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Beth's Weight Loss Diary
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Beth
Senior Member


Joined: 9 January 2008
Location: Jackson, Mississippi USA
Posts: 418
 Posted: 9 January 2008 10:15 pm
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I am starting a new weight loss plan today.  I've done ok so far.  Being as how I medicate life with food, I think it will be a long journey.  I need to lose about 80 pounds to be what I want to be.  I've got to lose at least 20 to make my back quit hurting so much.  Dr. told me yesterday losing just 20 lbs. would greatly reduce my back problems.  He assured me it would significantly help.  Geez---I was expecting him to tell me that somewhere down the road I'd need surgery and the man says lose weight!  Simple, right?  Not.  Gotta get a grip on this addiction I have.  Gotta see on down the road when I feel good physically.  I will try to visualize being happy in a bathing suit and in the pool.  I want a little black dress.  I want me back.  Today is the day I will start down the right path.  So far today, I travelled the right path.  Even felt a little bummed out and didn't eat M&M's or Walmart triple chocolate cake.  I want to feel and look better more than I want that chocolate today.  One day at a time.

Peter
Founder, caloriesperhour.com


Joined: 2 May 2005
Location: Vancouver, Washington USA
Posts: 3945
 Posted: 9 January 2008 11:19 pm
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Beth wrote: Being as how I medicate life with food...
"There is nothing is life that is so bad that eating over it can't make things worse."

One of my favorite sayings!

Peter:monkey:

DeterminedGal
Senior Member


Joined: 8 August 2007
Location: Baton Rouge, Louisiana USA
Posts: 553
 Posted: 10 January 2008 01:24 am
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Welcome, Beth!  I look forward to reading more about you as you journey along with all of us.

Chocolate is overrated.  OK, that's a lie, but if you tell it to yourself enough (like I do) then you start to believe it.  So, yep, chocolate is overrated!

:grin: DG

Last edited on 10 January 2008 01:25 am by DeterminedGal

Beth
Senior Member


Joined: 9 January 2008
Location: Jackson, Mississippi USA
Posts: 418
 Posted: 10 January 2008 11:45 am
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Gee.  I wrote this long entry and lost it.  The gist of the entry was even though I am 54, I can be beautiful again by my birthday in September.  It will be a lovely September.  I've been in the mind set that since I was older it would be hard to lose the weight and I wouldn't be beautiful, I'd still be old.  I think I'm more fat than old.  I wonder what I will look like?  Actually, I am probably still beautiful underneath it all even though I'm fat.  I'm just FAT!  I guess if I'm seriously going to inventory myself, I have to admit since I used to be beautiful before I got fat that I'll probably be beautiful when I lose the weight.  I don't see beautiful in me anymore.  My husband says I'm still beautiful even though I'm heavy.  Anyway my thoughts have gone beyond health and trying to end my back pain.  I'm down to vanity.  If I keep at it, by September I should have lost the weight.  Beth will be back and that fat thing will be gone.  I guess I need to reassess what old is.  I don't have any wrinkles or gray hair, just fat.  My grandmother is 89 and I can't keep up with her.  This means maybe I have some of her genetics going for me.  Most of my health problems are fat related,too.  Sleep apnea and minor back problems which seem major when the pain sets in, poor self image.  Yep, I gotta do this thing.  One day at a time.  Today is Thursday.  It will be a good day.

Peter
Founder, caloriesperhour.com


Joined: 2 May 2005
Location: Vancouver, Washington USA
Posts: 3945
 Posted: 10 January 2008 04:39 pm
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Sorry about that! When I type a long entry I occassionally type Ctrl A (to highlight all the text I typed) and Ctrl C (to copy it). Then if you make a mistake and lose it, Ctrl V gets it back!

Peter:monkey:

Beth
Senior Member


Joined: 9 January 2008
Location: Jackson, Mississippi USA
Posts: 418
 Posted: 11 January 2008 11:55 am
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Well, it is Friday and I am journaling to make sure I stay on track.  Seems like I need to eat something about every 2 hours to keep up the energy and avoid binging.  My binge time is late afternoon around 4:30.  Yesterday I was trying to clean out the refrigerator around 4:30 and started cutting ham off the bone.  I started eating that ham.  Finally I just made myself a sandwich and sat down and called it dinner.  At least I didn't eat twice.  It seems like I go into some sort of frenzy and eat and eat and eat.  When it's over, I can't really remember all I've eaten.  The strategy right now is to recognize what I'm doing and try to substitute something like an apple for the triple chocolate cake or M&M's.  I don't think the late afternoon thing is emotional.  I think it is a low blood sugar issue I need to address.  I'm thinking the blood sugar drops and I go nuts.  What I need to do is keep the blood sugar as level as possible and then see how I feel late in the afternoon.  So far I eat something about every 2 hours in the morning and then get busy in the afternoon and forget to eat.  Then whamo at 4:30 or 5:00 I get out of control.  The key will be to eat every 2 hours all day and stop around 6:00 pm, I think.

