OT: Diet Plans

[Garnet333]

I know most everyone has tried a diet plan at some point in their lives, was it successful or a complete disaster? I have been on the low carb diet for almost 2 yrs now and love it. Cutting out the sugar and white flour has helped me lose over 40lbs and I feel so much better because of it.

[Jasmine46]

I have been fortunate to never have had a real weight problem, but I do feel healthier eating organic fruit and veggies and good protein like chicken or turkey. I like the idea of the Zone or South Beach diets, with the good fat, carb and protein balance. If I eat sugar or junk food, I am ruined for the day. What really scares me is Nutrasweet and Splenda. These chemicals can ruin your nervous and immune system.

[Garnet333]

Jas, I feel so much better not eating carbs also. I know many people who go through withdrawl symptoms by cutting out the carbs when they first start the diet. I was watching Oprah one afternoon, she said she does not eat anything that is white - potatos, bread, pasta, rice, she looks fantastic.

[Barbi]

Many years ago, I lost 100 pounds on Weight Watchers--and I have kept it off! The eating plan wasn't bad and there was a lot of variety--my only complaint was that most meals were fresh and required preparation time--and my time was so limited (college, part time job, church, dating, etc.).

It's been a while, so things may have changed.

Before this, I tried Nutri-System, and it was awful! Very expensive, and all the pre-packaged meals had so many preservatives and chemicals in them!

[Iniseire]

I, too, have cut the carbs and feel so much better. I didn't have a lot of weight to lose, but when I started eliminating sugar and all the white stuff (bread, rice, etc.), the weight just melted off. Even though I've lost all that I wanted to lose, I continue to follow the low-carb diet. I feel so much better - it's now a lifestyle.

[beekeeper]

I'm not a fan of diet's, and fortunately I've been lucky to not have had a weight problem yet (knocking on wood). I'm just a pure fan of eating in moderation and exercise. I hate exercise but once you accept the fact that you have to do it ... you get over it and JUST DO IT! lol ...

I've had many friends who have done the low carb thing ... it didn't last for any of them.

Remember deal a meal ... lol ... what ever happened to Richard Simmons? Haven't seen/heard him in ages!

[Jasmine46]

I think the diets with good fat make you look younger, too. I use macadamia, rice bran and coconut oils for cooking and dressings and I must say that I look about 10 years younger than I am.
My daughter who's 24 and I went on an Alaskan cruise a couple months ago and everyone thought we were sisters. We got a lot of attention because she is gorgeous, and the cruises are mostly seniors and young marrieds with kids. We were treated royally. It was nice to feel special for 7 days!

[Iniseire]

I agree, if you want to lose weight and keep it off, you have to incorporate some form of exercise. I was never one to exercise until about a year ago; my husband got both of us a Y membership. Now I go everyday, except on weekends when I give myself two days off. Even though I work, I try to find time to hit the Y, even if it's for 20 minutes. I never, in a million years, could have pictured myself working out. But miracles will never cease.

[Jasmine46]

You are so right about exercise, especially once you get to be peri or menopausal. You start to lose muscle tone like crazy. I like Pilates and dumbells. I have a neurological condition that makes is hard to do a lot of walking at times, but the Pilates machine is great for toning and stretching.

[Garnet333]

Jas, do you like Pilates? I have always wanted to try it but never looked into it. I try and do cardio at least 3 days a week but never got into the weights. Now that I am in the 40ish age bracket, I might have to look into the weights.

[Jasmine46]

Garnet, Having just turned 39 for the seventh time ;) I can't say enough about the Pilates machine. It is easy and relaxing and I don't think you can hurt yourself on it. I try to use 5-10 lb dumbells for bicep curls and for leg strengthening. Weight training is supposed to help with osteoporosis, too. I'm not able to do as much as I would like, because sometimes I am weak, but I like the toned look on my upper arms.

[Garnet333]

Jas we are very close to the same age, I am 39 for the 4th time ;) I am going to look into the Pilates machine. Its time I started using weights when I work out. I just hate those jello arms.

