I need to increase my servings of fruits and vegetables to five per day. This does not include any starchy vegetables such as corn or peas. So far my usual day looks like this:
Lunch: 1 vegetable serving such as 1/2 cup of whatever comes with my Meals on Wheels (T, W, F) or 1 fruit serving which is usually an applesauce (no added sugar) with leftovers (M, Th)
PM Snack: 2 fruit servings such as 1 cup of cantaloupe or 1 apple and 1 pear
Dinner: 2 vegetable servings such as 2 cups of salad greens or 1 cup of broccoli
***
A good article:
Top 10 Reasons You're Not Losing Weight
My biggest reason is #2 Picking Throughout the Day. That is why journaling my food is my most important tool for weight loss.
Thursday, May 31, 2012
Tuesday, May 29, 2012
Why I'm Not Doing Weight Loss Surgery #5
I'm not a religious person yet I feel that God or the Divine or Nature or whatever you want to call it made us to work in a certain way. Our digestive system functions the way it is supposed to. I don't want to mess with how the Creator (whatever She, He or It is) designed me. It doesn't feel right. Why mess with something that is working correctly?
And there is no way back once you have the surgery. It's a one way street. Once you mess with the plumbing, you have to live with the results.
Anyway, those are my current thoughts on the subject of weight loss surgery. I'm sure it's going to come up next month when I see the therapist at the eating disorder institute so I thought it would be good time to get them in order.
And there is no way back once you have the surgery. It's a one way street. Once you mess with the plumbing, you have to live with the results.
Anyway, those are my current thoughts on the subject of weight loss surgery. I'm sure it's going to come up next month when I see the therapist at the eating disorder institute so I thought it would be good time to get them in order.
Monday, May 28, 2012
Why I'm Not Doing Weight Loss Surgery #4
One of the main side effects of weight loss surgery, one that just about every patient has no matter which type you get is vomiting. I don't THINK so.
Have I mentioned I'm near phobic about throwing up? I will sit for hours nursing ice chips and feeling sick as a dog rather than throwing up and getting it over with. I hate Hate HATE getting sick. Just the thought of it makes me break out into a cold sweat. I have managed to avoid it for almost twenty years now. Every time I have gotten sick is burned into my memory. Once when I drank too much, once when I "smoked" too much, once when I had the stomach flu, and once when I cried too hard and too long.
The need to avoid it was probably caused by being very ill when I was in grade school. I think it was whopping cough. I would cough so hard, I would vomit, usually several times a day. I coughed so much I burst all the blood vessels in my eyes. I had no whites - they were all blood red.
Having the surgery just about guarantees that I will be tossing my cookies on a regular basis. Not me. Not this little gray duck.
Have I mentioned I'm near phobic about throwing up? I will sit for hours nursing ice chips and feeling sick as a dog rather than throwing up and getting it over with. I hate Hate HATE getting sick. Just the thought of it makes me break out into a cold sweat. I have managed to avoid it for almost twenty years now. Every time I have gotten sick is burned into my memory. Once when I drank too much, once when I "smoked" too much, once when I had the stomach flu, and once when I cried too hard and too long.
The need to avoid it was probably caused by being very ill when I was in grade school. I think it was whopping cough. I would cough so hard, I would vomit, usually several times a day. I coughed so much I burst all the blood vessels in my eyes. I had no whites - they were all blood red.
Having the surgery just about guarantees that I will be tossing my cookies on a regular basis. Not me. Not this little gray duck.
Sunday, May 27, 2012
Why I'm Not Doing Weight Loss Surgery #3
There have been no long term studies on the effects of weight loss surgery.
There can't be any because the procedures haven't been around long enough. Do the procedures really prolong life? Do they increase quality of life? I am not convinced it's worth the risk especially as other than physical restrictions I have no co-morbidities. I have no diabetes, no heart disease, no high cholesterol, etc. That's not to say they won't happen in the future, but for the moment, I am very lucky.
I've heard too many personal stories from people who have either had the surgery or knew a family member or friend who died or had severe side effects. I'm not talking about "a friend of a friend" stories. I'm talking real people who have lost friends and family to the surgery. Real people who have regained all the weight plus some - horror stories of malnutrition, vomiting, etc.
What are the true numbers of success? I doubt we'll really ever know as the medical profession likes to claim that the surgery works because it's a money maker for them.
