2022 Healthy Lifestyle Discussion

[Ava]

daisylu
Thank you. I feel the same way. She talked about small changes week by week, but then proceeded with the whole healthy plate, healthy breakfast, healthy snack, no sweets, plenty of water, etc.
She dressed it a little better than the other guy, and gave me a few more choices, but it's basically the same.

I feel like seeing her once a week will help me, but I'll have to do the changes I can when I can, instead of trying to follow all she told me to do just the first meeting. I'm already overwhelmed.

If she had  told me to focus on exercising 3 times this week and eating a healthy breakfast, I wouldn't feel deprived and overwhelmed. She should have stopped there.


But she didn't. So I went to the supermarket and brought back all the fruits and veggies and lean protein. And that's when I realized it was the same change your life overnight the other nutritionist had given me. I failed so many times at it it's not even funny. I sat in the car and cried.

[wvugurl26]

I second the smaller changes. The everything at once overwhelms me. It takes time to make new habits. I can't implement tons at one time. I get off track.

For January I focused on getting to bed at a good time, more water (hard for me when it's so cold out) and cooking more at home. December was a big stress filled mess for me personally and professionally. I tried to pick healthier meals but if every single one wasn't I didn't stress. It was still better than eating out as much as we did in December.

Winter is hard in the northeast. Definitely find a different reward. We all need something.

[Ava]

I just don't understand why nutritionists expect the patient to make all the big changes right away.

Don't they get any psychology classes in their training?

That's why I'm thinking, if I go on with her, I'm just going to inform her I'll do breakfast, water and exercise this week. Let's focus on that and leave all the other stuff for some other time.

[Ava]

Believe me, Im looking for rewards. Something nice to look forward to. It's sad that I can't come up with anything.

[busymom]

What works for me personally, is I don't deny myself completely.  I just have "sweets" in smaller portions.  And gradually, my body has craved less sugar.  It truly is amazing when you begin to turn down desserts, and wait to get the stuff you REALLY crave.  (My church is big on serving up treats after the church services, and I'm at the point that if they don't have something I really want, I can walk away.)

Also, I stock up my fridge with healthy alternatives.  Sometimes, a handful of grapes or blueberries will satisfy when I crave sugar.  I have an account with "Imperfect Foods", and there was only one item that was delivered to me that was disappointing, so it's all good. I still bake, but not as often, and I will cut myself a smaller portion than I give everyone else.  One good thing I do now is I'll put leftovers of a larger dessert in the freezer, so I don't have easy access for snacking. 


I definitely had to increase my activity level to make it all work.  I don't do it every single day, but my personal goal is 1 hour of doing something every day.  It doesn't need to be anything fancy, like walking will do nicely.  I break it into smaller chunks.  Start small.  Maybe try walking 15 minutes a day, and work up to "push" yourself.  Typically, I'll walk for 20 minutes at a time, as doing it all in one hour would probably be too much for me.  The point is, you figure out what works for you, without leaving yourself so exhausted that you won't do it the next day.  Walking for 20 minutes, 3 times a day, works pretty well with my schedule.

[Ava]

I don't struggle with exercise. I did a 45 minutes Leslie Sansone workout this morning. I do it almost every day. I struggle with food.
Everyone's feelings and triggers are different. A world completely devoid of sweets looks bleak to me, but that's one of the many things she said: No more sweets.

That's why I'm so surprised neither nutritionist tried to understand me better. I guess they are not trained for that. They should listen to the patient better. Learn your weak points and trigger and work on them, come up with strategies to cope with them.

What I see is that I'll have to use her as a support in my journey, and craft my own goals as I go along. I don't see myself following her whole directives for my first week. And I'm going to let her know next Monday that she's going way too fast for me. She needs to slow down on the changes.

[mamasita99]

Ava, I think it is wise to tell her you want to focus on x,y,z at first. Just be aware you may not see dramatic results quickly. But those habits do build on each other. It just takes time.

I only had two small cookies and one beer yesterday as my “junk”. Lately it seems like I’ll eat cookies nonstop, so it’s a big deal that I didn’t eat more. I just sat with the “not shoveling sugar in my mouth” feeling and didn’t panic. Overeating sugar and junk foods is a habit that has developed particularly the last few years. Being tired from walking everywhere helped immensely. Instead of thinking about those cookies that I didn’t eat, I wanted to sleep!

