Let’s share our journey for those of us that want to pursue a healthier lifestyle to lose weight.

[TTSDavid]

It has gone well. Since February between WW and Optavia I have lost over 50 pounds.

Today I saw myself on the feed from the alarm system. At first I thought who is that. It was me. I remember just a Few months ago i was the stocky girl when I saw the alarm system feed.

It has gone well. Since February between WW and Optavia I have lost over 50 pounds.

Today I saw myself on the feed from the alarm system. At first I thought who is that. It was me. I remember just a Few months ago i was the stocky girl when I saw the alarm system feed.

Glad to hear that it has gone well

 

[Quilter]

This thread is about a health journey so I'd like to suggest this podcast on aging. I've noticed several of the posters on this thread are 60+. https://drchatterjee.com/the-secret-to-ageing-well-with-dr-dan-levitin/

I listened to much of the podcast while fall cleanup in the garden and then while cooking dinner tonight.

 

[b2bailey]

I am so happy for this program. I have never felt so energetic in Disney World before. I am able to walk more than I usually do. I think this program has changed every aspect of my life. I am so grateful and thankful that I asked my coach how she lost her weight. It is a miracle for me. Hair is still thinning.

Cindy, just wanted to comment regarding hair loss. I've always had thick hair. Over the past year I started to find much more hair in my brush. Talked to doctor -- no surprise -- recommended biotin. Been taking it and don't see any improvement. I see hair loss in my forehead part. I'm mentioning this because I eat a balanced diet and still developed this issue.

 

[rickandcindy23]

Cindy, just wanted to comment regarding hair loss. I've always had thick hair. Over the past year I started to find much more hair in my brush. Talked to doctor -- no surprise -- recommended biotin. Been taking it and don't see any improvement. I see hair loss in my forehead part. I'm mentioning this because I eat a balanced diet and still developed this issue.

I don't know what to think of this hair issue. I also have always had very thick hair. I added fat to my diet, really eating more Keto type meals rather than lowfat meals. My hairdresser is having twins and is off of work for another two+ months. I am going to ask her what she thinks, as soon as those two little boys are born and she gets back to the salon.

I have lost another 2 pounds, now down 82 pounds. Pretty happy with where I am.

 

[rickandcindy23]

This thread is about a health journey so I'd like to suggest this podcast on aging. I've noticed several of the posters on this thread are 60+. https://drchatterjee.com/the-secret-to-ageing-well-with-dr-dan-levitin/

I listened to much of the podcast while fall cleanup in the garden and then while cooking dinner tonight.

I will definitely check those out. I am 65.

 

[b2bailey]

I don't know what to think of this hair issue. I also have always had very thick hair. I added fat to my diet, really eating more Keto type meals rather than lowfat meals. My hairdresser is having twins and is off of work for another two+ months. I am going to ask her what she thinks, as soon as those two little boys are born and she gets back to the salon.

I have lost another 2 pounds, now down 82 pounds. Pretty happy with where I am.

Pretty remarkable to have accomplished this during Covid.

 

[rickandcindy23]

Pretty remarkable to have accomplished this during Covid.

I prayed for this miracle, and that is exactly what it is. I could actually continue to eat this way forever and not add in calories. I am kind of worried about going to more normal eating. I will always eat six times a day, but I am still eating 110 calories for lunch and breakfast. I should add some calories to both meals, but I am worried.

 

[b2bailey]

I prayed for this miracle, and that is exactly what it is. I could actually continue to eat this way forever and not add in calories. I am kind of worried about going to more normal eating. I will always eat six times a day, but I am still eating 110 calories for lunch and breakfast. I should add some calories to both meals, but I am worried.

My sister has struggled with her weight for many years. At the moment she can barely walk due to hip pain. Her doctor said she must lose 50 pounds before he will do surgery. 6 months ago I suggested your program -- but she resisted saying she would gain it all back. I've tried to suggest she lose the weight, have surgery, and then worry about that regaining part. I can hear your own concern. I pray God will give you part two of your miracle and allow you to receive a complete healing in regard to food.

 

[Panina]

I prayed for this miracle, and that is exactly what it is. I could actually continue to eat this way forever and not add in calories. I am kind of worried about going to more normal eating. I will always eat six times a day, but I am still eating 110 calories for lunch and breakfast. I should add some calories to both meals, but I am worried.

