Weight Loss Help...with The Chunky Monkeys!
Lounge By TexasSugar Updated 28 Oct 2011 , 1:50pm by TexasSugar
thanks, butternut! I thought I'd have a problem increasing the exercise, but when you have a dog with a bladder problem, it's pretty easy to work in three 10 minute walks a day! 
indydebi - there ya go. Exercise is exercise. I am trying to increase my time on the treadmill each day. But like all of us, sometimes it's hard to find that extra 5 or 10 minutes. I sometimes find myself feeling a bit guilty that I'm taking time for myself to exercise and I know that I need to get over that. I mean, our health is really important, right? We ARE worth taking at least 30 minutes a day to ourselves to work on being healthy. So, from now on I AM taking some time for myself and everything else will just have to wait..... Wow, I'm feeling fiesty today.
Sorry for the wrong figures. My current weight is 110-115 pounds( I gain 5 pounds during PMS times).
Exercise is important. I walk everywhere here. My husband and I never owned a car and take the subways or taxi here in NY.
I take a 20 minute walk after every meal, or I ride my stationary bike for 20 minutes. It's been amazing the difference it has made in my life. I have more energy, more stamina, I don't get winded climbing stairs as I once did. I've lost 95 lbs since June 1, 2009, and have more to go, but I will get there. Life is great, and getting better every day.
Hi sugar frosted-
congratulations on your weight loss.
Sugarfrosted - that is some serious weight loss. Congratulations!!!! You have really done great. I know it must make a tremendous difference in how you feel. I know that when I'm heavier, just walking a couple of blocks can be a challenge. Yep, get winded very quickly. Now I can run around a bit more with my grandson. Yes, life is getting better and better.
I have no doubt that you will reach your goal. AWESOME!!!
Thanks so much, bakescakes2010 and butternut. It's been a hard "row to hoe" as they say. But I am getting there. However, Exercise is NOT what causes weight loss. Nutrition changes ( i.e. decrease calories, cut out refined carbs, limit total carbs and fat, increase fiber, etc) are what make the REAL difference. Exercise tones and firms and increases energy and stamina.
The catalyst for this was being diagnosed with Type 2 Diabetes last June. It was the kick in the butt I needed to make some serious life changes. I have stuck to my plan of lifestyle and nutrition changes, even on holidays and when going out to eat. I am not now, and haven't been, on any diabetes medications. I recommend the American Diabetes Assoc. meal plan for anyone who wants to make a change. It is healthy nutrition for anyone, not just diabetics. My dietitian says everyone should eat this way.
Today's fast food & couch potato habits are creating the diabetics of tomorrow. Type 2 Diabetes is being diagnosed in younger and younger people, kids even.
Please take good care of yourselves. Get an A1c lab test done. Get active. Be aware of what's happening INSIDE your body, not just the numbers on the scales or how you look or how your clothes fit.
SugarFrosted - great advice. Thanks so much for sharing. It was when the Dr told me that I was pre diabetic and my cholesterol was elevated that I decided, enough was enough and I got serious about the weight loss. I'm so sorry that I didn't try to prevent it from happening in the first place. With the weight loss thus far, I have managed to bring down all the levels with the exception of the LDL. I'm really trying to increase the exercise and am keeping a check on the saturated and trans fats that I consume. I'm going to do all I can to try to change it. If it's still high, it's because it runs in my family and I'll accept that medication is necessary. But I'm gonna do my darnest not to go that route.
SugarFrosted - great advice. Thanks so much for sharing. It was when the Dr told me that I was pre diabetic and my cholesterol was elevated that I decided, enough was enough and I got serious about the weight loss.
My "serious" moment was when my college was having a Health Fair and I got my blood pressure checked. Let's just say I pulled the cigarettes out of my purse right that second,dropped them in the trash and looked up the local weight watchers office.
