How Fat Are You?

There is absolutely no way I could start running. I think it is really hard on your joints. I do walk, with my 3 boys, out in the country.

I think the key is just becoming more active. I have been very inactive in the past 5 or so years.

I use to walk, bike, etc.

A little at a time....

Heidi

That's the way you got to do it, a little at a time, you didn't get out of shape overnight so you can't expect to get back in shape overnight. Hey Heidi I wanted to tell you great post, it started out slow but it snowballed and it's been alot of fun.
Later
Roger

I think that is the most important thing for all of us to remember is:

1) We didn't get this way overnight, its going to take time to get back in shape.

2) Little changes, especially the way we think about excercise/food choices, make BIG DIFFERENCES.

3) IF we fall off the wagon, get back on, even if we screw up just one meal or eat one treat that we know we shouldn't, it doesn't mean the rest of the day is shot--START AGAIN AT THAT MOMENT.

4) WE CAN LOSE WEIGHT AND BE HEALTHIER PEOPLE. I guess I've never run into anyone, even 800 lb people who were hospitalized, who were unable to become healthier by eating different, excercising and if necessary seeking medical help to lose weight.

Just some thoughts...

Anyone may add others...

Heidi

Here is a helpful article for those who are interested...

50 Deadliest Dieting Mistakes
By Julia Griggs Havey
eDiets Master Motivator

1. Having a negative defeatist attitude.

2. Going on any diet that is NOT a manner of eating that you can adhere to for the rest of your life.

3. Believing that you can eat cabbage soup -- or any other low-cal, but monotonous fare -- every day for the rest of your life.

4. Obesessing over counting calories.

5. Weighing in too frequently.

6. Not drinking enough water.

7. Drinking sugar-laden drinks.

8. Eating more bread, pasta and potatoes than proteins, lean meats, fruits and vegetables.

9. Consuming processed foods more often than fresh foods.

10. Taking the benefits away from vegetables by overcooking them.

11. Not having a plan.

12. Blaming others for your shortcomings.

13. Being quick to judge.

14. Not being aware of the nutritional benefits or detriments of what you consume.

15. Finishing every last bite of a meal, even after you are full.

16. Going back for seconds at meals.

17. Eating at "all-you-can-eat buffets" and consuming large amounts "to get your money's worth."

18. Skipping breakfast.

19. Starving all day.

20. Bingeing after "falling off the wagon" and then waiting until "tomorrow" to get back on track.

21. Thinking you are genetically destined to be fat.

22. Not believing that you have the courage to change.

23. Confusing "fat" as a personality trait.

24. Thinking you are unattractive.

25. Not living each day to the fullest... thinking that will come when you are thinner.

26. Wasting time.

27. Not finishing tasks you begin.

28. Postponing tasks that need attention.

29. Rationalizing.

30. Thinking pills, powders or potions are more powerful than they really are in achieving weight loss.

31. Thinking of exercise as a chore, instead of a way to improve your health and your life.

32. Not scheduling exercise as a vital part of your day and week.

33. Indulging excessively in alcohol.

34. Watching sports rather than participating in sports.

35. Watching too much television.

36. Not giving enough time to personal hygiene and appearance.

37. Refusing to read self-improvement materials on a regular basis.

38. Giving up and resigning yourself to being "fat."

39. Finishing the food off of your family's plates while you are doing the dishes.

40. Tasting and nibbling on food while you are cooking it.

41. Baking cookies, pies and cakes more often than for holidays or very special occasions.

42. Always having candy in dishes, supposedly for guests, but eating more of it yourself.

43. Buying unhealthy snack items "for the kids," but eating some yourself.

44. Not having vegetables and/or fruit with each meal.

45. Serving more carbohydrates than any other food group for meals.

46. Thinking that "dieting" sprees -- and not total lifestyle change -- will garner lasting weight loss results.

47. Not visualizing yourself actually living and enjoying a healthy lifestyle.

48. Not taking vitamins and proper supplements.

49. Consuming fast foods on a regular basis.

50. Waiting for tomorrow to "get started" rather than RIGHT NOW!

Good post SWE. I'm sure we could all identify with many of the things listed.