There can't be any because the procedures haven't been around long enough. Do the procedures really prolong life? Do they increase quality of life? I am not convinced it's worth the risk especially as other than physical restrictions I have no co-morbidities. I have no diabetes, no heart disease, no high cholesterol, etc. That's not to say they won't happen in the future, but for the moment, I am very lucky.
I've heard too many personal stories from people who have either had the surgery or knew a family member or friend who died or had severe side effects. I'm not talking about "a friend of a friend" stories. I'm talking real people who have lost friends and family to the surgery. Real people who have regained all the weight plus some - horror stories of malnutrition, vomiting, etc.
What are the true numbers of success? I doubt we'll really ever know as the medical profession likes to claim that the surgery works because it's a money maker for them.
Friday, May 25, 2012
Why I'm Not Doing Weight Loss Surgery #2
Before insurance will pay for weight loss surgery you need to have six months of doctor supervised weight loss management. When I have that type of support, I lose weight. Why have major surgery when I could just keep going and continue to lose weight? Especially now that Medicare will pay for a monthly physician visit as long as you are losing weight.
***
For those of you who watch what you eat, here's the final word on nutrition and health. It's a relief to know the truth after all those conflicting nutritional studies.
1. The Japanese eat very little fat and suffer fewer heart attacks than Americans.
2. The Mexicans eat a lot of fat and suffer fewer heart attacks than Americans.
3. The Chinese drink very little red wine and suffer fewer heart attacks than Americans.
4. The Italians drink a lot of red wine and suffer fewer heart attacks than Americans.
5. The Germans drink a lot of beer and eat lots of sausages and fats and suffer fewer heart attacks than Americans.
CONCLUSION: Eat and drink what you like. Speaking English is apparently what kills you.
***
For those of you who watch what you eat, here's the final word on nutrition and health. It's a relief to know the truth after all those conflicting nutritional studies.
1. The Japanese eat very little fat and suffer fewer heart attacks than Americans.
2. The Mexicans eat a lot of fat and suffer fewer heart attacks than Americans.
3. The Chinese drink very little red wine and suffer fewer heart attacks than Americans.
4. The Italians drink a lot of red wine and suffer fewer heart attacks than Americans.
5. The Germans drink a lot of beer and eat lots of sausages and fats and suffer fewer heart attacks than Americans.
CONCLUSION: Eat and drink what you like. Speaking English is apparently what kills you.
Thursday, May 24, 2012
Why I'm Not Doing Weight Loss Surgery #1
Because it's stomach surgery, not brain surgery.
I have binge eating disorder and emotionally eat. That's not going to go away just because they reduce my stomach or digestive tract. And, in fact, if I don't resolve the eating disorders first, not only will I not qualify for the surgery, I will have all sorts of issues after the surgery and will regain the weight afterward.
When I don't binge eat and don't emotionally eat, I lose weight. Period. I have absolutely no problems losing weight with a reasonable amount of calories and exercise.
The thinking part has to come before the physical part and when the thinking part is working, the physical part comes naturally. Why would I do it artificially?
I have binge eating disorder and emotionally eat. That's not going to go away just because they reduce my stomach or digestive tract. And, in fact, if I don't resolve the eating disorders first, not only will I not qualify for the surgery, I will have all sorts of issues after the surgery and will regain the weight afterward.
When I don't binge eat and don't emotionally eat, I lose weight. Period. I have absolutely no problems losing weight with a reasonable amount of calories and exercise.
The thinking part has to come before the physical part and when the thinking part is working, the physical part comes naturally. Why would I do it artificially?
Wednesday, May 23, 2012
My Own Handicapped Parking
So, the chief of police called me back and let me know that an item would be added to the city council agenda to add handicapped parking in front of our house from the driveway of the next house up the street to our driveway. I can't remember what he called it exactly, but it was put on something like an automatic approval list rather than an item up for debate. In other words, unless someone objects, it's a routine request that should get signed off on with no issues.
The next step will be for the street and maintenance department to mark it off in some fashion. Everything should happen in the next few weeks, which is very cool.
Meanwhile, ever since I've started the medication, my food intake has been great and well within my calorie range. I should have another good weigh in next week if this keeps up.
The next step will be for the street and maintenance department to mark it off in some fashion. Everything should happen in the next few weeks, which is very cool.
Meanwhile, ever since I've started the medication, my food intake has been great and well within my calorie range. I should have another good weigh in next week if this keeps up.
Tuesday, May 22, 2012
Diet Questions (Humor)
Q: Doctor, I've heard that cardiovascular exercise can prolong life. Is this true?