Being able to wear a "non-fat-lady" mother of the groom dress this October is just, as we say, Icing on the Cake!!! 
indydebi- That is so great that you stopped smoking. I smoked for about 4-5 years in my younger days and then gave them up once I realized that nothing good came from them. All of my family members at the time smoked and to this day have medical problems due to the smoking. We both made very wise choices to quit.
I was just a fair-weather smoker anyway .... Only smoked in the summer because it was too cold to go outside in the winter. Hubby and I figured out long ago that we must not have the "addictive gene" that was discovered a few years ago because he was the same way ..... when he ran out of cigs, he just stopped buying them. No big deal.
Awesome. Yeah, you know when someone is really addicted when you see them standing outside a restaurant or business in well below freezing temps standing there smoking a cigarette and shivering the whole time. 
Hello Everyone!
I'll have to take time to catch up and the posts later. I just knew that if I didn't pop in and say 'hi' I would stay gone for another week or two. I've really fallen off the wagon. I've gained about six pounds and quit exercising. Everday I tell myself 'this is the day I get myself together' . But (are you ready for the excuses!?) it's so hot and the day just flies by. Next thing I know it's time for bed and I'm telling myself 'tomorrow I get back on track'.
But as soon as finish this post I'm getting on the exercise machine. Even if it's just for five minutes!
Congrats to everyone and their successes! I quit smoking abouteleven years ago. It was tough, and still is! I was a two pack a day smoker. And I still crave a smoke. But I am very thankful that I quit.
SugarFrosted - I would love some info on the diabetic diet you were talking about. My father-in-law has diabeties and I know that puts my hubby and kids at risk. I try to watch eveyone's diet, but some of them are pretty picky and pretty addicted to alot of junk. I know, if I don't bring it into the house, they can't eat it! I'm working on it. Trying to get away from white breads, especially with high fructose corn syrup. I'm trying to knock that out completely. But, baby steps!
Ok, I'm going to stop rambling and go exercise! I feel better already! I've missed y'all!
Melissa
Hey Melissa. Good to see you on again. Hey, we all have our ups and downs. Please don't beat yourself up about it. Today is a brand new day. Forget about yesterday and go forth. It's tough sometimes to get back on that horse but you can do it. Try to be focused and think positive. I have total faith in you!!
I'm getting ready to get out of town. I'll check in when I get back. Hope everyone has a wonderful and healthy week. Take care!
Hey guys. I would love to join this group for inspiration. I also have a battle with my weight and Type II diabetes. I CRAVE sugar. I loose then I regain... My blood sugar is my demon. It is a constant battle with me. I love to cook and seem to always fall off the wagon the second I try and get back on. I'm so glad I found this post so I can follow it for support.
Shermie1 - Hello there, and welcome to our Chunky Monkey group. I'm so sorry to hear about your diabetes problem. I hope that you are able to keep it under control. I assume that you are on meds. I was pre-diabetic when I started losing weight. I had it checked again a couple of weeks ago after losing about 40 lbs and it had gone down drastically. NO longer am I pre diabetic. I'm really glad you joined our group. We all have our ups and downs but we keep on plugging away and I do believe that we will all reach our goals. We're always here for each other and we can really relate to each other and the changes that we are going through. I've been through the yo yo cycle more times than I care to count. This time is the last time. Let's make this the last time for both of us. We can do this. We'll do it together!!!!
Shermie1 - Welcome! You'll love it here. Just remember that when you slip it's ok, just pick yourself up and keep going!
I get frustrated with myself because I know better. I keep making the same mistakes. My Pastor says 'if you want the same results, keep doing the same thing!'. But I'm feeling pretty good this morning - I did exercise for about ten minutes and I'll do more later. I'm just glad that I did something!
Hope everone has a great, healthy day!
Melissa
Thanks butternut & florida gal.... I'll certainly be around a LOT !!!
elimating white sugar, white flour and junk food helped me to loose from 240 pounds to 110 in 3 years. I am on the weight watchers diet but eat no sugar and flour.