abnormalapathy
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Joined: 21 August 2007
Location: New York, New York USA
Posts: 550
 Posted: 11 January 2008 01:01 pm
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Beth wrote: I think it is a low blood sugar issue I need to address.  I'm thinking the blood sugar drops and I go nuts.  What I need to do is keep the blood sugar as level as possible and then see how I feel late in the afternoon.  So far I eat something about every 2 hours in the morning and then get busy in the afternoon and forget to eat.  Then whamo at 4:30 or 5:00 I get out of control.  The key will be to eat every 2 hours all day and stop around 6:00 pm, I think.
I swing between hypoglycemia and pre-diabetes when I test, because I have insulin resistance and PCOS.  When my sugar levels crash, I get tired/moody/and yes, insatiably hungry.  Perhaps the best thing for me at that point is something like peanut butter because the protein and the fat seem to help, whereas carbs only seem to make it worse.

hoofprints
Senior Member


Joined: 9 November 2007
Location: Calgary, Alberta Canada
Posts: 304
 Posted: 11 January 2008 02:27 pm
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Welcome Beth,
The plan to eat often and small meals is great. It goes a long way to controlling cravings. I know there is a beautiful you! Pain is very powerful and we can use it as an excuse or a motivator. You made the choice to let it motivate you....I'm behind you cheering for you all the way.
I have a picture of the body I will have in a cute white bathing suit, I put my head on it and I look at it every few days. Make yourself one. :grin:

cheers
hoofprints

Beth
Senior Member


Joined: 9 January 2008
Location: Jackson, Mississippi USA
Posts: 418
 Posted: 12 January 2008 01:35 pm
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Thanks to all who have sent me replies of support.  It really means a lot to look and have a gentle reminder that someone somewhere cares and shares the same problems and successes.  I made it ok through yesterday.  This means I've made it ok for about  4 days now.  I've lost a couple of pounds.  Just gotta keep up the momentum.  It worked well to eat something every two hours yesterday.  I also added a little protein along the way and didn't feel the need to binge.  I juiced at about 4:30.  I think I'll mix up a lot of juice for the day early in the day and keep it in the refrigerator for emergencies.  I know some of the vitamins go away, but I don't want to was that juicer equipment twice a day.  Juicing is a good way for me to get lots of raw veggies down.  I hate celery.  I'm not especially fond of salads without lots of fattening stuff on them.  Anyway, juicing seems to help me get some raw veggies down.   So far we're just eating at home.  I can't control myself yet going out.  I'm still working on portion control.  I figure if I work on portion control, cut out the white, and eat more fruits and veggies I'll have it licked.  Also need to drink more water.  I'm also going to look for a body I like in a magazine so I can attach a picture of my head to it and plaster it on the refrigerator.  I'm ready to get it done and will try most anything to help!

Beth
Senior Member


Joined: 9 January 2008
Location: Jackson, Mississippi USA
Posts: 418
 Posted: 13 January 2008 02:08 pm
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Well, things are going nicely getting rid of the holiday pack on.  We didn't cook yesterday and went to Walmart last night on the way home to buy apples and something for supper.  I knew this was a pitfall I was stepping into.  The checkout line is where I usually grab the M&M's when I'm hungry.  I'm bad about buying fried chicken livers, a coke, and M&M's for the ride home when I'm starving and thinking, "Oh, it will be alright.  I am so hungry!" NOT!!!!!  I wanted some fish and there were tons of people there at the steam area.  All of the fish in the cooler was frozen as hard as a brick.  Nothing quick there.  I also didn't want to stand in line for 30 minues waiting on folks to thin out. Finally went to the deli and got some chicken hot wings.  Not great but better than a Wendy burger.  Ate  the wings and started digging through the cabinets.  Spotted hubby's Dove dark cholocate.  Started eating the chocolate and just stopped after I realized what I was doing.  Stopped and left the room.   Good for me.  Still lost about 1/2 lb yesterday. 

Went to bed trying to calculate when I would feel comfortable in a bathing suit.  The pool is looking better.  It's my little project.  I'm finally getting it to clear up since I went back to chlorine vs saltwater.  My back is feeling much better.  Hope to walk a little on my treadmill today.  I've got to find some sort of exercise I can do.  I am wondering if that last 6 lbs I put on was causing all the problems with my back hurting.  Dr. seems to think every little bit of weight loss will help. 

I asked my husband if he could stand it when I'm down to 120 and hot.  He said I've never been 120 since he's known me, but I was hot at whatever weight I was when we got together.  He is a sweet man.  I love him so much.  He's a heart patient and I'm hoping some of my new habits will rub off on him.  He really needs to lose about 80 lbs, also.  I've been so horrified I'd lose him to heart disease.   I've seen the ravages heart disease can cause.  Along with  hd comes diabetes and all of its problems.  So far for some ungodly reason, I've stayed pretty healthy.  I feel like I did 6 months ago, that my dance with the devil is just about over - that perhaps I've gotten a grip in just the nick of time.  Anyway, maybe if I make the effort to cook right, buy right, live right, hubby will, too.  Main thing is he's fat and doesn't exercise.   I can't throw him on the treadmill, but I can put decent food in front of him.  If he doesn't like it, chances are he will be too lazy to get in the car and go to Wendy's or some other hideous hamburger joint.  I hate those things and he adores them!  Fast food reminds me of shoe leather!