I had a victory today....went to Mom&Dad's to celebrate dh's bday....We stopped on the way to pick up a lot of goodies to put in the BIG salad I was bringing (all very tempting in the summertime, to me anyway....much easier to eat this way when its hot out!) Lettuces, green onions, radishes, cucumbers, sweet red peppers, tomatoes, kiwi, green apple slices, olive oil and lemon and garlic....and a rotiserrie chicken (who wants to heat up the kitchen when its in the 90s????). Everyone else chowed down on ham in sweet glazed pineapple sauce, candied sweet potatoes, cornbread, and of course chocolate cake and icecream....

I wasn't even tempted! My body feels so much better after almost a solid week of this wol....I enjoyed the fruit salad my sil brought...kiwi, watermelon, cantaloupe & blueberries, and Mom's steamed broccolli (I layed off the cheese sauce) and drank LOTS of plain iced tea on this very hot day......very refreshing meal!!! Not so long ago it would have bugged me not to have at least a little of what everyone else was eating, but I've decided this wol is best for my health and what my body needs and I'm feeling the benefits already. We can do this! Terry

Roger,

I'm really happy with my equipment setup. I wouldn't change a thing. Luckily I was able to test a few masks, bought a couple, and the swift is working out well.


Uncle Bob,

my head hurts... all this high math gee I never was anyones idol... is there a special hat I get to wear?


Yeah, I was up to 285 a few years back (3.75 lbs/inch). Hey maybe those anorexic super models that came up with the BMI numbers should adopt UB's pounds/inch scale... just an idea, lol.


Ron


Ron

I just want to keep this post at the top due to its popularity and IMPORTANCE.

I actually wore a dress yesterday that I was unable to get into 2 weeks ago--how awesome is that....

Really makes me feel like pressing on...

Heidi

Weight: 272# (down from 285 last month)
BMI: 41 goal: 27

Apnea events: 126/hr
low sat: 70% O2

That was a sleep study several years ago - will have another next month.

Having real bad leaks in my mask. Tried a full-face but it leaked too much Started using tape two days ago. Now at 18cm on a CPAP. Looking forward to a BPAP....

SWE,

Enjoy reading your posts along with the encouragement. I just thought I would share my story of starting out slow to get back into some exercise. Last summer I decided it was time to start some form of exercise. I live in the country so I thought walking would be nice. I got the dog on the leash ( who also needs exercise) and away we went. I only planned on going to the "bridge" that is about 1 mile and back. The dog (75 # Lab) was so excited that he practically drug me the first half mile. I was thinkin - this isn't going to work when he calmed down and I started to enjoy the walk. I made it to my goal and decided to go a little further. It was so peaceful. We kept going and going and going. I'm just having a great ol time and the dog starts to slow down and I'm thinkin - I'm gonna have to carry the dog home because I'm dragging him. By now we are on mile 3 and there is no turning back, only forward to get home. We walked the country block (4 miles) successfully. Next morning when I awoke, I could barley walk because of shin splints.
What was I thinking the day before? Oh yes, I remember, I thought I was super woman of the road. Now I can't walk so what torture can I do to myself today? I'm not going to quit just because of some silly shin splints. Great Idea The boys have been bugging me to go for a bike ride so we'll do that. Wipe the dust off, blow up the tires and away we go. The seat seems a little smaller than before. I'm smarter today so we only go 1 mile away and back. By the time we get back the cheeks of my butt are so sore I can barely sit on the seat. Actually I think I stood up the last 1/4 mile. This was very hard for me to understand as I know I have more than enough padding that follows me around in the rear that the seat should have not been an issue. I have looked into "the big mama" seats for any further rides.
By the next day the shin splints were on the mend so because I can't ride a bike today, we will have to walk.
My follow through on this plan didn't last long and the exercising was over before it even hardly started. It's summer again and I have been thinkin -its time to start exercise again. What's wrong with me? I think I need therapy. Maybe just some common sense will do.
I really do enjoy exercise. I am looking forward to getting on the right track to a healthy life style and loose some of this baggage.