A: The heart is only good for so many beats, and that is it. Don't waste it on exercise. Everything wears out eventually. Speeding up the heart does not make you live longer; it is like saying you extend the life of a car by driving faster. Want to live longer? Take a nap.
Q: Should I reduce my alcohol intake?
A: Oh no. Wine is made from fruit. Brandy is distilled wine, that means they take water out of the fruity bits so you get even more of goodness that way. Beer is also made of grain. Bottoms up!
Q: How can I calculate my body/fat ratio?
A: Well, if you have body and you have fat, your ratio is one to one. If you have two bodies, your ratio is two to one.
Q: What are some of the advantages of participating in a regular exercise program?
A: Can't think of single one, sorry. My philosophy is no pain - good!
Q: Aren't fried foods bad for you?
A: YOU ARE NOT LISTENING! Food is fried in vegetable oil. How is getting more vegetables bad?
Q : Will sit-ups help prevent me from getting a little soft around the middle?
A: Oh no! When you exercise muscle, it gets bigger. You should only be doing sit-ups if you want a bigger stomach.
Q: Is chocolate bad for me?
A: Are you crazy?!? HEL-LO-O!! Cocoa beans! Another vegetable! It is the best feel-good food around!
Q: Is swimming good for your figure?
A: If swimming is good for the figure, explain the whale to me.
Q: Is getting in shape important for my lifestyle?
A: Hey! 'Round' is a shape!
A: The heart is only good for so many beats, and that is it. Don't waste it on exercise. Everything wears out eventually. Speeding up the heart does not make you live longer; it is like saying you extend the life of a car by driving faster. Want to live longer? Take a nap.
Q: Should I reduce my alcohol intake?
A: Oh no. Wine is made from fruit. Brandy is distilled wine, that means they take water out of the fruity bits so you get even more of goodness that way. Beer is also made of grain. Bottoms up!
Q: How can I calculate my body/fat ratio?
A: Well, if you have body and you have fat, your ratio is one to one. If you have two bodies, your ratio is two to one.
Q: What are some of the advantages of participating in a regular exercise program?
A: Can't think of single one, sorry. My philosophy is no pain - good!
Q: Aren't fried foods bad for you?
A: YOU ARE NOT LISTENING! Food is fried in vegetable oil. How is getting more vegetables bad?
Q : Will sit-ups help prevent me from getting a little soft around the middle?
A: Oh no! When you exercise muscle, it gets bigger. You should only be doing sit-ups if you want a bigger stomach.
Q: Is chocolate bad for me?
A: Are you crazy?!? HEL-LO-O!! Cocoa beans! Another vegetable! It is the best feel-good food around!
Q: Is swimming good for your figure?
A: If swimming is good for the figure, explain the whale to me.
Q: Is getting in shape important for my lifestyle?
A: Hey! 'Round' is a shape!
Monday, May 21, 2012
Weigh In - Oh Yeah
Gotta love a double digit weight loss. Ten pounds gone!
On Thursday I had an appointment with a weight loss management doctor at Melrose Institute. This is the group that I did the binge eating disorder program at years ago that got me started on my weight loss journey. However, until recently they didn't have a weight loss program and Medicare didn't cover such services.
What I came away with after the appointment was:
#1 Need to increase fruits and vegetables to five servings a day
#2 Add a handful of nuts per day
#3 Remove fruit juice from diet
#4 Add Buspar for anxiety
#5 Add Topomax for mood stabilization and mild appetite suppression
#6 See therapist for intake
#7 See doctor again in one month
The Topomax is helping a LOT with my hunger. I still get hungry every couple of hours, but I'm satisfied with less food. A piece of fruit, a handful of nuts, a piece of toast, etc. keeps me going until the next meal.
On Thursday I had an appointment with a weight loss management doctor at Melrose Institute. This is the group that I did the binge eating disorder program at years ago that got me started on my weight loss journey. However, until recently they didn't have a weight loss program and Medicare didn't cover such services.
What I came away with after the appointment was:
#1 Need to increase fruits and vegetables to five servings a day
#2 Add a handful of nuts per day
#3 Remove fruit juice from diet
#4 Add Buspar for anxiety
#5 Add Topomax for mood stabilization and mild appetite suppression
#6 See therapist for intake
#7 See doctor again in one month
The Topomax is helping a LOT with my hunger. I still get hungry every couple of hours, but I'm satisfied with less food. A piece of fruit, a handful of nuts, a piece of toast, etc. keeps me going until the next meal.