This  has been a rambling entry.  If anyone reads, please excuse.  It's really helping me to journal.  And, I need all the help I can get.  This is my time to get it right and see what it feels like.  I want to see what it feels like to be at the right weight and  to be healthy.  I'm juicing and eating lots of fruit and veggies - I'm buying so many apples!  My skin seemed to look better yesterday.  Could I already be seeing the results of doing the right thing?  I never took good nutrition seriously - figured it wouldn't work for me.  Geez...maybe there is something to it after all!  I think I'll try to look for a positive result and journal it every day.  That should also help pass the time from here to there!

Maggie
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Joined: 30 December 2007
Location:  
Posts: 161
 Posted: 13 January 2008 02:46 pm
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Hi Beth

Just wanted to stop by and wish you some encouragement.  Wrote you a note yesterday but it didn't post.

With my hubby I always put a choice on the table for him.  Like fruit or cookies (he loves sweets) and I am surprised how many times he chooses the fruit so once in awhile I forget the sweets and he doesn't seem to notice....lol.. And he has lost more weight than me..

I have been a diabetic for several years and so I hope you can make healthy choices before it comes to that for you.

Hugs...Maggie

Beth
Senior Member


Joined: 9 January 2008
Location: Jackson, Mississippi USA
Posts: 418
 Posted: 14 January 2008 01:23 pm
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Well, it's Monday morning.  Didn't lose any weight yesterday.  Got up and ate crackers and milk last night.  It wasn't a good night.  All the stuff that bothers me got cranked up.  CPAP didn't fit right, legs felt creepy/crawly, neck felt all pinched.  I think I'll be going back to physical therapy soon.  Anyway, I need to lay off the night eating.  I think I'll forgive myself and keep plodding forward.  This is week 2 of the great life change.  I sincerely hope to be able to stop using the CPAP when I lose this weight.  Dr. says back will feel better.  I've been too heavy for so long, I can't imagine being at my ideal weight.  I'm going to get there.  I'm going to change my life.  Every problem I can see is somehow related to the weight.  I am ridding myself of the ball and chain.  I've just got to be patient. It can't happen overnight.  Wish it could!

Beth
Senior Member


Joined: 9 January 2008
Location: Jackson, Mississippi USA
Posts: 418
 Posted: 15 January 2008 01:25 pm
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Thanks, Maggie!  I have a funny for you.  My hubby came home last night and walked in the door with a shaved top of his head. It had 5:00 shadow.  I started laughing at him. He usually  has this little short buzz cut.  Anyway, he got up yesterday and started to clip his hair with the clippers and forgot the guard wasn't on his new clippers.  He cut a trail through his hair before he caught it and had to shave the rest to match.  This is my life!  Humor.

I figure if I buy the groceries and fix the food, maybe the little bald man will eat healthier.  I am selfish.  I want him with me for the rest of my days. 

Good luck to both of us!

Beth

 

 

Beth
Senior Member


Joined: 9 January 2008
Location: Jackson, Mississippi USA
Posts: 418
 Posted: 15 January 2008 01:38 pm
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Now I'll get down to today.  I am pleased with myself and trying to be patient.  I will really to enjoy this journey and the phases of the new me that appear.  I've been researching sagging excess skin, so I'll do what I've learned I can do on my own to control it and hope for the best.

I've been reading one person's diary who had lapband surgery.  I'm sitting here thanking God, seriously thanking God that I came to this point before I got to her point and had to have surgery.  I am terrified of doctors and needles and pain so I wouldn't be a good patient at all.

I'm feeling extremely grateful for my moment of clarity when I decided I could do this and I would do this.  As they say on Star Treck, "This is the last frontier."  Being overweight has colored my perception of myself since I was about 5 years old.  That was when I was put on my first diet.  I felt like I was a misfit because I had to be on a diet, like I was less than.  I've felt less than for about 50 years over the weight. What has changed today is my attitude.  I'm not less than.  I've got some genetic issues and some poor nutrition habits I will address.  Pure and simple.  No guilt, just handle it.  I've also got a thin, healthy 89 year old grandmother who is feisty and fun and full of life.  I've got her genes, too!  Today I am ready to accept who I am and what I am and take the best of the best and run with it.  I guess I'll have to continue telling myself I am ok.  Some days I don't feel ok.  I'm not a bad person because I'm fat.  I'm not less than, either.  It will be ok.  It's just time to be the best I can be and address the weight!  Looking forward to a wonderful decade!

 

mollymoo24
Senior Member


Joined: 30 December 2007
Location: Chicago, Illinois USA
Posts: 587
 Posted: 15 January 2008 01:52 pm
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Hi Beth,

I just found your thread. You and I have a lot in common.  I need to lose 80 pounds (from 200 to 118) also.  And my Hubby L is also in need of shedding about 80.  I have lower back problems (SI joint) from a fall and a car accident. 

My approach is to set smaller goals of 10 pounds at a time.  My first milestone is 190.  I have been working out for 2 weeks, primarily a lot of walking and a little stretching/calishtenics, and counting calories.  You definitely don't have to starve yourself to be successful. 

So I just want to encourage you to try to do some walking every day.  I am amazed myself at how far I can go already.  The particularly great thing about walking is, if you break down and have a little treat, you have means to burn off the extra calories and don't have to feel guilty about it.  I can actually eat much MORE than I thought on a diet because I am exercising.

