Monday 15 December 2008

7.30am
3 eggs fried in bacon grease - 1.5g

2pm
The best Shepherd's Pie ever - 6g

5.30pm
100ml cream - 2.6g
SF choc - 4.1g

8.30pm
Fillet of barramundi with True Lemon and salt - 0g

Beverages
7 glasses of water, three cups of tea - two with milk - 2.6g

That gives a total of 16.8g carbs for the day.

Thank you to everyone that answered yesterday's questions! I will post them below now for all to see (if you don't want that, let me know and I'll remove it immediately and leave it just in the Comments section):

1. Why are we overweight.
I am overweight because I was 'comfortable' with the way I was. MY hubsband loved me whether I was 120 lbs or 220 pounds.

2. Why are we staying this way.
I was staying this way because I found no concrete need to change. I loved to eat..

3.Why do we want to lose it.
I want to loose weight because my blood pressure was getting too high, and because loosing weight meant I would be healthier.

4. Why are we resisting.
I guess I was resisting because I never really found a diet that works *(and because the first three letters of the word DIET IS D_I_E.)

5. Why is this time different.
Because My doc said I had to find a 'lifestyle' change, or I would be on medications for the left of my life.

By BayouBabe

Thanks for the opportunity to post about the above questions. I tend to be an "invisible" person, so hearing you complain about people being attracted to you seems strange. But I can see where being the center of attention could feel embarrassing or overwhelming. You were probably born with personality, looks, energy that will always attract people whether you're thin or fat. And I think the "human-ness" of fluctuating weight is a good thing-perfect people are quite boring really.

Ok, the questions:

I think I'm overweight because as I got older I became insulin-resistant because of genetics and over-eating carbs all my life. I think all the carbs also accelerated the ageing process, along with loads of stress thru my 40's.

I stay overweight because old habits die hard. I've been making stabs at low carb for a couple years now. But still having lots of binge-ing along with it. It's a PROCESS of changing the way you do your life. Food's been my best friend forever. And it's also that I've ALWAYS loved tons of carbs and could never understand those people who can eat two cookies and not the whole box at one sitting. I think all this is very much a PHYSICAL addiction problem. (Read Gary Taubes.)

I want to lose because I have the apple-shape body (bad) and want to get healthier. I'm a naturally thin person-always was (while eating everything) until late 30's probably. Then I started gaining constantly (insulin-resistance). The natural shape for me would be Audrey Hepburn-boy would I like to look like her too!! Thin, hair
up, long neck. Actually I have a naturally fat neck-that won't go away no matter how thin I get! It's genetic.

I guess I resist because carbs taste so darn good and I have to give them up. I have to watch others eat cake, chips, etc. This time is different because I've been thru all the other stages and it's just time! I'm 51 years old-if not now, when???!

By Lynn

Now, to your questions:

Why are we overweight?I think, for me, it was a lifetime of eating lots of carbs and sugar leading to insulin resistance and then trying all the wrong diets to get the weight off. In addition to the stress of being in a very high demand religious group that really took a whopping on me stress-wise (and a divorce for leaving the group). It was too much to deal with life, much less stick to any kind of diet during that time. I was doing good to get up in the mornings.

Why are we staying this way?Change is hard! It has to encompass our whole life (body, soul, mind) - a true lifestyle change and relationship with food change.

Why do we want to lose it?I just turned 40 and I am tired of my body not matching how I feel. I know it sounds silly but I often forget that I am fat and not that curvaceous young thang I used to be. I also would like to get married again one day and even I would not date me right now.

I want to be healthy and able to take care of myself into my sunset years. Married or not, I do not want to depend on others to do things for me that I should be able to do if I take care of my body now.

Why are we resisting?Change is hard and it *is* embarrassing to have people notice me because of my weight, even if it's because it's going down. I do not like to be the center of attention, like you, I prefer to blend in.

Why is this time different?I am very motivated to be healthy and independent. I now have much more knowledge about the hows and whys of LC, proper diet and exercise. Having that understanding, I think, is tremendously empowering and that much more motivating.

