This is my third year of seriously eating better and working hard to lose weight. I did pretty good in 2012 but in 2013 I had some health issues which didn't help. I put about 20 of the 40 pounds I lost back on. I haven't given up and I'm eating healthy real food yet nothing is happening. I fluctuate up and down but never actually seem to go down anymore.
I'm eating around 1,000 calories a day and I am doing 10 minutes of cardio each day. (It's all I can handle with my COPD) I so much want to be thin again but I'm afraid my 18 years of oral steroids have done a job on my body. Also I'm on seven prescription drugs daily so I'm sure that doesn't help. I feel so lost but I am not giving up.
Believe me there is almost no sugar in my diet and only the good complex carbs that are heart healthy, yet not too may of them. It is a rare occasion for us to get fast food or even popcorn in the show. I usually bring almonds. I don't drink soda, haven't for 18 years now. I have very little caffeine in my diet, only a rare cup of coffee sometimes on the weekend. I've limited my dairy too. Any suggestions?
We have a 45 year High School class reunion in September and I'm just not sure I can face everyone. I was the size zero (0) girl all through H.S. I know people like me for me but how do you get over feeling like a failure. People are so judgemental without really knowing your story.
I remember working on PTA 24 years ago and the male principle said something so rude to me. I had recently been seeing a specialist and he messed me up terribly on steroids. I had the moon face thing going on, it was horrible. My regular doctor finally got my steroids under control, I lost the fat face and the hump you can get at the top of your back but the stomach is always an issue.
I haven't been on oral steroids for several years now unless I have to do a quick on and off for an infection. Recently when I saw a new cardiologist doctor I had mentioned the steroid use and he said "yes I know, I can see it." Breaks my heart......
Sorry guys, I just need to share with people who I know care about me. You don't need to comment just pray that things will start to change.
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25 comments:
been there done that since i was a child... i can relate. it is much harder to lose as we age and requires more excercise. i lost 42 pounds when i retired, as long as i walked and hour a day on the treadmill i kept it off, eating the same thing and not able to do the treadmill now, i have gained 8 pounds in the year since i stopped the tread mill....eating the same.
also I saw 2 different doctors on TV and from what they said, you may be eating to little and your body has gone into starving mode.
try adding 200 calories. 1200 is what they suggest for losing weight. also they said and it worked for hubby and me, eat 4 or 5 small meals. we went to 5 times a day. divide your calories by 4 or 5..
last thing is. your friends will not care what you look like and who cares about what the non friends will think.
I so agree with the quote…
you should go to the reunion. you should be proud of yourself. you are far from a failure!!!
Dear one, I think that your calorie level is too low. If your calorie intake is too low, your body starts to think that it's being starved and works even harder to store up fat in order to have energy under starvation conditions. My daughter took oral steroids for her RA, and she can't get the weight off either. My heart breaks for you both.
i agree that your body may be holding on to everything you give it because it is trying to stave off starvation. try adding more unsalted nuts - like your raw almonds - and some crunchy veggies to see if it'll fill you up more and let your body 'relax' into losing some weight. every body is different, though, and i realize that. so what works for some may not work for all.
I know this isn't necessarily helpful but I just have to say that you are SO beautiful inside and out!!
To me it sounds like you are doing all the right things. I (loosely) follow the Meditteranean way of eating; lots of protein and veggies. Nuts, olive oil for cooking, very rarely do we fry anything.
Debby, I agree with what some of the other commenters said; I think you are eating too low of calories. I have also heard it is good to "confuse the body" and eat different amounts of calories daily (but of course don't go overboard) but say range between 1200 and 1800 calories a day, but some days 1200, others 1400, etc. I heard the body does get used to a certain amount of food and if it is too little that you are consuming, the body will hold on to it, but if you mix it up calorie wise, the body seems to "relax" and let some fat go. (So I have read).
Also, and people may disagree with me about this, but I have gone to weight loss clinics before and have done protein diets/shakes (and I know there is a lot of controversy about it) but I lost the weight medically supervised (never took meds or shots to do so, just followed their eating plan). I would do that again in a heart beat if I had the money to do so.
I know what you mean about people judging others; you would like them not to, but you know they are going to (its part of our human nature I think).
betty
That sounds like a very healthy diet, but I don't think 1000 calories is adequate. Bodies tend to go into a conservation mode when they are underfed and your metabolism slows down even more. By all means, check in with a physician or nutritionist about that, but I'd consider eating more of the fruits/veggies, whole grains and lean proteins.Also, of course, the other piece is activity. Diet without exercise is rarely all that effective.
All that said, go enjoy your reunion! You will see a range of body sizes and shapes there and after 45 years, people are far less judgmental than they were in high school.
That sounds like a very healthy diet, but I don't think 1000 calories is adequate. Bodies tend to go into a conservation mode when they are underfed and your metabolism slows down even more. By all means, check in with a physician or nutritionist about that, but I'd consider eating more of the fruits/veggies, whole grains and lean proteins.Also, of course, the other piece is activity. Diet without exercise is rarely all that effective.