I've can see and feel the difference already all over but esp wanted to say that it is helping my back too!  And I feel so much more flexible!  I cannot wait for you to feel the improvements too.  I will be rooting for you!

Beth
Senior Member


Joined: 9 January 2008
Location: Jackson, Mississippi USA
Posts: 418
 Posted: 15 January 2008 01:57 pm
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Thanks mm.  I'm going to do some type of walking today.  I have a treadmill, but the sciatic nerve pain kicks in after about 15 min of walking.  I plan to do what I can do and see what happens.  15 minutes is better than nothing!

Thanks, mm.  Let's stay in touch!  It will be interesting to see how our good habits might affect the hubbies! 

Maggie
New Member
 

Joined: 30 December 2007
Location:  
Posts: 161
 Posted: 15 January 2008 03:15 pm
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Thanks Beth for sharing that funny with me.  Must have been hilarious.  I want my hubby around for the rest of my days also.

Have a great day!  Are you a part of the New Year Challenge?

Maggie

Beth
Senior Member


Joined: 9 January 2008
Location: Jackson, Mississippi USA
Posts: 418
 Posted: 15 January 2008 06:43 pm
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I am not part of the New Year's challenge.  I have insomnia, so tonight when I'm padding around I'll read about the challenge.  I want to be a part of anything good!

Beth
Senior Member


Joined: 9 January 2008
Location: Jackson, Mississippi USA
Posts: 418
 Posted: 16 January 2008 07:39 pm
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I guess I'm getting to the hard stage.  I went out this morning and didn't eat every 2 hours and came in starving.  I've overeaten chocolate rice cakes.  I guess that is better than M&M's.  It would have been worse had I not fixed some soup to have ready when I got back in.  I'm really seeing how my blood sugar is affecting things.  Blood sugar drops and I binge on something.  Then when I binge, I feel guilty and really binge.  I'm not going to do that today.  The plan is to put the rice cake binge in the back of my mind and keep on doing the right things.  Maybe rice cakes won't blow it too much!

Beth
Senior Member


Joined: 9 January 2008
Location: Jackson, Mississippi USA
Posts: 418
 Posted: 17 January 2008 01:09 am
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Well, today was a different sort of day.  It is the end of the day and I ate too many chocolate rice cakes.  Finally got my order from Mercola and it had some protein bars with chia.  I ate 1/2 of a bar and gave the other half to my hubby.  That sucker filled me up.  I ate my little minnow I'd cooked in parchment paper and was stuffed.  I'll be trying this stuff again.  It's really expensive, but it is working for me.  I guess the moral of today is I'm trying some different things.  I've still got to eat and I'll still probably overeat at times.  Maybe that's just life and I shouldn't feel so guilty about it.  I can eat more healthy foods and if I've got to overeat, maybe I can just do it with lower cal foods and healther foods.  I've never felt I had normal eating habits.  I guess I'll start trying to research and see if everyone overeats at times.  Maybe the key is to eat healthy things.  This is pitiful to be this confused about human behavior and what is normal about eating.  I really don't know.

suenos
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Joined: 1 February 2006
Location: Panama City, Florida USA
Posts: 848
 Posted: 17 January 2008 06:16 am
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Beth wrote:  This is pitiful to be this confused about human behavior and what is normal about eating.  I really don't know.
Hi Beth,

just wanted to throw this at you....IMO most of us don't really know how to take care of our nutritional needs....I know I didn't and can remember feeling just as confused....and often pretty darn frustrated (like, this is basic stuff, why the heck don't I know it!!!!)  I actually decided to spend a year (yea it took that long, plus some,  and I'm still learning) "teaching myself" how to eat.  If it helps any, the biggest thing I found was that once I stipped away as much artificial and refined/processed food as possible, my body became pretty good at "instinctively" selecting the type and amount of food I needed.

Beth
Senior Member


Joined: 9 January 2008
Location: Jackson, Mississippi USA
Posts: 418
 Posted: 17 January 2008 06:24 pm
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Well, life is good.  I've dropped another pound.  It won't be long until the holiday fat will be gone and I can feel like I'm really losing some new weight, not the old yo yo weight.

I am so happy I stumbled on this forum.  Peter, if you see this, Thank you.  It is nice having a place to express myself and to learn about things and what works for other people.  I really liked reading Victor's post of his victory over the bulge.  It helps me stay positive and realize I can do it, too.

I've overcome plenty of obstacles in my life and I'm still working on some.  Being overweight has been a problem as long as I can remember.  A shameful problem.  I had lost hope of losing the weight since I'm 54, and therefore didn't try anymore for a long time.  Something seems to have changed.  I've had a moment of clarity and I'm ready to conquer this obstacle, too.  It's pretty amazing to me because I remember the exact moment the light bulb went off in my head.

Mississippi summers surely are hot when you are fat!  Looking forward to cooler days this year!