Sunday, May 20, 2012
Making Blogging a Part of My Morning Routine
Sorry I haven't been posting like I said I would. It would get to be the end of the day and I would run out of time and energy. So, I've added my blog to the list of links I go to every morning to make it part of my routine.
What links do I go to every morning? So glad you asked! Ha.
Google - news and cartoons (Family Circle and Unshelved)
LibraryThing - my home on the web, books and reading forum
ATCsforAll - artist trading cards
Hennepin County Library - to check my account for coming due books and books on hold
My bank - to check balance and transactions
SparkPeople - especially the 300lb+ Team
Facebook - to check my wall and play Castleville
Calico Reaction - Science Fiction and Fantasy book reviewer
NotAlwaysRight - also NotAlwaysRomantic, NotAlwaysRelated, and NotAlwaysWorking
My Bible Reading Plan - daily reading of the Bible. I'm almost done. Yay! Been a long year.
USA Today Crossword Puzzle
The Cauldron - pagan forum
Whew!
What links do I go to every morning? So glad you asked! Ha.
Google - news and cartoons (Family Circle and Unshelved)
LibraryThing - my home on the web, books and reading forum
ATCsforAll - artist trading cards
Hennepin County Library - to check my account for coming due books and books on hold
My bank - to check balance and transactions
SparkPeople - especially the 300lb+ Team
Facebook - to check my wall and play Castleville
Calico Reaction - Science Fiction and Fantasy book reviewer
NotAlwaysRight - also NotAlwaysRomantic, NotAlwaysRelated, and NotAlwaysWorking
My Bible Reading Plan - daily reading of the Bible. I'm almost done. Yay! Been a long year.
USA Today Crossword Puzzle
The Cauldron - pagan forum
Whew!
Tuesday, May 15, 2012
Disabled Parking at Home
In order for me to get in and out of the house, my husband or Metro Mobility needs to be able to park in front of the house on the street. There are two steps (one regular, one small) then a walkway to the street. The neighbors are usually very good about not parking in front of our house as they know about my mobility issues. Their friends and family, however, usually aren't aware and if they park in front of the house, it makes it very difficult, if not impossible, for me to get out.
I called the city to see if there is anything that could be done, perhaps a handicapped only parking sign. I got bounced around from the city clerk to the police department to the police chief. Hey, at least I headed UP the chain! I'm waiting to hear back from the police chief. Maybe he'll have a solution. Even if not, it doesn't hurt to ask.
***
I did well yesterday and stayed under 2500 calories, did 30 minutes of exercise, and drank 8 to 10 cups of water.
I called the city to see if there is anything that could be done, perhaps a handicapped only parking sign. I got bounced around from the city clerk to the police department to the police chief. Hey, at least I headed UP the chain! I'm waiting to hear back from the police chief. Maybe he'll have a solution. Even if not, it doesn't hurt to ask.
***
I did well yesterday and stayed under 2500 calories, did 30 minutes of exercise, and drank 8 to 10 cups of water.
Monday, May 14, 2012
Updating More Often
I'm going to try posting more often. I don't know what exactly I'm going to talk about. The minutiae of my life just isn't that interesting but perhaps writing daily will help me keep focused on my goals. Most posts will be short and sweet.
I've been struggling with hunger lately and it's been showing on the scale. I don't know what the deal is but it seems that just an hour after I've eaten, I'm hungry again. I'm getting enough protein and fat, so it's not that. I'll be seeing a doctor on Thursday, so I'll ask her about it. Meanwhile, I'm "forcing" myself to not eat more than every three hours, no matter how hungry I am and I'm drinking water in-between meals.The schedule is:
5am Breakfast
8am Snack
11am Lunch
2pm Snack
5pm Dinner
ETA: Found an article this evening, The Dieter's Dilemma - How to Stay Full in a Calorie Deficit.
I've been struggling with hunger lately and it's been showing on the scale. I don't know what the deal is but it seems that just an hour after I've eaten, I'm hungry again. I'm getting enough protein and fat, so it's not that. I'll be seeing a doctor on Thursday, so I'll ask her about it. Meanwhile, I'm "forcing" myself to not eat more than every three hours, no matter how hungry I am and I'm drinking water in-between meals.The schedule is:
5am Breakfast
8am Snack
11am Lunch
2pm Snack
5pm Dinner
ETA: Found an article this evening, The Dieter's Dilemma - How to Stay Full in a Calorie Deficit.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Posts