Quality of life! I want to be able to go, do and enjoy without the restrictions that extra weight and health issues puts on me. I am eternally grateful to Jimmy for this opportunity / challenge, to those who read my journal on his forums and the others who share their knowledge: Jimmy's readers, the Eades, Taubes, etc....

Have a great day!

By Solshine

Here are my thoughts on everything you asked:

Why am I overweight?
I think it all stems back to my younger years. As a child I was always tiny, I was very sickly and had loads of medical problems. When I was 9 years old, I had an operation that solved all of my problems. I started growing and I started finally putting on weight to be in the normal ranges. My Mom had always had to force feed me because I was always so sick and didn't want to eat. All of a sudden, I had desire to eat and as a result started growing and gaining weight. My parents were so happy they encouraged me to eat! Then I got really chubby, the sort of cute chubby that kids are. When I went to a new school I got involved in athletics and began running and lifting weights. The weight fell off. I stayed very active for my school years and was eating probably enormous portions of food to fuel all of my activity. When I was 18 I was in a very bad car accident and couldn't resume my normal activites for months because of my injuries. I ate the same way I had been eating and started gaining weight.

Why am I staying this way?
Something happened, I stopped seeing myself. I didn't realize that my weight was out of control for many years. I wouldn't have my picture taken, I refused to be videotaped at family functions. I knew I was a big girl. I am nearly 6 ft tall and since I hit my growth spurt I have towered over most of my family members and all of my friends, even boyfriends.

Why do I want to lose it?
This is a very personal answer for me, not easy to say either. I don't usually talk about it because I get really sad. I want to lose weight so that I can have a baby. At my current weight, the complications I would have are not worth it. I talked to my doctor and he recommended I lose at least 80 lbs before I considered getting pregnant. My husband and I discussed all the concerns and together we decided that is what I need to do. I know there are women my size who have babies all the time, but we want to have a healthy pregnancy and a healthy baby, (I am not getting any younger!). Due to my age and financial responsibilities we will most likely only have one child. We are trying to be smart about the whole thing.

Why am I resisting?
I have to relearn everything! I am learning how to eat, what to eat, how much to eat. I am learning that I can't sit on the couch all day long watching tv and expect the pounds to come off. It takes a while for the brain to switch. I also have had several setbacks (injury, surgury, medical issues) that put me back to square one. Going back to square one sucks rotten eggs big time! Then depression sets in, and the cycle starts all over again.

Why is this time different?
This time is different because I am tired of failing, I am tired of being depressed and I am tired of my life passing me by while I get a bigger ass on the couch. This time I have set up a no fail enviroment with my blog and now youtube videos. I have been lucky enough to find all of the others like me out there in the world who struggle. Who understand what I am going through. I have done my research, I have read the books, I have the support of my doctors. I have the support of my husband, my family, and my new internet buddies. Together we can do it, and if I have to hop on a plane to knock some sense into one of you who falls off the wagon, you'd better watchout, I might just do it! LOL
Erika, thank you so very much for posting these questions <3>

By Sadekat

Why are we overweight?
I've always been overweight. Even as a kid I was overweight. I guess then I just didn't know any other way. I was even ok with it, until I saw a picture of myself over 300 pounds. I then realized how far out of control I really was. I still have that picture. I cried over it for weeks. Why didn't I realize it before the picture? I don't know the answer to that. It was kind of like being the opposite of an anorexic. When I looked in the mirror, I didn't see my fat self. I saw someone who wasn't so bad. That picture opened my eyes.

Why are we staying this way?
I think I came across my answer a few years ago. I have it all. A great husband, a great son. A great marriage. I'm happy. My sister lost her husband to a heart attack at age 39. My brother lost his 2 girls to a drunk driver. My other sister, her husband has always had LOTS of health issues, her children have all spent time in jail. My younger brother, though now has turned his life around, was into drugs and hanging with people who weren't the greatest influence. If I lost the weight, I would have it all. Being fat was MY punishment for having a happy life when the other members of my family did not.
I also have issues with standing out. Not that anyone would give me attention for my looks, but my WHOLE family is over weight. I never wanted to be the one who stood out.