[Minnesotagirl7]

Ava- I met with a nutritionist a couple of times. My experience was slightly better than yours, but I wasn't really blow away either. When I first asked my primary doctor for a referral to see a nutritionist, she asked if I was interested in another program that was focused around weight loss - what that included nutritional advice, therapy, etc. Is anything like that available to you? My insurance covers some of it; may be worth looking into to see if yours does as well.

[Minnesotagirl7]

It finally clicked again!

The motivation I misplaced back in December has been found. I only just located it Sunday, but two days of hitting my water goal and just feeling better overall. I was going to try to dive head first into the Y again, but realized I should start off slow with a couple walks around the neighborhood, then head back for some classes and lap swim. Just so glad to be feeling better about this journey again! And strangely enough, the scale still said 209.3 this morning. Chance of hitting my 200 goal in three weeks is looking pretty slim (no pun intended), but I'm still going to try like hell!

[Ava]

Feb 1, 2022 15:26:10 GMT -5 Minnesotagirl7 said:

It finally clicked again!

The motivation I misplaced back in December has been found. I only just located it Sunday, but two days of hitting my water goal and just feeling better overall. I was going to try to dive head first into the Y again, but realized I should start off slow with a couple walks around the neighborhood, then head back for some classes and lap swim. Just so glad to be feeling better about this journey again! And strangely enough, the scale still said 209.3 this morning. Chance of hitting my 200 goal in three weeks is looking pretty slim (no pun intended), but I'm still going to try like hell!

Im glad you found it. If you have some extra motivation, send it my way. 

[Ava]

Feb 1, 2022 15:22:24 GMT -5 Minnesotagirl7 said:

Ava - I met with a nutritionist a couple of times. My experience was slightly better than yours, but I wasn't really blow away either. When I first asked my primary doctor for a referral to see a nutritionist, she asked if I was interested in another program that was focused around weight loss - what that included nutritional advice, therapy, etc. Is anything like that available to you? My insurance covers some of it; may be worth looking into to see if yours does as well.

I have never heard of a program like that. 
My doctor didn't offer anything, I asked to be referred to a nutritionist.
I'm seeing a psychologist and he's helped in other areas. He hasn't been able to help on the eating disorder. Actually, seeing a nutritionist was his idea.
Im going to continue with this nutritionist because her "package" includes an initial evaluation plus 3 follow-ups. Then you can decide if you want to continue seeing her, and how often.
I don't want to bounce from nutritionist to nutritionist and keep feeling it's not addressing my need.
Honestly, at this point I'm so exhausted with this problem.

I'm surprised, for such a relatively common condition, there's not much help, and what little there is seems fragmented and inadequate. It's like you have to figure it on your own, if you are capable of it.

[geenamercile]

Ava if I remember correctly you do a lot of cooking.  Can you maybe take one or two of your favorite treats and see if you can make them in a more health way?  For example pancakes with sour cream and smoke salmon is a favorite of mine.  But instead of using regular pancake recipe, I use almond flour and an extra egg in them.  Later could give more information I believe, but you might want to look into some Keto recipes and substitutions.  Monkfruit sweetener instead of sugar?

My experience with a nutritionist was more focused on what I like to eat and how to make those things healthier.  It did translate to a lot of cooking at home instead of easy to make meals.  I also would guess that do not get many if any psychology classes.    

[dippyegg]

I started working out again.  Been doing the treadmill, elliptical and bike at the gym.  I bought some hand weights and am going to start doing those at home.  Also trying to eat a better diet.

[Knee Deep in Water Chloe]

Feb 1, 2022 15:22:24 GMT -5 Minnesotagirl7 said:

Ava - I met with a nutritionist a couple of times. My experience was slightly better than yours, but I wasn't really blow away either. When I first asked my primary doctor for a referral to see a nutritionist, she asked if I was interested in another program that was focused around weight loss - what that included nutritional advice, therapy, etc. Is anything like that available to you? My insurance covers some of it; may be worth looking into to see if yours does as well.

My sister-in-law is a nurse practitioner; she works in a clinic for this type of program. 

[Knee Deep in Water Chloe]

Feb 1, 2022 17:21:52 GMT -5 dippyegg said:

I started working out again.  Been doing the treadmill, elliptical and bike at the gym.  I bought some hand weights and am going to start doing those at home.  Also trying to eat a better diet.

