Hello Mrs. R and Holly!

[Kathy]

I am very sorry I have dropped off the face of the internet for the past week or so..everything is fine..just busy. My son has strep throat..again...but is feeling better. You are so sweet for wondering about me! Thank you! I hope all is well with you! I still want your pizza, Mrs. R! Actually, my doctor is pushing Atkins and I don't know what to do! Any thoughts?

[Holly S]

Hello Kathy.
I am so glad that all is ok, I just wanted to let you know that I have mixed feelings on the Aikens diet. I personally have never been on it, but several friends have been. While it does help in weight loss, one of my friends developed some serious health problems. If you go on it, I would strongly recommend that you maintain good contact with your doctor, and monitor your health. Which it already sounds like you are doing anyway

[MrsReber]

Hi Kathy, glad all is well. I don't know much about Atkins. I have never been one to follow a diet, so I have to stick to an exercise plan and cut back on portions (not easy!!) In the past whenever I had asked my doctor for help, they never gave me much. Sounds like you have a good relationship with yours. Yes, I agree with Holly, I would definitely have my health monitored closely if I tried the diet. Some of those diets don't give the body enough of what it needs. Hmm, I was thinking of making pizza tonight, funny you mentioned it! Stop by and grab a slice!

[Kathy]

I actually agree with both of you..the diet makes me nervous but I trust my doctor more than I can say..he really seems to know his stuff. I think it comes down to the fact that I have so much weight on me that it is also a health risk. I need to do something! On the other hand, what time is dinner?!

[Kathy]

Hi Kim, Thanks for your comments. I have about 70 pounds to lose..it will be a long road. How much have you lost? I used to run pre-kids and would love to get back to it..some day!
I know it seems odd that a physician would recommend Atkins, but I know of quite a few who have. My friend is a well-respected cardiologist who has also done Atkins. I also cringed at first when people talked about Atkins. Believe me, I am an educated consumer. I have been to a doctor who pushed Phentermine and actually was an HerbaLife distributor! I guess I know my body..I actually gain weight when I eat pasta..not a major quantity of pasta either..and I lose when I eat lamb! Very odd! I do appreciate your opinion; I just think our bodies work differently.

[MrsReber]

Kathy, I completely agree with Kim as far as learning how to eat differetly and drinking lots of water. I try to drink close to a gallon a day- it helps you to not ever feel bloated or retain water. Over the past few years, I have lost close to 50 pounds, most of it on my own. I only went to the gym for help with the last 15. Weight training probably made the biggest difference for me. I don't do well with diets because I love to eat so much. I have been more concerned with counting calories lately,keeping the necessary food groups in mind. Since calories are posted on just about everything, it really isn't all that hard- except when you eat out. I have just always been leary of all of those diets. I know someone who was much heavier than you are- her goal was to lost 120 pounds so she went on a grapefruit diet! I cannot believe how much weight she lost, she's almost at her goal in less than a year. But then I think, like you were saying, different things work for different people and you know best what your body responds to. If you trust your doctor, maybe you can try Atkins just to learn how to cut down on the carbs (my favorite, too) and in the meantime, try to develop a healthier way to eat. You have to give your body the proper nutrition if you are going to start an exercise program. If it's alot of cardio work, your body will need some carbs for energy, if it's weights, your body will need protein to build muscles. I learned alot from going to my gym and speaking with the employees there. It may take a little while to figure out what is the best plan for you. Never heard of that jogging in a thong plan...very interesting.

[Kathy]

The jogging in a thong is just a visual I made up! It certainly keeps me from hitting the oreos when I think of my cheeks jiggling with each stride...and I use the term "stride" very loosely! I had made up my version of a successful weight-loss plan. It included being picked up by a Fatty Wagon where you are forced to jog behind it for 5 miles wearing nothing but a thong and a sports bra. When you arrive at your destination you are weighed publically in comparison to the girl your ex-boyfriend/ex-husband cheated on you with. Now tell me that is not a plan that would work!!!