You have done so well. Maybe its time to add calories and see What happens. I lost 50 and then ate more for a few weeks weeks and then lost 4 more, now on second week of maintaining and then will Aim for 5 more And then maintain for awhile and then 5 more.

There is just so long you can stay on such low calories. Imo you can’t get complete nutrition.

 

[Panina]

I am back!

This weight loss stuff can be so overwhelming at times. I have taken it one day at a time, not projecting, not wishing, not thinking I failed before, just one day at a time dealing with each obstacle as it came.

Actually to me it is unbelievable that I lost over 50 pounds. I went from an xl to a medium clothing size. When I packed to move I got rid of many clothing. I took what fit. I moved here 5 weeks ago and packed about 3 weeks prior. In 8 weeks since most of the clothing I took are way too big. I only lost about 4 pounds in those 8 weeks but it seems my body redistributed inches. Each day I try on a few pieces, I fold and set aside what is too big.

Until a few days ago I was wearing my big clothes. I have a security camera outside. I noticed I looked so much smaller in it when I wore the right size. So now I only wear oversized clothing to sleep, waking hours the right size.

I am comfortable with my size but have decided to try and lose another 20 pounds for health. I deep down believe I survived that episode a couple of months back I had with my heart beating 180 beats a minute with irregular ekg because my body had lost all the weight. I doubt my body could have handled it with all the weight and not being fit. So after not trying to lose the last month I started yesterday again.

PS, getting rid of my clothing should is a joy, it is, but it also comes with a sadness of letting them go, it makes so sense

Todays pile, bye bye.

 

[rickandcindy23]

Oh man, have I gotten rid of clothes. The Salvation Army has been a crazy place lately, so many people are donating clothes. I saw at least six cars in the line behind us, when we waited to drop off at our local SA.

I love that my closet doesn't have 4 sizes, leaving me room for a bunch of new clothes. I still wear my bigger shirts a lot, but I really need to go down one size. I have always been big on top, and I didn't lose that weight as I thought I would. I now have an hour-glass figure and am no longer a big ol' apple.

The XL shirts are too big, however. My DIL commented that my favorite long-sleeve tee is too big. It's a pretty floral tee, which I love. I know it's big, and it even falls off of my shoulder, but maybe I can bunch it together around the waist and put a knot or something, to keep that fabric in place.

 

[VacationForever]

We have a local women's shelter for domestic abuse and someone in our community opened up a thrift store where 100% of proceeds go to the women's shelter. The whole organization and the thrift store are really amazing and I tear up each time they present at our monthly women luncheon at the club. Anyway I have packed a ton of skinny clothes which will go to the thrift store. They will also be getting a nearly new King size bed frame and mattress together with side tables.

I figure I will never be as skinny as I once was again and accept my current weight while I maintain it. Because we are moving, I am committed to reducing my wardrobe by half, including my custom made wedding dress which I had never worn to my wedding. I was a runaway bride who got cold feet. Lots of clothes and memories will go but that's what time does to us.

 

[Quilter]

This thread got quiet as Thanksgiving rolled around.

Everybody back to pre -Thanksgiving weight?

My BIL was with us for Thanksgiving. We added a few sides to our meal (and leftovers) that aren’t in our daily lifestyle. I saw the scale jump up a few pounds but it seems to have settled back to a comfortable set point. Still living the new routine here and loving it.

Have doctors appointment on Wednesday to go over October blood draw. He also gave me a saliva test to do at home to measure cortisol levels throughout the day. That will be interesting as it was suggested in conjunction with sleep issues I was having. In the meantime I’ve listened to a helpful book on sleep by Nick Littlehales and discovered the “Calm” app. Both have helped me not stress when I wake up and I’m able to get back to sleep.

 

[rickandcindy23]

We have a local women's shelter for domestic abuse and someone in our community opened up a thrift store where 100% of proceeds go to the women's shelter. The whole organization and the thrift store are really amazing and I tear up each time they present at our monthly women luncheon at the club. Anyway I have packed a ton of skinny clothes which will go to the thrift store. They will also be getting a nearly new King size bed frame and mattress together with side tables.