[B.R.]

I have the Ifit Solutions Pilate Reformer Machine from HSN. I love it and swear by it. I've had it since June and I look and feel great!! When I miss a day, my body feels horrible.

I highly recommend it!!

[tragichip]

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BR™:
I have the Ifit Solutions Pilate Reformer Machine from HSN. I love it and swear by it. I've had it since June and I look and feel great!! When I miss a day, my body feels horrible.

I highly recommend it!!
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BR, What's that machine like? I used to do a Pilates class at my gym that I loved, but they cut it out, so I'd like to do something at home... thanks.

[Curvigirl]

I'm on the Yam Diet--I yam what I yam.

I was born a chub and if I'm lucky I'll die a chub. A dear friend who weighed over 200 all of her adult life and yearned to be thin recently died of stomach cancer. She weighed 97 when she passed away.

It kind of put things into perspective for me.

[B.R.]

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tragichip:
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BR™:
I have the Ifit Solutions Pilate Reformer Machine from HSN. I love it and swear by it. I've had it since June and I look and feel great!! When I miss a day, my body feels horrible.

I highly recommend it!!
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BR, What's that machine like? I used to do a Pilates class at my gym that I loved, but they cut it out, so I'd like to do something at home... thanks.
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Hey tragichip,

HSN actually has it in stock. You can go on the website to see a pic. Its elevated so its different from the QVC one.

[NWGirl]

My favorite charity is "Weight Watchers!" I stopped attending a few months ago, because I realized I enjoyed the social aspect more than the program itself.

What works best for me is cutting waaaaaaay back on the bad carbs (white bread, pasta, etc.) You don't have to cut them out completely, just cut back. And drink lots and lots of H2O!

[Rebel_Mom]

As a plus sized person, my observation is that any diet will work as long as you stick to it. To those of you who have managed to maintain the weight lost, congratulations! Lately I have come to the conclusion that you need to exercise and change your eating habits on a permanent basis, not follow a "diet" as such. I agree, cutting down on the carbs and refined foods in general makes a big difference. I am trying to incorporate little changes every day in my life - more walking, less processed foods and it seems to be helping.

[Novalee]

Curvi, I am so sorry about your friend. I'm sure that wicked sense of humor of yours helped her.

I have a friend who is so funny. She refuses to eat anything that has a "face", and she has no problem telling that to anyone. I have wanted to slide under the table more than once when we were out, but I have to say she looks awesome, and she thinks that exercise is a potty mouth word.

Like a few of y'all, I have also cut way back on any type of processed carbs, and I exercise religiously. As a forever recovering anorexic, I can't diet the way some people can't have even one drink or cigarette. Curvi, you're right, perspective is everything.

[AussieMrs]

I usually walk every day with weights or ride my bike. I rediscovered my bike this summer and love riding it and feel like a kid when I do. :)

I'm going to take a belly dancing class starting next month. I've been dying to take one since 2001, but it's taken me awhile to get around to it. I can't wait. Anybody else ever take this?

[B.R.]

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AussieMrs:
I'm going to take a belly dancing class starting next month. I've been dying to take one since 2001, but it's taken me awhile to get around to it. I can't wait. Anybody else ever take this?
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I told you to keep the dark Milani gloss.....see see, you could have worn it while belly dancing.......hehehe

[AussieMrs]

LOL BR, you're too funny! I don't think it's going to be THAT kind of class. Although hubby's worried that there's going to be guys in the class...lol. I think he thinks I'm going to wear traditional belly dancing garb. I don't think so this go-round! I'm taking the class to try to firm up the belly I have...not expose it!

[MissyBear]

A few of you commented on the Pilates Performer, which do you think is better the Pilates or Total Gym and why?

[Jasmine46]

Missy, I have the Pilates Performer and I really love it, but if I had to do it over I would probably get the Total Gym. I'm pretty sure you can do most of the Pilates moves on it, even though they don't really talk about that a lot when they're on the Q.

[MissyBear]

Jasmine, thanks for your input, it'll help me decide which one to get.