Beth
Senior Member


Joined: 9 January 2008
Location: Jackson, Mississippi USA
Posts: 418
 Posted: 18 January 2008 12:57 am
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I am pondering how the next few weeks will be.  My hubby has a new job and a new shift:  3:00 pm until midnight.  This isn't a huge problem for us. We've just never done this before.  We just have to figure out how to swing everything around - like eat the large meal of the day at noon.  This should get interesting.  I actually think it will help with the weight loss since neither of us will be eating much for dinner.  I am not used to being by myself all night.  I guess the puppies and I will just pile up in bed and watch lots of movies without the popcorn.  About the time we get used to it, the shift will probably change again...

hoofprints
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Joined: 9 November 2007
Location: Calgary, Alberta Canada
Posts: 304
 Posted: 18 January 2008 03:21 am
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I had a chance to catch up on your diary, I love the long ramblings! Eating a bigger meal earlier is much better for you so the shift change may be a good thing. I know you can reach your goals, you seem so determined.

mollymoo24
Senior Member


Joined: 30 December 2007
Location: Chicago, Illinois USA
Posts: 587
 Posted: 18 January 2008 03:41 am
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Beth, good luck adjusting to the shift change.  It is probably important to do what you are doing, that is, to decide when the mealtimes will be so there is a new structure.

Did you try any walking yet?  I am so eager to hear about your progress!

Beth
Senior Member


Joined: 9 January 2008
Location: Jackson, Mississippi USA
Posts: 418
 Posted: 18 January 2008 12:45 pm
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I haven't walked yet.  Every time I plan to do so, my sciatic nerve is hurting.  I really need to do that first in the day, before the little bit of pain sets in.  Thank you for reminding me.  I needed to make that a priority.

Have you read the post Peter has about the 10 lb bags of sugar?  Someone wrote in today and said they had to drag around 40 lb bags of water softener. Boy that really hit home with me.  We have a pool that takes those bags and they are awful to try to carry!  It's so bad that I've been thinking about ordering a pallet of water softener and having Lowe's or Home Depot deliver it and sit it behind the fence so we won't have to fool with it at the store.  I have realized I am carrying almost two of those awful bags around on my poor bod every step I take.  No wonder my sciatic nerve hurts!  Two of those bags in a regular grocery cart make it hard to stear the cart.  No wonder I can't stear the old bod.  I've gotten pretty clumbsy and thought maybe it was because I'm older.  Now I am realizing its just pure mass of me getting in the way.  One more reason to do the right things today.


This forum has been wonderful for me.  Thank God for moments of truth in my life.

trimB
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Location: Washington, DC, USA
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 Posted: 18 January 2008 05:56 pm
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My hubby has had a somewhat similar schedule (noon to 9pm) since September, and it didn't take us too long to get used to it.  We are both home for about 3 hours in the morning.  I have to remind him that most couples only spend about that much time together, it's just conventionally in the evenings instead.  Over a big dinner, like you said.

I've always been a big breakfast fan.  Will you guys be together in the mornings?

Beth
Senior Member


Joined: 9 January 2008
Location: Jackson, Mississippi USA
Posts: 418
 Posted: 18 January 2008 06:52 pm
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Everyone has their history and baggage, but I'll share a little of mine.  I closed down my business in May of last year and I've just been staying at home, so we'll just do whatever we need to do regarding hubby's late shift.

Regarding my life changing to being retired for now,  I finally got the courage to look at the books and realized I was working 60 hours a week for nothing.  By the time everything was accounted for, I was spending money to go and work my *** off from 7:00 am to 6:00 pm.  I couldn't get any help I could depend on and couldn't ever get away from work.  I was so far beyond burnout is was pitiful.   I shut it down and came home.  It's like I've been on one long vacation.  It is like being in fairy wonderland or something.

We don't have lots of money, but life is good and there is someone at home to take care of what is always breaking, someone to wash the clothes and have food on hand for us...We used to eat out all the time at night and I lived on cigarettes and cokes during the day.  Those cokes put an extra 20 lbs on me when I really started substituting cokes and smokes for everything lacking in my life.   For years, we just didn't take care of ourselves because we literally worked all the time.  I'd work all day, come home and eat frozen pizza or whatever we brought home, and go to sleep around 7:30.  Then I'd be up at 2:30 am,  and drink a pot of coffee and smoke lots of cigarettes and go to work and smoke and drink cokes.  These were some bleak times, as I'd lost my father and my grandmother and just about grieved and worked myself to death.   I can't believe I got so far in the depression hole that I just existed like that for so long.  Antidepressants weren't any help - I took them every day!  I didn't get any better until I got off of them.  They just weren't the solution. (If you decide to get off of antidepressants, do so under a physician's supervision.  Those buggers are powerful and will make you nuts if you get off too fast.)

Then one day about a year ago, after nearly 5 years of madness, I looked up and said, "Where have I been for 5 years?  What in the heck have I been doing?"  It was time for change and time to live again.  I shut down the business, came home, we took our first vacation in over 5 years, and I quit the smokes and cokes.  Now I'm working on the weight.  I feel like the best is yet to come!  I can't wait to write my story about this chapter!

Beth
Senior Member


Joined: 9 January 2008
Location: Jackson, Mississippi USA
Posts: 418
 Posted: 19 January 2008 02:30 am
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I guess I am entertaining myself with this diary.  It is nice to have a place to write things down.  I blew it tonight.  Made healthy granola and unhealthy rice crispy treats.  Ate too much.  Didn't go crazy, just ate too much.  That marshmellow cream was just right there.  Hubby started the night shift, Beth got stressed and cooked and ate.  Finally had to take the dogs out and cold air hit me in the face and I thought to myself, "What have I been doing"  I am so full!  I need to find another way to pass my time."  So it will be.  Stay out of the kitchen unless it's to make a healthy meal.  I've gotta eat, but I don't have to camp out in the kitchen.