I figure I will never be as skinny as I once was again and accept my current weight while I maintain it. Because we are moving, I am committed to reducing my wardrobe by half, including my custom made wedding dress which I had never worn to my wedding. I was a runaway bride who got cold feet. Lots of clothes and memories will go but that's what time does to us.

I didn't see this post. I donated to SA but would love to donate to a shelter thrift store. I have a lot more clothes I put aside before coming to Orlando a week ago. My husband said I need to stop going through the closet until after Christmas. It's another errand that he doesn't necessarily want to add during the holiday season.

 

[rickandcindy23]

This thread got quiet as Thanksgiving rolled around.

Everybody back to pre -Thanksgiving weight?

My BIL was with us for Thanksgiving. We added a few sides to our meal (and leftovers) that aren’t in our daily lifestyle. I saw the scale jump up a few pounds but it seems to have settled back to a comfortable set point. Still living the new routine here and loving it.

Have doctors appointment on Wednesday to go over October blood draw. He also gave me a saliva test to do at home to measure cortisol levels throughout the day. That will be interesting as it was suggested in conjunction with sleep issues I was having. In the meantime I’ve listened to a helpful book on sleep by Nick Littlehales and discovered the “Calm” app. Both have helped me not stress when I wake up and I’m able to get back to sleep.

I didn't gain weight, didn't gain even a pound. I did eat turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, gravy, brussels sprouts, and our daughter's delicious cranberry orange relish. I made sure my plate was sparse on the carbs, but I wanted to experience everything. I even ate a piece of pumpkin pie in place of a fueling. A bit of a cheat, but I loved it. Ate the repeat meal the next day. I am being good in Orlando, eating my lean and green and my five fuelings. Super happy to be where I am right now. I will never go back.

 

[Panina]

My weight had been steady. I have easily kept the 50 pounds off. Right now trying for 10 more and lost one already. I look and feel fine but feel the extra loss will be better for my health long term. I also had to get rid of my old clothing. I purchased some online to get me through. I am now a size medium top and 10-12 pants depending on the brand. I have started working out to try and build small muscle mass on my arms and thighs to help with the crinkly skin. I find moisturizer helps a lot. My diet secret to keep it off is to stay away from sugar and to limit carbs to under 20 each time I eat plus I eat smaller meals about 5-6 times a day. I haven’t felt this good in years.

 

[Synergy]

How did I miss this thread?? I guess I rarely check the lounge... I'm in, though! I could use a place to post for accountability.

My story: hit PeakFluffy in spring of 2018. Got a new more active job, lost ~40lbs slowly by fall 2019 - ate pretty much nothing but lean meat and vegetables, ended up having some trouble keeping my legs from going floppy. Stopped dieting and took a less physically demanding job, regained about 20lbs over the winter.

Ugh. Got remotivated in Feb 2020. Did well slowly losing for several months despite the pandemic, then pretty much gave up on everything for late summer and into the fall. Got back on track in mid November - I'm 25lbs down from my worst, but still have 35lbs to go to my goal.

I don't have a specific diet, but I tend to go highish protein, lowish carbs, and moderate fats. The lower carbs seem to keep my appetite under control. I am not good at portion control, it is much easier for me to just eat my fill of lower calorie foods. If I could just make myself exercise I know my progress would be a lot faster, but I'm sooo embarrassingly lazy.

My best to others fighting the battle! It's not easy, but it is simple. We've got this!

 

[rickandcindy23]

How did I miss this thread?? I guess I rarely check the lounge... I'm in, though! I could use a place to post for accountability.

My story: hit PeakFluffy in spring of 2018. Got a new more active job, lost ~40lbs slowly by fall 2019 - ate pretty much nothing but lean meat and vegetables, ended up having some trouble keeping my legs from going floppy. Stopped dieting and took a less physically demanding job, regained about 20lbs over the winter.

Ugh. Got remotivated in Feb 2020. Did well slowly losing for several months despite the pandemic, then pretty much gave up on everything for late summer and into the fall. Got back on track in mid November - I'm 25lbs down from my worst, but still have 35lbs to go to my goal.