Welcome to our thread!

[Knee Deep in Water Chloe]

Now that it's February first, I'm going to do my January reflection A G A I N. 
I was so perturbed that I lost the one I wrote on Sunday, I had to take some time away from it. 

Regarding yesterday and today for calories: 
I was at 1658 for Monday. 
Today I'm at 1315. 

164 carbs yesterday
179 carbs today

[Knee Deep in Water Chloe]

It looks like everyone has checked in in the last week to ten days except: 



Happy prose

honeysalt

hkguy

CCL

How are each of you?

[Lizard Queen]

Ava, how about, make yourself eat something really healthy first, then have what you really like after, but less of it?

[laterbloomer]

have managed to do 4 walks each of the last 2 days. Yay!!!
Ava is it rude to ask what your eating disorder is?

[azucena]

Feb 1, 2022 20:55:30 GMT -5 Knee Deep in Water Chloe said:

Feb 1, 2022 15:22:24 GMT -5 Minnesotagirl7 said:

Ava - I met with a nutritionist a couple of times. My experience was slightly better than yours, but I wasn't really blow away either. When I first asked my primary doctor for a referral to see a nutritionist, she asked if I was interested in another program that was focused around weight loss - what that included nutritional advice, therapy, etc. Is anything like that available to you? My insurance covers some of it; may be worth looking into to see if yours does as well.

My sister-in-law is a nurse practitioner; she works in a clinic for this type of program. 

Can you give more info on the clinic or the nursing title? Anything that might help Ava Google something similar in her area.

Ava - I'm sorry you're feeling overwhelmed. Keep on trying one day at a time.

The analyst that works for me and has been my friend for years found a support group and plan that works for her. She weighed 340 and has dropped 40 lbs. I've watched her try program after program for years. It's inspiring to see her progress. Her coach insisted on healthy sleep habits first - very consistent bedtime and wake time even on weekends. I've followed that advice for the past few weeks and it's made an amazing impact on my productivity and mood.

[honeysalt]

Feb 1, 2022 21:09:45 GMT -5 Knee Deep in Water Chloe said:

It looks like everyone has checked in in the last week to ten days except: 



Happy prose

honeysalt

hkguy

CCL

How are each of you?

Thank you Treading Water Chloe for checking in!  That was so thoughtful.  I've met my goals of strength training 3X per week and maintaining weight.  Sore, but happy to get back into making by body stronger. 

[honeysalt]

Feb 1, 2022 13:50:33 GMT -5 Ava said:

I don't struggle with exercise. I did a 45 minutes Leslie Sansone workout this morning. I do it almost every day. I struggle with food.
Everyone's feelings and triggers are different. A world completely devoid of sweets looks bleak to me, but that's one of the many things she said: No more sweets.

That's why I'm so surprised neither nutritionist tried to understand me better. I guess they are not trained for that. They should listen to the patient better. Learn your weak points and trigger and work on them, come up with strategies to cope with them.

What I see is that I'll have to use her as a support in my journey, and craft my own goals as I go along. I don't see myself following her whole directives for my first week. And I'm going to let her know next Monday that she's going way too fast for me. She needs to slow down on the changes.

Ava, while our struggles are different, your posts on this thread have resonated with me in many ways.  While I haven't seen a nutritionist, I did see a hypno therapist who told with me that people who eat a lot of sweets are lacking sweetness in their life.  You seem like a very sweet lady who deserves more sweetness in her life.  Chinese foot massages ($20 in my area for what is actually a full body, fully clothed massage), soaking my body in hot water, tea, and facial masques are some of my favorite forms of self pleasure, left some out. 

You mentioned in a previous post that you are "existing" and making "huge sacrifice" without "compensation."  I get it.  One thing that helps me through the slog is to be a little decadent and let myself enjoy pleasure.  While I rarely post, I've lurked for years - your journey is one of the reasons why.  You are such a hard worker.  You have fought so hard for everything you have.  You have earned all of the goodness coming your way, even if it has to come from you.  You are admired, respected  and a source of inspiration - even if only through an internet observer. 

[Ava]

Feb 2, 2022 15:54:29 GMT -5 honeysalt said:

Feb 1, 2022 13:50:33 GMT -5 Ava said:

I don't struggle with exercise. I did a 45 minutes Leslie Sansone workout this morning. I do it almost every day. I struggle with food.
Everyone's feelings and triggers are different. A world completely devoid of sweets looks bleak to me, but that's one of the many things she said: No more sweets.