Beth
Senior Member


Joined: 9 January 2008
Location: Jackson, Mississippi USA
Posts: 418
 Posted: 19 January 2008 02:22 pm
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It is Sat. am.  Didn't lose any weight yesterday, but didn't gain any either. 

Hubby made it home after work around 12:45 a.m.  I kept hearing things on the highway and heard a crunch sound right when he was supposed to home.  He got here and said there had been a wreck right by the house and the car was out in the road and there weren't any lights, so he almost hit it before he saw it.  I do belive in ESP, I really do.  Today I will not tell myself I am crazy for feeling something is going to happen.  It might and it might be good to be extra careful when I feel this way.

On to the food deal.  Today I will try to relax and enjoy the day and stay with the healthy foods.  It is beginning to look like a winter wonderland outside, it's snowing.  I haven't seen snow here for a long, long time.

Life is good.

mollymoo24
Senior Member


Joined: 30 December 2007
Location: Chicago, Illinois USA
Posts: 587
 Posted: 19 January 2008 03:51 pm
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Hi Beth,

Just read your most recent posts.  My L is not working at present and I know exactly what you mean about how nice it is to have someone at home to take care of things that break; he cooks, does laundry and grocery shopping.  He was let go from his job a year ago after getting injured on the job and then developing hereditary gout and not being able to walk, let alone work.  Now, he is well enough to work but its so nice having him home that neither of us is in a hurry to have him go back.  If only he would do the cleaning!  Alas.

I am glad your hubby made it home safely.  That is a scary story.

Have a healthy day today.  One thing I have done is make a list of happy snacks that I like that I am OK having if I am hungry (for me this happens at midnight).  I try to keep several options in the house at all times.  One of my favorite is tostitos BAKED scoops chips with pico de gallo type salsa.  Each scoop is 10 cals. You can mound it full of salsa for just a few calories.  If you eat 8 loaded scoops you will be very satisfied and its only about 100 calories.

Do a litle walking if you can and/or stretching and limber up a little.  Enjoy the beautiful snow.  It has warmed up to a balmy 4 degrees here.

 

Patchers
Distinguished Member


Joined: 17 January 2007
Location: Smalltown, Illinois USA
Posts: 291
 Posted: 19 January 2008 10:20 pm
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Hi Beth,

I was reading a few diaries and came across yours.  I wanted to say welcome to cph and to the forums.

I am 56 and need to lose about 150 pounds.  I know exactly what you mean when you say that so many of the daily health issues are amplified by the extra weight.  The problem seems to be that with a large amount of extra weight it is really hard to be too agressive on the exercise.

4:30 is a tough time for me too.  I don't know what the deal is with that but I have to make sure I'm busy doing something else so that I don't graze by refrigerator light.   Anyway I just wanted to say that I know we can do this.  We HAVE to do this.  How about we do it together?

Patchers

Beth
Senior Member


Joined: 9 January 2008
Location: Jackson, Mississippi USA
Posts: 418
 Posted: 20 January 2008 12:46 am
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Patchers, sounds good to me.  I'm just sitting here being ashamed for eating fried catfish, baked potato and coleslaw.  It was good,but not good enough to lose a week's worth of weight loss.

I got upset over a business matter late this afternoon and just didn't feel like doing the right thing tonight (cooking at home.)  Anyway, we did some running (errands, not exercise)  and then we hit the catfish house.  I simply have to plan from meal to meal to make it work - otherwise we get hungry and end up at some fat food place and not doing the right thing.

Hubby has to go back to work tomorrow night and we're both having a problem adjusting to the night shift thing.  I don't want to sabotage my health plans because I'm upset.  When I sabotage my plans, I also affect my hubby.  Of late, I've been at home and have been buying and cooking our food.  When I fall down on the job and don't plan I hurt us both.  Neither one of us has much discipline once we get hungry.

Well, the good news is the little birds got to eat that awful low fat, low sugar granola I made.  Bad news is we ate all the rice crispy treats.  Reality is I can't make that stuff anymore.  I'll have to find something else to do w hen I'm upset and lonely besides cooking.  It may be a good hobby for the skinny folks, but not for me.

Patchers, you have to not graze in the refrigerator light at 4:30 and I can't play Betty Crocker at the stove at 4:30.  I guess this will be a good time to eat something very light and get out of the kitchen and do something else.  Our bad weather has just started and will run through about March.  This will be a good time to study at night and to do some light walking on the treadmill until enough flab is off to lighten the very heavy load.  Someone was complaining about their butt being big.  If I could turn my stomach around backwards, I'd have a big butt.  I am not an apple or a pear.  Unfortunately, I am a brick.  I think I better end this and quit beating up on myself.  Tomorrow is another day and another chance to do the right things.

One thing I do plan to do is before I eat the wrong things and go nuts is I am going to ready my diary and reflect about how badly I felt the last time I fell off the wagon.  That will give me something constructive to do besides eat.