I don't have a specific diet, but I tend to go highish protein, lowish carbs, and moderate fats. The lower carbs seem to keep my appetite under control. I am not good at portion control, it is much easier for me to just eat my fill of lower calorie foods. If I could just make myself exercise I know my progress would be a lot faster, but I'm sooo embarrassingly lazy.

My best to others fighting the battle! It's not easy, but it is simple. We've got this!

My journey was pretty easy. I love the program. I needed something that didn't require any planning, except my one dinner. It's been super easy. But I think eating six times a day is the key, small meals, 110 calories, some balance of carbs and protein.

For breakfast, I feel absolutely spoiled. Rick makes me a Kodiak Keto pancake with a squirt of Skinny Girl salted caramel syrup, the kind you put in coffee. He also adds a drop or two of liquid sweetener and some cinnamon. I use about a tablespoon of SF maple syrup. That is about 240 calories for that pancake. It's first thing in the morning, so it's helping me with my hunger. I have been eating 80 calorie greek yogurt for one meal, Built Bars for a meal here and there (130 calories each), and some shakes and brownies I have left from the Optavia foods. I am done buying the food. I don't need it anymore. But I do highly recommend doing it for a bit, until you feel that you have the hang of the small meals, 2-3 hours between meals, so that you are eating a total of six times a day.

 

[Quilter]

BIL is back for a short visit. He left a few days after Thanksgiving. He got on the scale and is down another 6 lbs. Honestly, since he's not a cooker I don't know what he eats when he's not here but he says he's following "our diet". I remind him I'm not on a "diet" and that my diet is a lifestyle way of eating. He suggested it was keto and I had to repeat that it's not keto because we have more carbs than keto and I go back to the term Dr. Hyman uses which is Pegan. Whatever it is, it's working for him.

Tonight we had a pork tenderloin that I marinaded in a citrus herb mixture I got from Thrive: https://thrivemarket.com/p/the-new-...MIrZWDhqnR7QIVkcDACh2qcgMkEAQYASABEgKBnPD_BwE

When I was planning the morning grocery shop I had looked up recipes for the tenderloin. Found a Garlic/Honey recipe and looked it over for directions and how much honey it wanted. 1/2 C honey with a note that maple syrup could be substituted. I considered mixing the 2 or even using half the amount and adding a touch of monk fruit. Then I remembered I had the bottle of citrus herb marinade in the cupboard. It's a Whole 30 approved item so I used it instead. It was a winner. I let it marinade through the afternoon. Both men commented on the tangy flavor in the meat. It would be good on chicken too.

I paired it with leftover mixed veggies, steamed asparagus and a Mashed Cauliflower. The guys really liked the cauliflower.

In another thread on the Marriott forum someone was asking for restaurant suggestions near Ocean Pointe. When considering our favorites my first choice is one that uses cleaner ingredients (grass fed meat, organic products). Still, 2 of the things I would normally have to round out a meal were the Sangria and Tres Leches cake. Not exactly in the daily lifestyle any more. Would I have them as a "one off" meal if we were at the resort? Maybe. Probably.

Then there's the restaurants offering a waterside/marina atmosphere. Decent tasting food but lower quality ingredients. On a regular routine my menu choices would send my weight and numbers out of whack. I say "my menu choices" because when the old favorites are an option I find the habit hard to resist. Like the bread basket.

Our plans are 2 months on Hilton Head for January and February. Lots of restaurant choices. We plan to eat in most of the time and time will tell how the new lifestyle alters our previous habits of resort living. C19 surely was a factor to help our lifestyle change with no dine in restaurant eating since early March. No patio for us either. Carry out has even been minimal.

 

[rickandcindy23]

Restaurants are closed except for pickup orders or delivery in CO. I have been kind of eating the same 10 meals or so during Covid-19. Proven meals that are low-carb and healthy, and that has really helped me get into a habit of eating at home, which is good over a restaurant, and in allowing me to maintain my weight loss.

With just a small variation from the 5 and 1, adding a few calories to lunch and breakfast with my pancake, I have maintained, but I did gain 3 pounds in Orlando for two weeks. I was eating more carbs at the restaurants, including tortilla chips at Chili's, tortilla chips and flour tortilla at Garibaldi's, and baked potatoes at Smokey Bones. I even took a few bites of bread. That was a lesson for me not to go hog wild.

