband and I need to lose weight. I used to be under weight ... then I got pregnant and nursed her for 15 months which made me eat more (and I think stretched my stomach a bit) ... Now I am over weight. I have gotten to the point where I am tired of feeling this way... uncomfortable with how I feel (rather than look... don't think I look that bad really). I recently tried a good eating plan which cut out most breads and things made with flour, as well as sugar etc. It was weighed foods etc. The problem is that most veggies (except corn, potatoes and sweet potatoes) make me gag (literally almost lost my lunch the other day when eating carrots). I know that makes me sound like a complete wimp but I have a very very sensitive gag reflex with things that don't taste good to me...

My husband has type 2 diabetes and needs to lose weight too.

I have no problems working out a bit (but not too much) but would really just like to have an idea of what would be the best type of diet for the two of us to do together. I have no problems hiding carrots and broccoli in rice and things like that (pureed) but by themselves it just ... yuck!

I would like to firm up my plan before Monday so I can start doing a menu for next week and figure out if I have things I need to buy or not.

Thanks!!!

V.

PS ... any support groups in the Roseville area where we could meet or just chat via email would be appreciated.

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I.Y.

answers from Sacramento on

Hi there,
I was in a similar situation with me and my husband until one day we decided TOGETHER that we wanted to make a change. I think it really makes it easier if both of you agree that you want to change and you can use each other for support. Together, since May of last year we've lost over 90 pounds. All of it was lost slowly and with no drastic plans. In fact, we've been amazed at how easily it happened. Here are some tips of what I feel worked best for us:
1) I cook (using mostly fresh foods)...we used to eat a lot of frozen foods and eat out a lot. Now we eat out once or twice a week and cook the other meals at home.
2) I organized my meals so I go grocery shopping once a week...I make a list of what I want to make and the ingredients I need to buy ahead of time. It saves me SOOO much time.
3) I found some cookbooks that have healthy but tasty meals. Currently, I've been a fan of a cookbook called Cooking Light Fresh Food Fast. You can find it at bookstores or Amazon.com. I had originally started using another book called "Saving Dinner", which helped me loose most of my weight, but I found that not all the recipes are as good as I'd like so it's a hit and miss.
4) Cook only enough to feed the # of people who are eating (look at the "serving size" or "# of servings". We used to cook WAY too much and we would eat more than what kept us satisfied just so that we would not end up throwing food away or eating "dreaded" left-overs the next day.
5) Join an exercise class that fits into your schedule. I do kickboxing twice a week, and try to exercise another day of the week if I have time. It helped that I had a friend who encouraged me to go with her to the gym and would call me to check to see if I went. Finding a friend who can act as a coach will help.
Good luck. If you set your mind to it, you can do it!

2 moms found this helpful
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J.M.

answers from Boston on

You might be looking for something more specific in terms of weight loss, but the best "lifestyle change" phrase in regards to eating is short and sweet. "Eat food. Not too much. Mostly plants."

In other words, avoid processed "foods" that your grandmother wouldn't recognize as food. Eat reasonable portions (eat on smaller plates, make sure you drink plenty of water, and chew slowly). Some meats, eggs, cheeses are fine, as are some breads, etc, but stick as much as possible to fruits and vegetables. I find when I think of this mantra I eat much more healthfully overall. Good luck!

1 mom found this helpful

P.W.

answers from Dallas on

I have the perfect diet for you. It works, it's healthy and my best is you will feel better than you have in years on it. You eat one normal meal a day. Then two meal replacements. There are snacks, tea, vitamins. My husband is also type 2 diabetes and this is easy and healthy. He does it and loves the products. Here is a link to learn all about it:
http://www.cinchplan.com/healinghappens

email me with questions.

1 mom found this helpful
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M.J.

answers from Sacramento on

Another vote for Weight Watchers. My mom used them and learned it's all about balance (no crazy diets where you eliminate food groups) and calories. They take a very sensible approach to diet and exercise. The tips she's passed on to me have helped tremendously.

1 mom found this helpful
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A.S.

answers from Clarksville on

you and your husband should workout together. My husband and I do and it has helped noth of us loose weight. At the beginning of 5 months ago, we decided to join the local ymca and have been going ever since and they have a nursery for our son. We read tons of health mags and they all say that just dieting alone is not going to do the trick. If you want to loose weight and keep it off you need to start exercising regularly even if it is just walking around the block a few times. Also, Quit drinking anything with high fructose corn syrup, corn syrup, and eating anything that contains bleached, enriched, and/or white flour. Omit these things from your diet...a very small change that can make a very big difference in both your lives. Instead of drinking these drinks with refined sugars drink a glass of WATER. I can't stress enough how important water is in a healthy diet. It helps to speed up metabolism and keep everything flowing..if you get my meaning. Plus, drinking water helps to clean impurities out of your body and can help keep your skin and hair looking great. Little changes first and then when you have these down i would suggest getting on a program like Jenny Craig because you dont want to spend a ton a money on food for a program when you arent ready to commit. Good Luck and remember when you are about to eat ask yourself'am i really hungry right now?'

You need to eliminate white flour because it can make your blood sugar spike just like refined sugar does...and your husband has diabetes so he shouldnt be drinking sodas, juices, etc. b/c they have refined sugars in them. white flour does the same. sorry just saw what another woman wrote and this is quite easy to do b4 doing the expensive food programs and it makes you more mindful of what you are eating. Good luck with whatever you choose. I also forgot to mention that we worked out together b/c we found we were more motivated by doing that.

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J.S.

answers from Kansas City on

I am a total advocate for Weight Watchers! It really teaches you to make the lifestyle changes and holds you accountable. They also have tools and articles geared towards men, so your husband will feel comfortable. You can either do the program online or go to meetings. Since you have each other, you could be really successful by doing it online, but the meetings are great for accountability and support.

Good luck!

1 mom found this helpful
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