 

Beth
Senior Member


Joined: 9 January 2008
Location: Jackson, Mississippi USA
Posts: 418
 Posted: 20 January 2008 12:55 am
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MM, I came home this afternoon and a man was walking by all the car parts down in the center of the road (from the wreck.)  I asked him what happened and he said his friend was the one who wrecked.  He'd been drinking and lost control of his Escalade and flipped.  It was a one car accident.  Said he didn't expect the fellow to live - He is currently in intensive care.

I am reminded of how I don't drink and how quickly I thought to myself, "He shouldn't have been drinking and driving.  How dangerous!"  Am I not taking the same chances with my health carrying all this extra weight?

mollymoo24
Senior Member


Joined: 30 December 2007
Location: Chicago, Illinois USA
Posts: 587
 Posted: 20 January 2008 04:58 am
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Beth wrote: I got upset over a business matter late this afternoon and just didn't feel like doing the right thing tonight (cooking at home.)  Anyway, we did some running (errands, not exercise)  and then we hit the catfish house.  I simply have to plan from meal to meal to make it work - otherwise we get hungry and end up at some fat food place and not doing the right thing.


I am finding exactly the same thing about the importance of planning, but particularly when eating/ordering out.  What I am finding is that you can still eat the things you like but just in controlled portions.  And avoid places that don't at least offer a salad or a nice side of steamed veggies that you can fill up on.  Decide how much you are going to eat before your plate arrives so you don't fall into the trap of eating a big portion.

Keep working at it Beth.  It's OK to give yourself a break once in a while, you might just want to develop your 'plan of attack' for those busy days so you are not making decisions on the fly.  Here's an idea - make a list of 10restaurants in your area which you can get in/out pretty quickly and you know they have healthy food choices.  Pick from that list on the busy nights and you will help set yourself up for success.

Keep posting!!  Watching your progress and cheering for you!

Beth
Senior Member


Joined: 9 January 2008
Location: Jackson, Mississippi USA
Posts: 418
 Posted: 20 January 2008 01:24 pm
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Thanks MM!  I'm looking forward to a great Sunday!  Hubby goes to work again at 3:00, and I am going to work on my new computer program and watch tv and stay out of my kitchen.

The scale gods are still good.  Believe it or not, I still lost 1/2 lb yesterday.  I probably won't lose the full 2 lbs this week, but what the heck.  I can't rewrite history.  I can plan meals, though.  I don't suppose my halo can stay in place forever.  What is different about today is I am back on track and planning to stay on track.  In the past I've slipped and gone off the wagon for months at a time.   I think the last time I really got off track was Labor Day.  I hadn't eaten any bread for about a month and was losing weight.  We went camping with friends and shared dinner for two nights.  I just never really regained my momentum.  I did find some pictures hubby took of that weekend and I remember thinking how old and fat we all looked. 

I've been friends with 1/2 of this couple for about 20 years.  We were young chicks back then and thin!  Both divorced and looking for love!  There used to be a group of us we called the lonely hearts club.  We ran around together and had lots of fun.  The one of us died and the rest of us remarried and settled back down and got fat and lazy.  I can't wait to compare 2008's Labor Day pictures with those from 2007.

Loose the Weight 2008   Loose the Weight 2008    Lose the Weight 2008

The key:  Portion control, walk, don't eat anything white, be patient

 

Beth
Senior Member


Joined: 9 January 2008
Location: Jackson, Mississippi USA
Posts: 418
 Posted: 20 January 2008 01:30 pm
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Note for the diary.  Taped magnets to my back last night to see if it would help disk problem. (Well, it helped my foot, why not?)

Beth
Senior Member


Joined: 9 January 2008
Location: Jackson, Mississippi USA
Posts: 418
 Posted: 20 January 2008 02:04 pm
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Was reading through the other topics and some posted about listening to the Roberta Temes weight loss hypnosis tapes.  I have those tapes and they are wonderful.  I was wondering why I quit listening to them and also quit losing weight.  That was back when I got a new treadmill and started walking and it hurt like heck.  Went to the doctor and had an MRI and learned of the slight disk bulge and alight stenosis.  I guess I decided I was an invalid for the last four months and didn't even try to walk or listen to my tapes.  I really have endured some pain, but not every moment of every day. 

New plan in addition to others:  when sad because hubby is at work at night, listen to Dr. Roberta and walk for a few minutes and stop when it starts hurting.  5 minutes is probably better exercise than none.  MD promises back will get better if I lose weight.  Think about those old heavy 40 # bags of water softener and how I'm carrying the equivalent of 2 and  listen to the tape and get on that treatmill!  I think it will help my outlook on life as well as my mental outlook.

I love this forum.  I thank our nice God for moments of clarity.

Beth
Senior Member


Joined: 9 January 2008
Location: Jackson, Mississippi USA
Posts: 418
 Posted: 21 January 2008 10:49 pm
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Didn't stop to post today.  Went junking and then went out with hubby.  Ate Chinese with hubby.  Ate well, but then got into the banana pudding.  Somehow I wasn't really full when I left the place, but I got really tired.  Maybe from the MSG and sugar.  I haven't been much since.  Decided to eat a sandwich and some soup for supper while I was having my late afternoon crazy time of wanting to gnaw down the cabinets.