[yippie9]

Eat less, exercise more

[Novalee]

Jasmine, your avatar reminded me that I watched 'What's Eating Gilbert Grape?' again last night, and Johnny Depp is so darned good in that! Actually, the entire cast is. The first time we watched it, my hubby thought that LC was really mentally challenged. Oops, way OT, sorry.

Yippie, that really is the only way.

[Geeitsme]

OK, y'all, I am frustrated. I am not a large person, but I only have about 5 more pounds to lose. People would say I look fine, but I know where I would like to be and it is still in my healthy range. I am stuck for over 2 years. I have done weight watchers to lose my 'baby' weight and have maintained, but I would love to lose that last five pounds. I've worked out at the gym for over 2 years with cardio and weights at least 5 days a week. For the last five pounds, I have tried starving myself (I know not good); trim-spa (not worth the money, IMO); back on weight watchers, eating more, eating less; and now am at the point of trying to cut all carbs-again. Anyone have any ideas? I seem to be 'stuck'!

Gee

[Garnet333]

Gee cutting the carbs really worked for me. I suggest you stick to that. It's always the last 5-15 lbs that are the hardest to lose.

[beekeeper]

Gee - don't do the starvation thing, that just messes up your metabolism even more! Be persistant and don't give up ... you'll beat those 5 lbs, the little bastards! Aren't they the worst?!? GRRR!

[Geeitsme]

Thanks for the replies, girls. The encouragement really helps. I'm getting mad, though. When I feel like this, I feel like just saying, 'to h*ll with it.' I just started the low carb thing so we will see how it goes. I am finding sugar cravings crazy right now, though! UGHHHH!!!

Gee

[beekeeper]

So you can't have fruit, right?

[Garnet333]

Sugar cravings are normal when you start the low carb diet, its your body going through sugar withdrawl. After a week you should see those cravings start to disappear. Good luck Gee and keep us posted on your progress.

[Jasmine46]

I saw on the news yesterday that a if you eat a low-fat vegan diet, you will lose weight and can eat as much as you want.
SPAMSPAMSPAMSPAMSPAMSPAMSPAMSPAMabcnews.go.com/Health/wireStory?id=1159710

I used to be totally vegan, and it's not hard to do. Doing without dairy and especially red meat really makes your body function better. Cow's milk is really intended for cow babies, not humans, and the protein in it can really mess with your insulin sensitivity.

[beekeeper]

I couldn't live without my yogurt! I love it! I'm not a big egg eater, and I don't eat red meat ... but no chicken? No fish? I couldn't do it!

I have friends who are vegetarian (not vegan) and they are always getting the soy products that LOOK like a turkey or LOOK like a hot dog or LOOK like a corn dog ... it cracks me up!

It is a healthy way to live though ... as long as you don't fall into eating lots of fried cheese and french fries!

[hellokitty]

Ugh! My metabolism has slowed down and my clothes are slowly getting tighter and tighter! I know I must exercise, as I work in an office and I sit all day long! It's just I get sooo tired by the time I get out of work (it's mentally exhausting), but i KNOW that is what I have to do!

I need some motivation, but I don't know where to find it!

[Jasmine46]

I like soy yogurt, or sometimes I get goat milk yogurt. They say goat's milk is more digestable b/c it's closer to human milk. I can't eat the soy burgers, dogs, etc. My stomach doesn't like those and they give me a tummy ache.

I think it kind of defeats the purpose of trying to eat healthy if you're eating all that processed stuff made to look like the thing you are trying to avoid - meat!
I think eating foods closest to how nature created them makes the most sense.

[beekeeper]

I agree Jasmine! I think the processed foods (sodium-SOOO bad) is what is making Americans so fat, or at least contributing to it!

I've never seen goat milk yogurt ... I'll have to check it out! :-)

[LA-CAgirl3]

Geeitsme - Have you tried yoga or pilates for that last 5? There is an internal factor reaching different muscles & areas of fat in both. Each can be done w/ tapes/DVD's, so no investment in a machine. Great work to have only 5 to go.