Harmony

Ok, I have been a serious excerciser my entire life until recently ...decided crap, I am getting old and am tired of doing this day in and day out. Had to have a stress test, echocardiogram and doppler. Cardiologist said, "You have been on Blood Pressure Meds since you were 25. We would expect to see a thickening of the heart muscle after that many years. You have done a wonderful thing for your heart health with your consistent excercise program!" Ok, wonderful compliment, laid some guilt on me (guilt is such a wonderful motivator). So back to the excercise I went. Trust me, I have done it all. I personally cannot do the gym thing...the machines might be great but I find it incredibly boring. Besides, everyone in a gym looks like they are 12 to me. (I know, my age is showing.) I have an entire library of excercise tapes that I use. I also have a glider that I love because it is really easy on the joints. So, I am back to 30 minutes a day..used to do an hour but I am TWICE as old now!!!! For those of you who have not excercised in a long time, remember the recommendation is 30 minutes, 5 days a week. It does not have to be 30 consecutive minutes - you can also do 3, ten minute sessions....gets the same results. Will actually keep your metabolism elevated most of the day if you break up your excercise...which is a great thing if you are struggling with weight loss. I would really like to roller skate but, man, at my age I do not want to risk a broken hip. But it would be so much fun to start at the top of the driveway and go down 800 feet at a 70% grade.....Whoopee!!!!!!!!!!!! Regarding weight..I have gained and lost the same 35 pounds at least 12 times in my life. Right now, I am down where I should be....at least the doctor was happy. Told her, I cannot have a 19 year old body anymore....besides, the ladies aren't exactly perky anymore. But it has been a lifelong STRUGGLE and it always will be! Yes, I am one of the ones who looks at a cookie and gains 5 pounds. I have a sister who eats a Hot Fudge Sundae and polishes it off with a few Krispy Kreme donuts!!!! Yes, I hate her!!!!!!!!!! A few musts for ME! I can gain weight quickly if I vary a lot. I drink a lot of water, all day, everyday. I drink 2 cups of tea in the AM. If I drink more caffeine, it makes me retain a lot of water. Really have to control the carbs.....about every 6 weeks, when dining out, I allow myself 1/2 of a dessert as a treat. I cannot have potato chips in the house......EVER. I cannot eat only 1...maybe 1 bag! LOL I divide my plate in half. The right half is vegetables only. I do melt a little cheese on them if steamed or use butter buds(my favorite) with a sprinkle of parmesan. The other half of the plate contains protein and carbs. I only allow myself 1 carb per meal........I never ever ever allow myself to eat bread with my main meal. The carbs CANNOT be my main course...a side dish only. I can go for long periods of time without any difficulty but boy, if I let myself go......there is no such thing as a little "cheating" with me!!! Yes, sometimes my lack of selfcontrol is incredible. Other than that...just listen to your body. I have done a lot of recommended reading and luckily have learned a lot from a doctor who was really into nutrition. I thought I was doing a good thing eating "FAT FREE" foods...what a joke! Fat is exchanged for SUGAR to make it taste good. I learned the hard way...read the ingredients ......if it says "high fructose corn syrup", do not eat it. You would be better off eating a chocolate chip cookie. It is in almost anything you buy...crackers, salad dressing, canned fruit, spaghetti sauce, barbecue sauce etc. It will make me gain weight faster than anything! Good luck to all of you who are working on your "health!" Correct your "health" and your weight will follow....best advice I ever received!!! PS. When I was raising my family, my goal was to never raise children who fought with their weight like I did....so, 4 days a week, dessert was served with dinner in the form of fruit. Twice a week, the ooey gooey things were served. Birthdays counted as an "ooey gooey" day, as did major holidays. Happy to say that I raised a wonderful family, of whom I am extremely proud. Only 1 has to watch her weight but she is raising her family the same way. I consider it quite a compliment!!!!