[Holly S]

Wow Kathy...Talk abotu punishing yourself. Ouch! I think I would never eat again after that work out program

[LIsaP]

That thong idea is soo funny! Sure would work for me!

Anyway, I am totally against the Atkins diet! It's very premise does not make sense-yes, people respond differently to carbs and proteins, but all of us NEED carbs to live! Our bodies depend on carbs for engery and brain function. Depriving the body of carbs will not work for the long term.

I have found that diets do not work. The only way to loose weight and keep it off is eating sensibly and excersizing regularly!

I agree with Mrs. Reeber-weight training works very well. By replacing fat with muscle, your metabolism speeds up causing the body to burn more calories sitting still-muscle is hard for the body to maintain and therefore required engery.

Drinking lots of water is also very good for weight loss and general health.

Sorry to be rather harsh, but the Atkins diet and others like it are scarey to me!
Good luck to you.

Lisa

[MrsReber]

That's some plan, Kathy! I am still laughing! It creates quite a visual for me. I, for one, will be running tonight at the gym (NOT in a thong and sports bra, thank you) and thinking of the fatty wagon the whole time! You have inspired me with the thought of jiggling cheeks since I was bad and gave into the peanut m&m's in the snack machine. I have such a weakness for them. Especially when they sing to me like they do. Have a good weekend- good to see you back here, we missed your incredible sense of humor!

[Kathy]

Holly, I was truly only joking but I never saw it as punishing...I saw it as things that motivate me. I guess I should also add your ex-boyfriend is completely bald, and the girlfriend now outweighs you by 50 pounds!

[Kathy]

Lisa, thanks for your insights. I can appreciate where you are coming from...as I said, I was against Atkins in the beginning..it is a very personal thing. I know many people have very strong feelings about different programs, Atkins is one of those contraversial plans. The way I see it..we all need to follow what our bodies are telling us..within reason. Atkins does have salad and I am essentially a white meat and fish person. I think we all need to use a little common sense when considering these programs.
You are right about exercise and water being critical in terms of a life style change. I am drinking water and I require a lot more exercise than I have been getting! Maybe I should add carrying a gallon of water while doing the jog...my program could be sweeping the Nation by Spring!
Have a great weekend everyone! I have to admit, I wear bike shorts under my shorts to reduce the "jiggle factor",Mrs. R! Those M&Ms will be gone in no time!!!!

[This message has been edited by Kathy (edited 08-25-2000).]

[RunnerKim]

Kathy- Yes - completely you have to do what works for you and what you're comfortable with. There's no one solution and unfortunately no easy solution either.

I started my "journey" in Dec. of 98 and so far have lost 83 lbs. I have around 40-50 to go. It's been much slower these last few months but somewhere along the way I've stopped caring so much about what the scale says and care a lot more about how fit and healthy I am. I was much prouder of running a whole 5 miles vs. the scale finally going under 200 (they happened the same weekend).

Something for people to keep in mind - all carbs are not equal. There are different kinds of carbohydrates and our bodies utilize them differently. There's a big difference between eating a piece of whole wheat bread and enriched white bread. And then of course there's what we put on the bread. I found the Mayo Health website has a fairly clear explanation of the 3 different types of Carbs and how our body handles them. http://www.mayohealth.org/mayo/9903/htm/carbohyd.htm

Kim

[JJeannette]

Kim, thanks for the Mayo site! I've been Weight Watching since the middle of May--it's coming off slowly but surely. Anyway, I've really been learning a lot about how different foods work along the way. Fiber, calcium and water are all part of it--now I can convince myself that those "sweet" carbs are not what I need(no matter what my taste buds claim!)

[Kathy]

Congratulations, Kim! What an accomplishment! I also love the way you refer to yourself! You have a wonderful attitude! How much have you lost,Jeannette? I bought some of those muffins from Our Daily Muffin. They are very high fiber (9 g) and have good carbs..fruit juices for sweetening instead of sugar. They even taste good!