Garnet333 - 40 lbs & holding! Congratulations!

Curvigirl and Novalee - Your perspectives are so relevant on this subject. It is amazing how focused we can get on weight, and we are adults. Image is such a huge problem for teenaged girls. The last few years of my mother's life she was failing & we constantly were trying to put some weight on her. Oh, the irony.

Jasmine46 - I agree about Nutrasweet & Splenda. Both make my kids and me sick and I think some long term health risks will be found.

AussieMrs - An update on the belly-dancing?

[Jasmine46]

I personally think that diet sodas should be outlawed due to toxicity, and the phosphorus in soda makes you get osteoporosis.
(www.mercola.com - do a search for Splenda and see how bad it is) Nutra sweet is equally bad, and so is MSG.

The commercials for Splenda are awful. They show kids eating gobs of stuff made from it like it is actually good for them. I actually cancelled my subscription to Prevention magazine because they promote Splenda in their recipes, and advertise for big drug companies.

[AussieMrs]

LA-CAgirl, I love the bellydancing! I have it every Tuesday night (yay, tonight!) from 7 to 9 p.m. It's quite a workout. Our teacher says that one hour of bellydancing burns 500 calories! I also take a total body conditioning with weights class on Monday and Wednesday nights for an hour, and I was more sore after my first night of BD than after the total body conditioning! I couldn't believe it. I wish I would have weighed myself before I started taking these classes to see if I lost any weight. Maybe I'll do that now, as the BD class is a 10-week class and the other is a 12-week class.

Anyway, I highly recommend the bellydancing. I also bought a hip scarf (scarf that has coins hanging on that you tie around your waist). It's so fun!

[Geeitsme]

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Garnet333:
Sugar cravings are normal when you start the low carb diet, its your body going through sugar withdrawl. After a week you should see those cravings start to disappear. Good luck Gee and keep us posted on your progress.
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Yes, Garnet, I think it is normal, but this first week is going to be hard. I will keep you posted on my progress. I have picked up my activity as well. Still going to the gym, but also walking the dog and occasionally stepping on the treadmill. I think I need to jumpstart my metabolism.

Gee

[Geeitsme]

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hellokitty:
Ugh! My metabolism has slowed down and my clothes are slowly getting tighter and tighter! I know I must exercise, as I work in an office and I sit all day long! It's just I get sooo tired by the time I get out of work (it's mentally exhausting), but i KNOW that is what I have to do!

I need some motivation, but I don't know where to find it!
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Hey, Hello Kitty.

When you work full time it can be a drag to get yourself going. Do any of your coworkers walk at lunch? I know when I still worked, that was a sure way to get out and enjoy the day, plus it kept me motivated.

Gee

[Geeitsme]

La-Ca girl--I have tried yoga. It wasn't for me...it is too mental. I'm kinda hyper so I would be looking around at everyone during class. They would all have their mind somewhere else and I could never get off the million things I needed to do. It would be good for me if I could get into it. I have never tried pilates although it does appeal to me. I have always looked at the tapes from Mari (is that her name?). The one that Daisy Fuentes endorses. I think they were even on the Q not too long ago really cheap. I should have bought them. Maybe I check the website and see if they are still available.

Jasmine, you are so right about Splenda. The long term affects will prove to be something for sure, but I think for the diabetic it can really help. I know one of my friends loves it for that reason.

Aussie Mrs.- glad you are enjoying your bellydancing. Have you danced for your dh yet? (sorry I had to ask!!!! ;) ) I always thought that and pole dancing would be an interesting class to take. I also am interested in spinning. The problem...with the ages of my kids, I am limited to the times I can attend the gym. Just a few more years and I will have more flexibility!!

Gee

[AussieMrs]

Gee, my husband always wants me to show him what I've learned in class, but I feel silly because there's no exotic music playing in the background...oh, well, maybe tonight after class. I'm lucky, I'm out of the house Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday nights, and my husband works out his schedule around ME so he's home with the kids! :)

[Geeitsme]

Missy, LOL! I don't blame you. It would be really hard to do it if not in the right context. I have always thought that about stripping too. Does bellydancing help your abs? I would think so..you must be rockin!!