Exercise is important-try to move 30 minutes a day.
I lost weight by following a weight watchers diet. Stay away from the cakes and cookies. Pastries, cakes, cookies made me gain weight.
Hey guys. I would love to join this group for inspiration. I also have a battle with my weight and Type II diabetes. I CRAVE sugar. I loose then I regain... My blood sugar is my demon. It is a constant battle with me. I love to cook and seem to always fall off the wagon the second I try and get back on. I'm so glad I found this post so I can follow it for support.
Welcome! I have Type II diabetes, too. I am also a member of a monthly weight loss group on dLife.com, a diabetes forum. Lots of diabetics like us, struggling with the same issues, supporting each other and offering recipe suggestions, etc. If you are interested and a member on dLife, please have a look on the forums for Weight Loss Buddies. There is a new thread every month.
Our mentor on dLife is a Type II who has lost 100 lbs and kept it off. If you are not a member, come have a look around! PM me here if you would like a direct link. We all need all the help we can get. There are a few non-diabetics there also, who have diabetes in the family and are taking a pro-active approach to try to avoid complications later on in life.
That invitation is open to anyone who is diabetic or has that potential.
SugarFrosted - I would love some info on the diabetic diet you were talking about. My father-in-law has diabeties and I know that puts my hubby and kids at risk. I try to watch eveyone's diet, but some of them are pretty picky and pretty addicted to alot of junk. I know, if I don't bring it into the house, they can't eat it! I'm working on it. Trying to get away from white breads, especially with high fructose corn syrup. I'm trying to knock that out completely. But, baby steps!
The meal plan I use is from the American Diabetes Association. It was personalized for me when I went for my diabetes classes after I was diagnosed. It began as 1800 calories, but I count carbs. At the beginning I was allowed approximately 30-45 Gms = 2-3 Carbs servings per meal (not counting veggie carbs) and 1-2 Carb servings for a snack 3 times a day. Also, a maximum of 6 oz protein per day total, spread however I wanted over my meals. As time has gone by, I have needed to "adjust" it to my personal preferences, but it is still within the limits set forth in the original plan. You can have most anything you want, IF you allow for it and count it in your daily allowances.I also check my blood sugar daily, and if I add a new food, because every diabetic reacts differently.
After I'd lost about 65 lbs, I needed to decrease to 2 Carb servings per meal, to continue to lose weight. I eat lots of raw veggies, rarely any cooked. I use Sara Lee DeLightful whole wheat low-carb bread. I eat oatmeal for breakfast. I try to avoid anything with any sort of added sugar. High fructose corn syrup is not allowed in my house. I drink mostly water, with Crystal Light. Whole grains, fresh fruit and veggies, skim milk, low-fat cheese, lean meat. It's not rocket science. It's common sense and self control. I won't say it isn't hard sometimes, but it does work.
The thing about junk food and high carb/high fat..it's very addictive. The more you eat, the more you want. Breaking the cycle is the only way to get out of it. I quit cold turkey. But, I do have an occasional small piece of dark chocolate. The minute you tell a person, you CAN"T have that, that is the thing they want most in the world. You know what I mean. So have a bite or two of whatever, but ONLY a bite or two. When I was first diagnosed, I was worried I'd have to quit doing cakes. My dietitian said, "When you taste to see if a recipe is right, JUST TASTE! You don't need to eat a whole cake or a cup of frosting. Just a dab will tell you if it's right. Be in control!" She's right.
I hope this all makes sense 
I'll be happy to answer any more questions, specific things if you want. Just ask!
Welcome Indy and Shermie!! 
Sugarfrosted, you are sooo right about the addiction to fat and carbs!
My doctor has me on a lower-carb diet, mostly for weight control now, and to prepare myself for when I'm older. You see, hypothyroidism isn't the ONLY thing that runs in my family, every.single.generation. Before I was diagnosed with hypothyroidism, I was glaring down a future of Type II Diabetes, high cholesterol, high blood pressure and obesity. In fact, at the ripe-old-age of 26, my cholesterol was 250, overall.