All that said, go enjoy your reunion! You will see a range of body sizes and shapes there and after 45 years, people are far less judgmental than they were in high school.
Go to that reunion friend, people at our age have probably learned a lot and are less judgmental. It sounds like you are eating right and exercising; just keep on and I hope good things will follow for you.
Know that I am cheering you on Debby!
Ann was on prednisone for over a year and it did a number on her appearance.
I have to tell you that I think you are perfect - but you have to learn to love yourself!!!! Don't listen to anyone but yourself. If you feel better on a diet then do it. If you feel like sneaking one cookie - that is okay. Go to your reunion and hold your head up high and smile baby smile!!!
Don't give up!
All the best my dear friend. Never give up.
You're gonna find that lots of gals have gained weight, and guys have lost hair - do you think any less of them? I have gained weight since menopause and I hate it. But, I know I'm not a failure and neither are you!!
I so hope you can get this all worked out. I think I may agree with the commenter that said maybe your calorie intake is too low. But I'm no expert, and I basically know nothing. The raw natural Almonds are something I like to snack on, even though I crave salt. I also like munching on Carrot sticks, radishes, etc. Just know we are all thinking of you and empathizing with you. Hugs.
Losing weight is hard enough, but with the COPD, it has to be even harder for you. YOU CAN DO IT! :)
1000 calories is too little...I understand what your dealing with...I was a 0 also in high school...5 years ago I was an 18...now I'm a 8...bounced up to a 10 but started paleo...I'm staying a 8...go to that reunion and be proud of the person you are...believe me you are a beautiful person no matter what the tag says...if someone doesn't like you because of your size...they are not worth knowing...it took me a long time to realize that...keep up the healthy eating...that is what is good for you...not the number on the tag...
Hi Debby! I really admire your desire to do better with your dieting and try to be at a weight you like. Your first image was so good...you'll never regret getting to your goal. Wise words.
I am also struggling with my weight. Well, who doesn't really? I have found that My Fitness Pal (which is a website) is really helpful for me. It tracks diet and exercise vs. your goals. Maybe that would give you some positive feedback.
We'll get there. Slow but sure.
Ceil
((hugs)) I'm right there with you girl. I think you are on the right track. I agree with others maybe add a couple hundred calories. Can you with your COPD do several 10 minute walks a day that might make a small difference. The Today Show last week has done a segment on love the skin your in....I've been trying to embrace that and lets face it it's harder the older we get and your medicine is fighting against you. The bottom line is your health and feeling healthy not your pants size. You can do anything you set your mind to just be patient!
You will get there Debby. I know you will. Perhaps not in time for your reunion, but it's like you yourself said: they like me for me! Besides, most of them look in the mirror and see something wrong with them as well! Be it a mole on their face, crooked teeth, bow-legs, baldness, bad boob-job. Just have fun and don't focus too much on dieting. That never helped anybody!
Oh girl you so know I'm the same as you. It's been one heck of a journey, but it's a testimony of all we have done and will do that will help so many others!
I hope you go, it's a special time to celebrate with others. :)
Can I ever relate...and soo frustrating that's for sure. I agree with most of the others. 1000 calories just does not seem like enough, and I admire you for even giving it a go. I don't think I could even stick with that for a couple of weeks! Eat as healthy as you can...exercise as best and as long as you can. And then don't worry about it. Try not to ever measure your worth by your size! Few people are the size they were in high school anyway that's for sure. And the ones who are drawn to you just because you might be are not worth having, and those who turn away from you because you aren't, are not worth having either. HUGS to you!!
I read through some of the comments, but not all, so if I repeat, I apologize.
NUMBER ONE: You are a beautiful woman with such a warm, courageous heart and you should be proud of who you are.
That said....
I agree that 1,000 calories may be too little. The body kicks in to survival mode and stores fat when caloric intake is too low, sabotaging your efforts.
I know it sounds crazy, but have you tried a gluten-free diet? You know I'm not about fad diets, but I will tell you that both adults in our house kicked some pounds after we were forced to go gluten free. I've been cheating away from home, and I've seen the scale tick back up. It might be worth a try and isn't as hard as you think, especially if you're already eating as healthy as you are! If you decide to go that route, let me know. I have some good recipes!
You are a true beauty, Debby, both inside and out. Hold your head up high! You know that I'll be praying for you, my friend!
My trainer told me not to go under 1200 calories. 1000 isn't a lot, probably not enough. Also, you are a lovely person, so don't let yourself be defined by a number. I will add you to my prayers. I think too, after a certain age it is so hard to get the pounds off, so keep eating well, exercising as you're able, and give yourself some grace because we all need that.
I'm so sorry to hear you're struggling with all these issues. I know that sometimes advice is easier said than done. I hope you can find the right path for you.
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