[Vanessa]

Hi Kathy. Sorry to invite myself on your thread. I know a lot of people who are doing the Atkins diet and the ones that are all protein (and bacon, butter etc) but no fruit, pasta, rice etc. Basically they do loose weight but it comes right on once you get out of it. In my personal opinion fruits, vegetables are important. And all meat kind of diet eggs etc is not a good idea. Actually nothing in excess is good.I would recommend getting guidance from a nutricionist. I noticed many here are in WWatchers and they could advice you too. I don't know how much you have to loose but please reserch the diet a bit.If you are unconfortable with this diet tell your doctor and seek more advice.
Good luck...

[This message has been edited by Vanessa (edited 08-25-2000).]

[Holly S]

Vanessa,

Feel free, and thanks for the food for thought! You are most certainly not butting-in in the least!

[Kathy]

Vanessa,
Thanks for your thoughts! I welcome your comments. I didn't mean to exclude anyone..I just didn't want to make anyone feel they had to read about my kids strep throat! I am very glad you posted! I was doing WW and was down but gained it back also. I think the bottom line is that some people are more sensitive to carbohydrates than others. (Very similar to alchoholics medically) I tend to binge on carbs which is why I think my Doctor recommended it to me. He suggested I do Atkins until I reach a healthier weight and then switch to a more inclusive diet; I was not doing well on WW this time. I am thinking the best thing to do is eliminate simple sugars such as cookies and ice cream while eating fruits and veggies. A somewhat modified WW/Atkins program. My plan also involves being forced to jog in a thong but I won't bore you with that! http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/biggrin.gif

[RunnerKim]

Kathy,

Interesting that your doctor is recommending Atkins - I thought most were against it and rather supported a more balanced low-fat, high-fiber diet. CL's latest issue has a great article talking about the importance of fiber.

I've lost a significant amount of weight in the past year and half - and still have a some to go. I too had a doctor that was very supportive (I've moved and miss her!). I did it by improving my eating - not going on a "diet". Things I found that have helped me are: Make sure you eat your 5 fruits and veggies (leaving less room for other food), eat a variety of foods so you don't get bored and eat more, drink lots of water. It's hard to believe but I enjoy food way more now than before I started losing weight. If the changes you're making aren't ones you can do for the rest of your life then they won't work. The Atkins diet seems so restrictive, you can't keep to it for a long period and I fear its just trading one set of health problems for others. Take the time to educate yourself on what a truly healthy diet looks like. Your worth the time and energy it takes to do this!

Kim

[food girl]

Ok. I just have to throw in my professional opinion here. Get an new doctor. Any doctor who would tell you to do the Atkins diet doesn't know his stuff. Most MD's have only 1 (2-3 hour) class on nutrition. They are about as reliable nutrition resource as you hair dresser. Of course I am a little biased because I am a registered dietitan.

What is your goal weight? What do you plan on eating when you are at your goal weight?
Why not do that now? Many people assume that if they can just get down there, their weight will hold when they go back to their old habits. Well, you will be right back where you started faster than you can say Oprah Winfrey.

Even though I am a dietitian, I see better results when people change their LIFE, not their diet.

Take care!
Lisa

[MrsReber]

My problem with any diet is that I can't stick to it. I agree totally with Food girl (who I did not know was a nutritionist!) They taught me at my gym that people who are chronic dieters actually end up weighing more. They will go on a diet, lose weight, then go back to their normal eating habits and gain back the weight and then some. It's a vicious cycle. The exercise is important, but I was told that I have to control what I eat because that is the biggest part of losing weight. I always hated counting calories, but it's not so bad now and I find it really helps me to keep in line. I could easily eat a block of cheese and a ton of ice cream, but thinking of the calories, I don't do that. At least not very often http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/wink.gif
It's difficult at times and I gained a couple of pounds back, but the health benefits are amazing. I feel so much better than I did 45 pounds ago and have lots more energy.

I have also found that when I decrease the amount of sugar I eat, I crave it alot less. I was reading somewhere that the sugar actually makes you feel hungry as it digests. I noticed that if I eat something sweet before I go to bed, I wake up starving! I cut out the cookies before bedtime and the hunger went away.