OT:Low carbers-

Does anyone know if headaches are a withdrawal symptom from sugar?

Thanks,

Gee

[Garnet333]

Gee, to answer your question about headaches - yes unfortunately but they do go away. I had worse withdrawl symptoms but headaches were one of them. How is the low carb diet working for you besides the headaches?

[Geeitsme]

Garnet,

Thanks for asking. I'm not sure I am sticking to a true Atkins diet as I mix veggies with meat, but I don't think I could just eat fat. I have never read the book. I have cut out all starches and refined sugar. I didn't realize how much I ate of it. Right now I am craving sugar in the worst way. It's hard because I have kids so they have 'sugar junk' around, but so far I have been able to stay away. It's funny because I was never interested in their junk until I started cutting out sugar. Now its tempting, go figure! I have also discovered Blt and taco salad which is really yummy and tastes like the real thing sans the bread. I was reading back on an old thread and saw someone melted cheese, let it harden and used it as bread. That sounded good. I need to just find creative ways to eat this stuff. If you have any tips, I would love to hear them. Thanks for asking and for listening!

Gee

[Sparks]

I have always exercised.......used to love Tae-Bo, but I have never seen the results I am now getting from circuit training 3 days a week at my gym and riding the new bike they just got, on the alternate days.
My arms are more toned (finally) and my thighs are a lot slimmer~ though not where I'd like them to be.......
Thankfully, I don't have real weight issues, in fact my doctor doesn't know why I am trying to lose, but I have fallen into that "way of thinking", that unless I look like Terri Hatcher in my Seven jeans, that something isn't quite right........I know that it's really messed up to feel that way.......just something I need to work on.

I eat a lot more fiber and fruit.........and drink gallons of water with lime juice in........

[Garnet333]

Gee, you should check out the Atkins website (www.atkins.com), it has loads of information on it and it also has a carb counter that is very helpful when deciding what to eat. I usually stick to lean meats, some fruits and veggies. I also make sure I eat at least 1 salad a day (roughage). Because I have been doing this for almost 2 years, I have incorporated more fruits and veggies but still stick to keeping my daily carb count to 75. Make sure you drink plenty of water and if you are exercising, keep it up the weight really comes off me when I exercise :)

[hellokitty]

I figured Splenda was too good to be true, but does anyone know why it doesn't need any of the warnings that Sweet N Low and Equal need to have on their packaging?

Anything that is chemically produced cannot be good for the body, but out of the three sugar substitutes, would this be the best option?

[Geeitsme]

Wow! I can't believe this no carb/low carb thing. It has really worked. I am down 4 lbs. This is alot for me since it is the last 10% of my body fat. I just didn't expect to lose this much, this fast. Why didn't I try this sooner?

Anyway, I have become very creative with my meal prep and am not hungry at all. My dh has said that he wants to try it as well. He doesn't really need to lose much either, but I think it helps to have someone to do it with.

Just wanted to give you an update. Some people asked for me to post my progress...

Have a good one and enjoy your weekend! Its a beautiful one in the east!

Gee

[Garnet333]

Gee, congratulations on your weight loss, that is great news!! I am happy you are losing the weight by following the low carb diet. I know the creative cook comes out in you when you have to find new ways to eat without the carbs. Keep up the good work :)

[Jasmine46]

Wow, that is terrific! All the veggies are really good for you, too. I eat a lot of blueberries, raspberries and blackberries for the antioxidants and fiber. These fruits are low glycemic. I don't know if they are on the Atkins diet or not, though. They are supposed to help keep you young looking and that's a bonus! Who needs bread & pasta when there's so many yummy veggies and fruit out there?

[Garnet333]

I for one feel much better without bread and pasta and opting for fruits, veggies and lean meats. I know since being on this low carb diet I have never felt better and healthier besides the fact I lost weight which is a big plus. I don't know about the rest of you, when I eat perservatives, or too many carbs, I feel so sick.