I'm really kind of depressed and I think it's because of the lunch selection and the shift change and hubby is gone from 2:00 pm until about 1:00 am.  He's not looking so good either.  He looks so tired.  I think I'll hang it up for today and just try to get some rest.  Maybe our bodies or heads or whatever will get used to this schedule.  I still think the moral of today's story is I need to eat at home.  I don't generally have a racing heart and weak knees after eating my own cooking and  I don't keep banana pudding laying around for us to eat.  We weren't in great shape before we ate that buffet, but I think the mixture of bad for us foods and msg, etc., also added to the problem.  My old body is getting used to being taken care of.  When I abuse it by going to a food bar full of additives, I think it's going to let me know from now on.  Maybe this is a good thing.

Patchers
Distinguished Member


Joined: 17 January 2007
Location: Smalltown, Illinois USA
Posts: 291
 Posted: 21 January 2008 11:05 pm
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Beth wrote: We weren't in great shape before we ate that buffet, but I think the mixture of bad for us foods and msg, etc., also added to the problem.  My old body is getting used to being taken care of.  When I abuse it by going to a food bar full of additives, I think it's going to let me know from now on.  Maybe this is a good thing.


Hi Beth,

I totally agree.  I ALWAYS overindulge at buffets.  Who knows what is in that food.  I'm finding I can get a better handle on amounts at home, not to say we should never eat out.  I'm finding while I am just getting started on eating better I have to stay away from buffets and fast food.

I know we can do this.  Us "old" folks have to stick together! 

As far as being depressed they said on the news tonight that this is the most depressing day of the year so things are only looking up from here.

Patchers

Beth
Senior Member


Joined: 9 January 2008
Location: Jackson, Mississippi USA
Posts: 418
 Posted: 23 January 2008 12:36 am
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I kept a food diary today and learned I've eaten about 1800 calories today.  About 730 of those calories were in caramel rice cakes and then grapenuts and skim milk around 5:30 when I finally got home from the grocery store.  I got tied up in there too long and got really hungary.  Grabbed the bag of chips out of the bag and ate them all the way home.  If that wasn't enough, I'd bought grapenuts to try and make some homemade protein bars and I grabbed a bowl and started eating grapenuts.  I ate seconds before I could stop myself.  I guess that's an improvement.  When I start on cereal, I usually want the whole box.  It's like I just can't stop eating cereal when I start.  Same thing with the caramel rice cakes.  Maybe I better try to take some fruit or something with me next trip out, especially if I'm out at my 5:30 crazy craving time of the day.  I really could take a little  lunch box with some apple slices and nuts or something.

I am seriously wondering if I'm going to be able to handle homemade protein bars.  I'm trying to come up with something portable and quick for hubby to take to work and for me to grab when I get hungary.  If I start inhaling these things, I may have to feed it to the birds and get some plain nuts or something.  I don't think this is emotional eating.  I think this may be a blood sugar issue I need to plan for every day.  Something seriously happens to me around 4:30 - 5:30 every day.  I am starving and start inhaling whatever is available.  It doesn't matter if it's roast or sweets. 

abnormalapathy
Senior Member


Joined: 21 August 2007
Location: New York, New York USA
Posts: 550
 Posted: 23 January 2008 12:24 pm
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With the blood sugar thing, try to have a snack that has some protein in it, like peanut butter on whole wheat.  I find that protein with carbs helps to curb those peaks in my glucose levels.

Beth
Senior Member


Joined: 9 January 2008
Location: Jackson, Mississippi USA
Posts: 418
 Posted: 23 January 2008 02:27 pm
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I have a plan for today.  Since hubby is on the late shift, I'll just plan to eat dinner between 4:30 and 5:30.  By this, I mean I will have a piece of chicken or something cooked to eat instead of grabbing the grapenuts and eating two bowls before I think about it.

I've lost 3.5 lbs in just over 2 weeks, so I am getting started with the weight loss.  Also, I've been working on this for over 2 weeks and I am still solidly committed to improving my health and weight.  This time it is different.  It's the commitment that is different.

Started a food journal yesterday.  I think this will be helpful.  I think if I can eat dinner earlier and handle the blood sugar thing, I'll be home free.  I'm thankful.  Can't wait to come out in September.  Not come out gay, come out thin!!!  World, get ready...

Maggie
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Joined: 30 December 2007
Location:  
Posts: 161
 Posted: 23 January 2008 03:25 pm
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Love your positive outlook.  Good for you.   You are doing great.

Paint-Mom
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Joined: 24 January 2006
Location: Franklin, Texas USA
Posts: 376
 Posted: 23 January 2008 08:31 pm
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The new schedule - perhaps will give you and puppy time for walks!  I'm sure you will find a suitable routine and get your "plan" together so you and hubby will benefit!

Read where you like goodwill shopping -- DH & I go to our local store here often - he usually shops for books -- me for clothes and housewares  -- and we got great deals on  gently used baby toys. 

Just believe in your dreams . . . . there is so much encouragement & great information on this site and others too.  

By Helen Keller /  "Life is either a daring adventure or nothing"

Have a great day :grin:    Sherry

Last edited on 23 January 2008 08:39 pm by Paint-Mom

jonibug
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Joined: 20 January 2008
Location: Texas USA
Posts: 239
 Posted: 24 January 2008 01:30 am
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GREAT attitude! A journal willl definitely help! It keeps you focused on what you are eating, as well as getting feedback, encouragement and support! Welcome to your journal!

Beth
Senior Member
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