[tammy/MN]

i remember doing aitkins way back when, atleast 15 yrs ago, but stopped BC of a rumor that he died! haha i don't see why dong A for a few weeks to get yourself motivated into a more healthy lifestyle. as long as you switch to something more reasonable. i, too, am one of those people that doesn't handle carbs well.

i did notice though, after seeing similar diet gurus on oprah that she too doesn't have them on anymore & is once again battling the bulge! if she can't handle her weight problems w/ all her money, chefs & personal trainers what are normal janes suppose to do? join the fatty wagon! do they actually make jumbo size thongs?

tammy/MN

[tammy/MN]

me again, i forgot to mention, w/ all my rambling, that i always add a slice of lemon to my water, it gives it a little kick & is a natural diaretic.

lately i have been craving chocolate & iced mochas for my local coffee shops, & put on some serious pounds, so i have started having those canned slimfast shakes for breakfast, lunch, or for when a craving attacks. the creamy milk chocolate & cappachino ones are pretty good, i put them in the blender w/ ice.

[Kathy]

I think what we all need to remember that we have different opinions about issues and all need to be respected.
We all have different reasons for both gaining and losing weight..we all have different physical and emotional factors to consider while struggling to make our journey. None of us truly knows what is going on in someone elses mind or body. The most critical factor to me is feeling good about ourselves and what we are doing for ourselves..nothing is more detrimental than feeling we are being criticized or second-guessed for our decisions.

On a lighter note, a thong for me is a size 7 bikini brief for anyone else!

[This message has been edited by Kathy (edited 08-28-2000).]

[Grace]

I don't think being passionate about what you believe in is the same as criticism! But anyway, just to add a note to this discussion, I work with a girl who gets up every day at 4:30 a.m., works out like a dog for an hour, and eats very healthily (I see what she brings for lunch), and in not too large of portions, and she can't drop the pounds. She admits it is because she used to take tons of diet pills when she was younger, excercised like a fiend, starved herself and did all kinds of damage to her system. Now she is paying for it with a totally messed up metabolism. She is by no means overly fat now (just a little pudge), but with all the exercise she does and with how little and well she eats, she should be a stick. I personally think she looks fine the way she is, and doesn't even need to diet anymore, but the point is, she's working three or four times harder than I do at losing the weight, and it's not working. I eat a lower fat, balanced diet, and when I want to lose a couple pounds, I just cut back the portions and walk an hour a day, 6 days a week. (Walk, not work out like a crazy person - but I also believe in weight lifting too - especially as you get older an naturally lose muscle). But anyway, poor girl. I'd hate to see anyone else do this to themselves by fooling around with the short term fixes. That's what happened to Oprah too. She did those liquid diets, and every other kind of diet, and messed up her metabolism. If you read her book Making the Connection, they mention that. They address the fact that her metabolism is about as slow as it could get, partly from genetics, but mostly because she goofed it up with all that yo-yo dieting. While I believe in live and let live, and won't preach too much, I too, don't believe that the healthiest way to take off weight would be the Atkins diet or any of the high-protein, or any kind of limiting diet is the way to go.

I took off 30 pounds 4 years ago (I went from a size 14 to a 4). I put about 7 pounds back after the first year, so I'm a 6 or sometimes an 8 depending on the clothes, but I have stayed steady at that for 3 years and am happy with that. I feel healthy, I feel like I look good, and I also am able to still eat reasonable amounts of food, which makes me happy. I love cooking/baking and food too much to be happy without being able to eat, which is why I LOVE CL - You really can eat wonderful tasting food that satisfies without endangering your health. Anyhow, that's my 25 cents (it was a lot more than 2 cents, that's for sure!) http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/smile.gif

Grace

P.S. In my opinion, if you want to know how to eat healthy for the rest of your life, check out Dr. Andrew Weil's book - it's fantastic and boils all the principles of healthy eating into a simple form. Check it out.


[This message has been edited by Grace (edited 08-28-2000).]