Since finding the right dosage of meds, I did lose weight (I gained half of it back though, which is what I'm dealing with now), my cholesterol last check was 164 and my thyroid symptoms went away.
Oh! And:
Jade's #2 Tip for feeling thinner! It's all about what makes YOU feel sexy. Whether it's new underwear, lingerie or just an outfit that makes you feel fabulous. If you like sleep shirts, try one in satin. Find an article of clothing that you can feel good in. It's amazing how much thinner you feel when you feel a bit sexy. Age or weight is not the issue here ladies! Your chin will be raised, shoulders back, and you'll walk with a bit of a swagger. 
Hello, my name is iamcakin', and I'm fat... 
I need to lose 10 lbs four times! I'm 5' even...okay in my dreams, I'm really 4' 11". Family hx of HBP and diabetes.
Last your I broke my foot jumping off the tail-gait of the truck - I cater as well as cake. My foot began giving me some trouble so I went in last week to have it checked and my BP was sky high.
Don't want to be fat, tired, dumpy and no fun any longer.
I'm joining WW this week, I'd like to join this group, too.
You all are all very inspirational, thanks for sharing your stories.
Another visual technique that worked. I stop by a costco store and look at a 25 lb back or rice or flour. I carried that much excess fat in me and remember how much it was difficult for me to walk in the NY.
If you look at a bag of rice and see how much you need to loose- you will start thinking that eating a healthy diet is important.
Stay away from sugar, flour and junk food.
Welcome to those that have joined us lately!
I know I've been quiet the last week plus. I'm up, still and a little more so. I know what to do to fix it and I know why, I just can't get myself to do it. I'm semi stressed out and this weekend was pretty down so that wasn't helping me out any. Today I'm in a better mood, so I'm hoping I can hold on to it and improve upon things around me.
Good luck to everyone!
Hello, my name is iamcakin', and I'm fat...
I need to lose 10 lbs four times! I'm 5' even...okay in my dreams, I'm really 4' 11". Family hx of HBP and diabetes.
Last your I broke my foot jumping off the tail-gait of the truck - I cater as well as cake. My foot began giving me some trouble so I went in last week to have it checked and my BP was sky high.
Don't want to be fat, tired, dumpy and no fun any longer.
I'm joining WW this week, I'd like to join this group, too.
You all are all very inspirational, thanks for sharing your stories.
I am 5ft tall (on a tall day ) so I am right down there in Munchkinland with you.
This time last year I weighed 260 lbs. and now I am at 165 and still slowly but surely losing. So...if I can do it... I mean anyone, seriously...ANYONE! can do it.
I would love to join this group. I am so happy this is here.
Thanks for the warm welcome, I'm looking forward to being a part of y'all.
Sugarfrosted, I love your phrase, "On a tall day", I'm going to use that!
Well, I weighed in at a hefty171. Oh, I could barely type that...but hopefully it will be the last time.
Hope everyone's weekend is a happy one.
Iamcaking, when I started this 4 years ago I was 183, my lowest since then was 138 in March/April. Right now I'm sitting in the mid 140s. I'm also just 5', so I understand having the weight on a small frame. But you can totally lose it if you put your mind to it.
Good luck everyone!
Hey everyone. Just got home from being out of town and thought I'd check the thread. WELCOME to all that have just joined us. It's so great to see you on here and we look forward to chatting with you. It's great to see more friends joining in.
I did pretty well with the eating while I was away, I THINK.... It's hard to figure out calories when you don't really know how some things are prepared at the restaurants. I do know that I chose what I thought was the healthiest. Soooo, we shall see. I go back out of town next week so the challenge will be on once again. But hey, I'm always up for a good challenge.
Gonna run, got unpacking to take care of. Just wanted to check in and say hello and wish everyone a wonderful week-end.......
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