Weight Loss

[LiamFan!]

I'm trying Weight Watchers yet again...but work has interfered already because I've missed a couple meetings when I'm out of town.

But, for the most part, I've been sticking to the points and I started back at the Y.

This time, strangely, having co-workers in the group is better than last time. Last time, it felt competitive. This time, it feels supportive.

Anyway...I thought we could talk about our own efforts to lose weight, increase our exercise, and improve our health, whether it be tips or recipes or just words of support.

[QuietWoman]

Good Luck ((((LiamFan))))

About all I do is look at my belly and mutter "I need to do something about that". LOL Not very positive, hey?

[DrHilieWho]

*Taking pop can, and burrito off Belly Shelf.*
<br>
<font size=3>I've heard good and bad things about Weight Watchers. I suppose since you are going back you must like it, but is it expensive? What all do you have to do to be part of it?<br>

[LiamFan!]

Not all that expensive. I tried it once before and lost almost 20 pounds. Gained some of that back, of course ;-)

Now, I'm in Weight Watchers at Work, which is a 10-week program that cost 109.50, which comes to $10.95 a week. That may be a dollar more than a normal meeting because of the convenience of them coming to the workplace.

What I get out of it is the cameraderie that one gets from meeting with a group of people working toward a common goal. (Kind of funny, since the last time it kind of bugged me having co-workers in there...)

The cost of the meetings is the only cost...there's no food to buy, since WW doesn't require that. You can of course buy WW food in stores, but it's not necessary (it's pretty good, though, and easy for work lunches, etc.)

Also, I've noticed a lot of other companies are putting WW values on their packages.

[LiamFan!]

I forgot to mention how to get into WW...look on their website and see if there's a meeting in your area.

If not, there's also Weight Watchers at Home.

Let us know what you end up doing!

[NovaWOW]

In the last year or so I have gained 10 lbs. I was already overweight for my height and body type. Yikes!

I used to be able to lose weight easily, but not anymore. My schedule at work leaves me little time for planning, and I am so tired by the time I get home I just don't exercise.

I do have other medical complications, asthma, for which I occasionally have to take Prednisone, which I HATE! I also have Lupus, but don't take any medication for it.

I *really* have to do something about this weight. I feel yukky, and my self-image is affected also, which isn't a good thing for me! I also have suffered from Clinical depression for 10 years. It is under control with medication.

So, *any and all* suggestions or support will be welcomed greatly! Thanks all!!

[Lou]

(((((BeautifulWomen)))))

I have been a Weight Watcher with great success. But now, I am in body trouble and have been for a couple of years. Like Nova, I have little time for exercise. I like to walk, but finding time to walk is another matter.

My mom has always said that the older a woman gets, the harder it is for her body to lose weight. I don't believe that. Instead, I find that I care less about losing weight than I did, say, 5 or 10 years ago. It is very easy for me to face the burrito and think, what the hey (she said, licking the sour cream off her fingertips).

The one thing that seems to motivate me these days is my need for energy and strength. I found that yesterday, for example, I tried to make a big step UP onto the retaining wall in my daughter's backyard, and I couldn't heft myself up. Now, THAT annoys me! I used to be very strong, no matter at what weight.

Sigh.

[LiamFan!]

Gail might be able to answer as to how this works, but I read about it <A HREF="http://www.msnbc.com/news/522510.asp?cp1=1">here</A>.

Such a weight training program, if it's effective, would solve the 'not having enough time' problem that so many of us face. I'm going to ask my coach when I get to the point where I start the weight machines at the Y (in a couple weeks) if I can do this type of training, so I might have some first-hand experience soon.

[DLC55]

About a month ago, I had to drastically change my diet because of my sugar and cholesterol levels. Something I knew would eventually hit me, but turned a blind eye to.

Thanks to my wonderful doc who spent actual time with me explaining how menopause can also affect the blood sugar, I am a lot more at ease with the changes my body seems to be going through. In order not to go on meds for the diabetes I have to monitor my levels daily for 3 months, that's all the time he has given me. I CAN do this!

I have also found that not all the sugar-free stuff out there is bad, some of it is actually pretty good and my son likes it as well! Except for the chocolate, which I haven't had in a month *gasp*. That's THE hardest thing I have had to give up so far.

The best part is, I've lost 12 pounds so far, and I'm feeling better every day!

[LiamFan!]

That is great {{{DLC}}}

Well, I was down 2.4 pounds today, which was heartening. I bumped my points down in the last few days and am trying to drink more water, as well as returning to the YMCA.

[DrHilieWho]

((((Liam, DLC, Lou, NovaWOW))))

I notice that there is a new folder in Diet and Nutrition on our progress for 2001. I'm sure it will be a huge benefit. It's nice to have someplace to chart your <font size=4 color=deeporange>success</font> and update other people on what's happening with you.

This site http://www.women.com/fitness/ offers great articles for any level of working out. I was really interested in the exercises designed to do while you are at your desk. The help build muscle which raises your metabolism and burns more calories. There are also fifteen, and tweny minute workout that use simple equipment.

I've decided to see how Weight Watchers works for me. Now that I have a daugher (with a body type sooo like mine ) I'm going to try and figure out this eating right thing. LOL

Good luck to everyone! "I'm rooting for ya. We're all in this together."

[tupi]

It seems my I've talked about being over weight and under exercised my entire life. It's so hopeless some days. Nonetheless, I have a new motivation. I had a hysterectomy in December, and I lost 20 pounds. Well, I'm trying to keep that off, and lose more. I've been walking daily, and I love that. This past week, I've had to forestall the quick walk though as I have company. My goal is to build up my endurance so that I can actually run by June. That will be interesting, as I'm not a runner. Still, it's a new goal. I'm not on a diet, but I am changing the way I eat. There are certain things I don't eat much anymore, like carbs. I ate way too many of them. I've cut fats down, but not out. I've increased raw veggies. All I'm doing is what feels right for me.

My doctor is a support of WW diet plan. She thinks its one of the most sensible diets there is. I don't like it, but that's a personal choice.

[DrHilieWho]

((((((tupi)))))))

I've been doing this back and forth stuff since I was in grade school, and I'm about sick of it. We're all smart. We can figure out how to treat our bodies how they need to be treated. I'm sure of it!

[DrHilieWho]

Weight Watchers is not as bad as I thought it would be. Now I just have to muscle up on my self-control. THAT will definitely be the hard part.

*walks away chanting "I think I can, I think I can"*

[LiamFan!]

Good for you, Hilie! If you learn anything that you find particularly helpful, please share!

Last week, I learned that 75% of Americans are chronically dehydrated, and that dehydration exhibits itself in a number of ways, one of which is that 3 PM slump I've often talked about.

Since hearing that, I've tried to drink at least 64 ounces of water during the workday and have succeeded so far and I'll be darned, I haven't hit that slump!

Anyway, remember to keep pushing the water. It's important, and it speeds up your metabolism.