[This message has been edited by Grace (edited 08-28-2000).]

[Kathy]

Just wanted to apologize for the term paper I submitted on the difficulties of dieting after the age of 35. Very bad tangent!So sorry!

[valeriek]

Just a few thoughts on Atkins - my Dad's doctor put him on this diet and it did work, however, he fell off the wagon too easily because he likes fruit, bread and beer! He eventually went back to eating light and getting more exercise, and his excess weight came off naturally instead of with this diet. Also, of the stories I have heard, this diet is very hard on women and not as effective as it is for men. Don't know why.

I hate to change the subject, but I just have to ask this question. Kathy, Holly and Mrs. R, you are all from near Red Bank, NJ I believe. I will be there over Labor Day and my boyfriend is furiosly searching for a restaurant or sports bar that will be broadcasting the Philadelphia Eagles football game. He is a big Eagles fan and the only games on regular TV are going to be the Jets and the Giants. I know this is a strange question for a CL board, but I thought I would ask!!! Anybody know a good place to watch the Eagles in Central Jersey during football season?

[This message has been edited by valeriek (edited 08-28-2000).]

[Kathy]

Thanks for the info Valerie.
Where are you looking, Red Bank?

[Kathy]

I changed my post because it did not make sense. (Being home with 3 kids will do that to you!) Essentially, I still feel that different things work for different people and there is a lot we still do not know about the human body. For some reason people get addicted to drugs, carbohydrates, exercise, love, etc..Everyone is different, therefore, different people have different needs. In a perfect world, a balanced diet with exercise is the best for a healthy life..there is no denying that. But sometimes people don't have the time, desire or even brain power due to circumstances beyond their control. (I don't know my name when I am in the middle of a carpool..how am I going to plan?) Some people have severe weight related health issues; I do not consider myself in that category,but some people need to get off weight because the weight is worse than the possible side effects of diets such as Atkins and others. I just feel the need to share my opinion. Congrats on your losses! You are right water is key! Looking for lemon!

[This message has been edited by Kathy (edited 08-28-2000).]

[MrsReber]

Good question, Valerie. My husband and I go to a couple of very local bars, one in Farmingdale and one off of 33 near Neptune. We just ask them to change the channel if there's something we want to watch! Watch for more posts- I believe Holly is trying to see if she can find any info for you.

[Holly S]

OK, these are the bars someone gave me:

1. The Dublin House--Monmouth St.
2. Chubby's--Front St.
3. The Globe--Front St.

They are not necessarily sports bars, but they are casual, so that will help I think.......

[valeriek]

Thanks for the info! Kathy, my boyfriend's family's address is actully Middletown, but he will be willing to drive a bit to see the game. Mrs. Reber, if you were able to get somebody to change the channel then I wonder if the place you go has satellite TV, which means they would get the Eagles. It might be a great place to start! Do you have the names of the places? By the way, he is also planning to take me on sight seeing boat trip up the Navasink River. His mom said they only have dinner cruised though. Have you guys done that or heard anything about what it is like? Thanks for all of your help. It seems like I'm spending an awful lot of time in Red Bank the past year or so!

[valeriek]

Holly,

Thanks! I think his brother mentioned The Globe as well and he was going to call and check. I'll ask him about these other ones. Thanks again for all of your help!

[Holly S]

Well Good Luck Valorie, I can think of worse places to spend you time. Red Bank is a pretty funky little town that is alot of fun. I hope you enjoy your weekend!

[MrsReber]

I agree, Red Bank has really turned around in the past few years. The Navesink is very nice. I've been fishing out there many times and I did go on a cruise on the Big Kahuna for my brother's 30th birthday party. That was kind of neat. It was a big party. My sister-in-law really wanted to take him on one of the sunset cruises on a sailboat, though. I bet that's nice. I would try the Globe first. I honestly don't know if the places we go have sattelite t.v. since I don't really pay much attention, unfortunately. Enjoy Red Bank, there are so many good restaurants there now!