Why do we want to lose it?
Since the picture episode, I've always wanted to lose it. Just could never figure out how and not tip the issues I just listed above. Now that I'm older I just realized I have to do this for ME.

Why are we resisting?
I don't know the answer to that yet. I do know that when I see the scales going down. I usually will sabotage at some point. A few years ago when I got down to 230. Scared the tar out of me when people started noticing that I was loosing.

Why is this time different?
I've been working on not letting others get to me. It doesn't matter now what others think. I'm doing this for ME, no one else...
I also discovered Coconut oil. When I eat more fat I feel fuller. When I was LCing before I kept listening to the dietitians, doctors, and friends that fat was bad for you. So I would always try to cut it down. Which in turn would bring back cravings and the cycle begins all over again.

What am I focusing on this time to make it different - psychologically?
Trying to listen to my body and my needs. I was never a breakfast person. So I don't eat it now. I don't care if 'they' say its the most important meal of the day. If my body says its not hungry than I don't eat. Coconut oil has REALLY helped with this also.
I'm also focusing on -'I do have the right to be happy, what has happened to others is NOT my fault.' When I do lose this weight, it doesn't mean that I will lose what is important to me.

By NewVision



I have some comments I'd like to make on the above posts but my bf is over. He's flying to the USA on the 22nd and I wont see him again until late Feb so I'll get back to you tomorrow with everything.

If anyone else wants to take a lot inside yourself with the questions listed in yesterday's post, you're most welcome. I'll add them here as they come in :)

EDIT:
Just like Sybil, I see myself in all of you. Maybe that's why we're all here. Bayoubabe, my bf loves me no matter my size as well so it makes it hard(er) when looking for motivation. Part of your mind wants to do it but the whole of you needs to or you're just going to go through the yo-yo. Is what the doctor said strong enough for you?

What would your answer be to: What am I focusing on this time to make it different - psychologically?


Lynn, you know how much I think it would be peaceful to go around unnoticed? I wouldn't have mysterious people in shops asking my opinion on things, I wouldn't have people on the escalator smiling at me and my friends always asking if I know that person. And at work, I think the expectations would be a lot lower.

Anyway, that's now what we're here to talk about lol ;)

How is your skin? I always think carbs can age skin a lot more and you said your ageing has been accelerated. If you've always been thin, I would think that it would be easier for you to lose again because you're already in the right frame of mind and adjusted to that. That's the hope I cling to for myself. Say it's true? :) What happens when you actually do begin to lose?

Solshine, I can't believe you've come out of such experiences with the strength and drive that you have. It's wonderful.

"Even I would not date me right now" - completely untrue! You deserve to be loved (and dated) no matter your size. If you put things off until you lose weight, you may never get there because you wont have that added contentment driving you.

Sadekat *hugs* .... *big hugs* ... what are the reasons you can't try for a baby now? Friends of mine have been huge and have had successful pregnancies. They found them more painful than otherwise, but I figure pregnancy is a painful experience overall anyway.

I don't know, I just worry about time getting on. Maybe it's the initiating Aries in me.

I hope I'm not making the situation worse by expressing these opinions.

NewVision, I can relate to you so much. Having a good life overall can sometimes bring guilt. You reason in your mind that it shouldn't - "people make their own decisions" afterall - but then you need to believe it as well. And that's where the difficulty sets in.

Relatives CHOOSE to live the way they do, including at the weight they are. I was one of the thinnest in my family too, but I feel guilty about that. At 5'9" I'm taller than everyone including my male cousin, and to have a symmetrical face and be thinner would just be too much for some of them.

We're keeping ourselves down.

I don't have an answer on how to overcome this, but I really hope we figure that out together. :)