That's why I'm so surprised neither nutritionist tried to understand me better. I guess they are not trained for that. They should listen to the patient better. Learn your weak points and trigger and work on them, come up with strategies to cope with them.

What I see is that I'll have to use her as a support in my journey, and craft my own goals as I go along. I don't see myself following her whole directives for my first week. And I'm going to let her know next Monday that she's going way too fast for me. She needs to slow down on the changes.

Ava, while our struggles are different, your posts on this thread have resonated with me in many ways.  While I haven't seen a nutritionist, I did see a hypno therapist who told with me that people who eat a lot of sweets are lacking sweetness in their life.  You seem like a very sweet lady who deserves more sweetness in her life.  Chinese foot massages ($20 in my area for what is actually a full body, fully clothed massage), soaking my body in hot water, tea, and facial masques are some of my favorite forms of self pleasure, left some out. 

You mentioned in a previous post that you are "existing" and making "huge sacrifice" without "compensation."  I get it.  One thing that helps me through the slog is to be a little decadent and let myself enjoy pleasure.  While I rarely post, I've lurked for years - your journey is one of the reasons why.  You are such a hard worker.  You have fought so hard for everything you have.  You have earned all of the goodness coming your way, even if it has to come from you.  You are admired, respected  and a source of inspiration - even if only through an internet observer. 

Thank you for reaching out. It means a lot to me 

[Ava]

I feel slightly less overwhelmed today.

I had a therapy session yesterday and talked it all out with my therapist.
He thinks I'm getting overwhelmed because both nutritionists proceeded to throw the whole program at me on the first appointment.
He told me to ignore the whole program. He asked me what do you think you can deal with, right now? Obviously not the whole program, but what?

I told him; I could do the healthy breakfast, exercise, and water intake.
So he's going on vacation and I won't see him for two weeks. He asked me if I could just focus on those 3 things only, for two weeks until I see him again. I said yes.

I will continue to see the nutritionist because I paid for 4 sessions, with 3 remaining. But next session I'm going to have a conversation with her. She needs to slow down because otherwise she's not helping. 

One of the many things she wanted me to do is weight myself every week before our appointment and tell her exactly how much I weight, and from now on I will always weight less each week. 
I understand weight is an objective metric and she will use it to assess progress. But it's too soon for me and it gives me anxiety. 

So for now is healthy breakfast, exercise, water intake, and a very serious conversation with the nutritionist on my next appointment.

[laterbloomer]

It was mild enough today that I got 3 walks in. I also shovelled the bank at the end of my driveway. It was wet, heavy snow. I took it small amounts at a time but it was still a good workout. I haven't broken 170 yet.

[busymom]

While I admire the optimism of your nutritionist, Ava, I was exercising and cutting back my intake for weeks before the scale started to go steadily down.  I don't want to stress you out, but weight loss is different for everyone.  For better or for worse, I'm married to a nice guy who drops weight easily.  It's hard to be married to someone who loses weight easily, while I have to fight for every bit of it.  It's a good thing he's cute.     I like how you're starting things off, with a good breakfast, exercise & water intake.  

[Knee Deep in Water Chloe]

Not as good on calories today: 1708, with 178 carbs. 

[Happy prose]

Feb 1, 2022 21:09:45 GMT -5 Knee Deep in Water Chloe said:

It looks like everyone has checked in in the last week to ten days except: 



Happy prose

honeysalt

hkguy

CCL

How are each of you?

Gaining weight! I'm still trying. I think it's because I'm not as active in the cold weather. I know, poor excuse. You just pushed me to do better, so thank you. I'll start reporting- this morning I weigh 135. 

[finnime]

I've stepped my fasting up to every other, rather than every third, day. Even though I have a crazy amount to do I've been mostly sitting every day, writing up plans for action and then ignoring them. So they carry to the next day. Need to get out of this rut.

[Lizard Queen]

Up 1.6 lbs today from Monday, which brings me back to where I was a week and a half ago. Damn Panera souffle I had yesterday at a work party. I wouldn't choose something like that on my own, even though it was good. Oh well, better to know what to avoid. I prefer to weigh daily in order to catch these things quicker (I'm certain it wasn't just that one thing), but it's hard to fit in when I'm running around trying to get out the door some days.