[kendra]

Was just reading through the above posts (not the Eagles related ones though... http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/smile.gif. It seems to me that Kathy is getting a lot of good advice, most seeming to say that fad diets like the Atkins are no good. However, Kathy keeps trying to convince us that it might not be too bad. Seems like you've already decided and just want us to justify it. I know that sounds harsh and I don't mean to sound that way, but it's just an observation. I would again say to you Kathy that you should consult a second or third doctor before making your final decision and moving ahead. It is not all that hard to get an MD degree and there are lots of bad doctors out there! Have you ever thought of becoming an "occasional" vegetarian? I restrict the eating of meat to three meals a week and find that helps me lose weight (of course coupled with plenty of exercise!). In between meat meals, eat plenty of fresh veggies and fiberful grains, rather than pastas, for your vegetarian meals. How often do you exercise? Do you think you could start by exercising more before resorting to fad diets? They say that it sometimes takes a while for the benefits of exercise to manifest itself in weight loss, due to the building of heavier muscle. I would recommend that you adhere to a strict exercise program for six months before going on a strict diet program. Just my 2 cents on this whole issue. I would listen to the nutritionist before I would your doctor.....

[Kathy]

I GIVE UP!!!!! I re-read my posts and I guess I am having a hard time explaining myself. I decided after listening to your suggestions that I would try a balanced diet while watching my carbs. (As someone pointed out all carbs are not created equal)I just felt the need to point out that we should all listen to each other and respect each others decisions even if we don't agree. I do not think it is fair to call a physician a quack because he recommends a certain diet. Maybe a physician does not have the same perspective as a nutritionist or the same training as a nutritioninst, but a good doctor is aware of medical conditions that a patient has, such as hypothyroidism, heart disease, etc. I have a Masters Degree in Social Work...rumor has it that psychiatrists, who are MD's have less training in counselling( I don't know if this is true)...I would not say I have more to offer than a psychiatrist..our backgrounds are very different. Maybe we should all work together. In terms of talking you into things...all I really care about is talking my kids into going to bed. I realize it is hard when you have a background that tells you Ketosis is bad and someone comes on and says, "I want to put my body into Ketosis" ...you cringe. My background just always has me protecting the underdog! Now we all know a little more about each other. Thanks again for your thoughts and your concern.

[This message has been edited by Kathy (edited 08-29-2000).]

[This message has been edited by Kathy (edited 08-29-2000).]

[Linda I LIght]

Kathy,
I know you must be sick of all the opinions but I'm sorry but I couldn't stop myself from putting my 2 cents in. Please don't give up.I understand how you feel. Losing weight is such a hard thing to do, and when you feel down and out about it you need a "kick start" to mentally get you going. You sound like an intelligent woman and I know that once you see the weight on the scale start to drop you will gather the willpower to proceed on a "healthy eating and exercise" way of life. I tried the Atkins diet and it didn't work for me, I only had 9 lbs to lose,(I only gave it 2 weeks), but it worked great for my friend and she only followed it for a few weeks and is now eating a more balanced diet. Have your doctor monitor you and get blood work done, then I say go for it , but only for a few weeks to give you that "kick start". GOOD LUCK!!!!!!!!

[This message has been edited by Linda I LIght (edited 08-29-2000).]

[Kathy]

Linda, thank you very much for your kind words. I really appreciate them! I think you summed it up when you said I just need a jumpstart. I have been drinking my water and started walking again this morning. How much weight has your friend lost?
Holly, I think all of your suggestions were good re: bars in Red Bank. I have to admit I am not sure which bars have cable. I just called a couple of places in the Red Bank Vicinity...apparantly, Val's Tavern in Rumson has Cable. Besides they serve really cold beer and pretty good Italian Food! (But after a couple of beers..who cares!!!)Have a great time wherever you end up, Valerie!

[Linda I LIght]

Kathy,

I was so afraid to check this site after my reply to you...I was hoping I hadn't pushed you over the edge. When I first saw your message it only said "I give up", and I couldn't let you do that. My friend has lost 35 pounds and has kept it off for a year. She lost about 15 on Adkins initially. Then the rest came off slow and steady. As far as walking,sometimes I like to just hear nature but have recently found those "dance mix" cd's and the beat is so great and it is alot more fun and time passes quickly. You can pick them up at Walmart or someplace like that.