We got back Saturday, we flew into Orlando on SW with a 2/3 capacity plane, flew back on a 100% full plane. The plane was a concern, being in the parks is always a concern, but we decided we need to live our lives. No Covid symptoms for the two of us. Restaurants are open and working at 50% capacity.

We are generally not afraid of Covid (we had the immunity) but haven't had the immunity test for about six months, so I wouldn't take any crazy chances, just in case the immunity has left our bodies. Some would say that flying is a crazy chance. There is risk.

As most people know, starting 3/1, we had very mild Covid symptoms for about 9 days, 3 days that required us to be in bed much of the day because even my Lazyboy reclining furniture didn't feel good for my back and lungs. Rick's chest hurt, and for me it was my back. I felt pain when sitting up against anything. So the bed on my side was where I was for much of those three days. But you can only stay in bed so long, and then it gets boring and old. I couldn't read on my side.

 

[rickandcindy23]

Went to the dentist this past Thursday. My blood pressure was crazy high. I assume I need to add some aerobic activity to my life. I have maintained my low weight, 82 pounds lost, but high blood pressure, losing my hair, and all of this extra skin, I am hoping exercise will take care of all of those concerns My BP was 190 over 110. Rick took it when we got home and it was a lot lower, but still pretty high for someone who is supposedly healthier. Here I come, exercise bike I bought like 5 years ago and rarely use.

 

[Luanne]

Went to the dentist this past Thursday. My blood pressure was crazy high. I assume I need to add some aerobic activity to my life. I have maintained my low weight, 82 pounds lost, but high blood pressure, losing my hair, and all of this extra skin, I am hoping exercise will take care of all of those concerns My BP was 190 over 110. Rick took it when we got home and it was a lot lower, but still pretty high for someone who is supposedly healthier. Here I come, exercise bike I bought like 5 years ago and rarely use.

Cindy, did you have high blood pressure before you lost weight? I was put on blood pressure medication when I was at my heaviest and hoped to be able to go off of it when I lost weight. That didn't happen. I was able to reduce the amount I was taking, but I still need the blood pressure meds.

 

[rickandcindy23]

Cindy, did you have high blood pressure before you lost weight? I was put on blood pressure medication when I was at my heaviest and hoped to be able to go off of it when I lost weight. That didn't happen. I was able to reduce the amount I was taking, but I still need the blood pressure meds.

I was on meds for about 3 months of my life but started exercising like a crazy person because the side effects were just so terrible for me. One medicine gave me dry mouth and I coughed all night long. The other one made me feel like I had morning sickness. I decided I needed to stop taking those pills. I was able to move my BP down to 100 over 60. I am prepared to do that again. I rode my exercise bike twice a day, 45 minutes each time back then, but it was 10 years ago. I know that because our granddaughter was 3.

 

[VacationForever]

I was on meds for about 3 months of my life but started exercising like a crazy person because the side effects were just so terrible for me. One medicine gave me dry mouth and I coughed all night long. The other one made me feel like I had morning sickness. I decided I needed to stop taking those pills. I was able to move my BP down to 100 over 60. I am prepared to do that again. I rode my exercise bike twice a day, 45 minutes each time back then, but it was 10 years ago. I know that because our granddaughter was 3.

At the interim you need to see your PCP and get back on meds. If it was Linsinopril that you were on, it is a known side effect to some patients that make them cough alot. I was given Losartan instead and the coughing stopped. Hydrochlorothiazide, a diuretic pills made me feel like my internal organs were pulled out and I stopped taking that after a day. I can only get my blood pressure down with both medications and exercise. Medications or exercise alone doesn't do it for me.

 

[CPNY]

Been on keto since august (healthy keto / higher protein) down 40 pounds. Keto can be great but not for everyone. The low card thing worked well for me. I’ve been able to turn down many things that I would crave. I just turned down my favorite cupcake. I went to universal studios and navigated theme park food easily as well. I thought that would have been a challenge. I did have a hot butter beer though, that was my splurge day ha.

I’ve also began baking and cooking with almond flour and monkfruit sweetener and everything comes out really good.