This should make everyone feel better about themselves. I am 32 as of 6-16, 6 foot, and a whopping 300-310. I have been battling to get under 300 for many months. I was down to 302. Just can not break the big 300. Of course I was 6 foot and 198 when I wrestled my freshmen year (High school not college). "Big ol' farm boy from Kansas" is wearing thin as I age. I too was hoping the CPAP would help me get my vigor back to shed some serious tonnage. Two and half months into it so far...... Surprisingly for my unhealthy physique all I have to show for it is "slightly elevated" blood pressure. Must be the native american in me. It would be nice to loose a chunk, I know I will never reach the "ideal" weight for my height. But I sure would like to get to 250 at least. That is my goal.

Hey SI
Hang in there man, your still young enough to drop the weight and don't pay any attention to those unrealistic weights, where you feel comfortable that's where you should be. I'm 6'3" and 290 and if I get below 240 I feel like a scarecrow. One thing you've got to start thinking about those is with all the extra weight you carry a high chance of becoming diabetic and having high blood pressure so it's in your best interest to step it up a little bit. Man what I wouldn't give to back in Idaho, beautiful country, I lived in Spokane, Wa. for about 4 years and I loved it. My ex lives in Spirit Lake so if you ever get up that way toss a couple dozen rotten eggs her way if you would!!!!!!!!
Later
Roger

This is coming from someone who has watched lots of his family lose a lot of weight - go with Weight Watchers. It works. You eat real food. All it does is teach you portion control.

LOSE THE LOW CARB DIETS! They are so unhealthy and not good for you! Wonder why you are tired? Cause you need Carbs to move!
Here's what "Low Carb" should be - lose the plain white bread, white pasta and junk food. Plain and simple. Now go enjoy Baked potatotes, whole grain rice and whole grain bread! It's that white starchy crap that makes you gain weight and is not healthy.

I just want to thank each and everyone who has posted on this thread.

It feels like we are all in the same boat, we are able to support each other and share different ideas on weight loss. I'm very pleased with the results.

I would encourage those of you who have posted or are looking at this thread to chime in anytime.

I'm interested in hearing what people do that they feel is helping them lose weight. What kinds of foods are you eating for snacks? What excercise are you doing? How do you keep yourself motivated?

Please keep sharing, this is absolutely fantastic!

Heidi

Dear Galilee, I won't lose the lc way of life (not diet...this is a lifer you are talking to!)...LC can be unhealthy just like any other eating plan if someone is doing something toxic to their body.

I prob eat more in quantity and more of a variety of vegetables and fruits than many in the weight watchers program. I can feel the difference when I eat certain foods...whole grains especially and also dairy. I get sluggish, bloated, very tired and moody. (oh oh....brown rice enduced pms!!!!) If I eat one baked potato I feel like someone drained the energy out of me.
So I've had to discipline myself to eat what is right for MY body...I'm not saying yours! I may be insulin resistant besides having certain food allergies (I know I'm allergic to wheat...tested for that yrs ago...back then I was a vegitarian, eating whole grain breads, doing protein combining of beans and grains...I was getting sicker and sicker...lethargic, headaches and just a mess with my weight gain skyrocketing....I went to my doctor who sent me to an allergist and yep, I'm allergic to wheat and have a slight allergy to potatoes). I feel so good on the kind of low carb plan I have adopted that those other things don't even interest me anymore...I want to get healthy and for me that means eating good fats, eggs, salads, lower carb veggies and fruits and "anything w/a face" (no I'm not a cannibal)....
Also, do some digging on the net to see the results of lcing for those whose blood prssure and cholesterol have normalized and also the science behind it (prediabetics have gotten much healthier lcing too). I don't eat the "low carb frankenfood" ...fake stuff w/additives and splenda anymore...just pure real food and I feel wonderful! Terry