[shoyski]

Here's my take: It's your body, do what feels right. With that said, I'd like to point out that CL did an article in May on some books (page 72 specifically)and one of them was Dr. Atkins' Age-Defying Diet Revolution.

While this CL article was designed to give us more info on the latest anti-aging books, Atkins received a half star out of five!!!'

"In many instances, Atkins actually advocates supplements over the food sources of those nutrients, which should be readily available in a balanced diet."

"Many of the nutrients this book recommends are either unnecessary, scientifically unproven, or redundant."

[jd]

Adding to the comments on different types of carbs - I just looked through the Sugar Busters Quick and Easy Cookbook (from the library) and found a good table of the glycemic indexes of many foods. This is a scale that tells what carbs are like straight sugar to your body (and quickly converted to fat), and which are really complex carbs - the better ones. I'm no dietician, but the tables were simple and made sense. I'm keeping them in mind as I enter week 2 of weight watchers.

[Kathy]

Alright, Shoyski..now you know where to hit where it hurts! I am going to look even older?! http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/eek.gif Fat and old looking is not a look I was hoping to achieve! Thanks for the info.
I could have used one of those mix tapes this morning, Linda..the walk in the rain was really painfully boring! I think I will have to hit Target this afternoon!
Noting sugar index is probably a good idea; my WW leader even said you will not lose weight with 23 points of oreos. I still have my sugar binges..one Krispy Kreme turned to 3 yesterday which I don't have when I eat a salad. Good luck with WW!

[MrsReber]

Kathy, you poor girl! I am going to tell you what I started doing 50 pounds ago. The reason I started exercising was because I have mitral valve prolapse and the doctor put me on a high dose of medication to control my irregular heartbeats. The medicaion made me sometimes feel as if I couldn't breathe so he recommened exercise- note that according to my doctor, my weight (175 pounds) had nothing to do with my condition. I was not one to exercise or diet, so what I did was just start out very slowly. I did 5 minutes a day on an exercise bike. Soon, I was bored with 5 minutes and went to 10, then 20, then 30 and I added in some walking at night (I was going to school and had more time in my day) and simply cut back on the portions of food I ate (believe me, I can eat!!) Soon, I had gone down to 154. It took a few months, but I found that it really comes off easy at first. Then again, I was only 21 at the time. I got stuck at 154, then was finally able (with more walking) to get down to 145 and pretty much stay there. Ieventually joined a gym and did step aerobics and got down even lower, about 138. For the last few pounds, I joined Gold's Gym and they taught me how to eat a little better and how to build muscle (which burns more calories that fat does). I was down to 135, but then I crept up to 130 and have stayed there. I am happy here, if I gain a few pounds, I eat tuna sandwiches lunch all week and then I go back down. I eat five meals a day to keep my metabolism working- five small meals. One serving of carbs in the morning with a serving of dairy. A snack of fruit around 10:00, a sensible lunch, a snack around 2:30 and then dinner (where I tend to lose track of calories). That's what I did- no diets, no nurtitionist, no slim fast- just sheer will power and desire, which is better than any diet plan I know of. If you find that walking doesn't suit you, you should find another exercise that does, or vary what you do so that you dont' get bored. I just started taking group exercise classes at the gym because I was getting bored and needed some inspiration. It works and the instructor tells us all to sign up for the next class so it's like having someone to report to. The classes (trekking and spinning) are small so she knows if you're not there and she'll give you some good natured ribbing about it! I know you won't give up, Kathy, you seem to be determined, but it seems you have to figure out what suits your lifestyle and personality the best- could be a fad diet, as they do work for some, could be just changing your eating habits, or it could be exercise.

[food girl]

Dear Kathy,
I sincerly apologize for implying that your doctor is a quack. My GP (that I still see)an I had ongoing arguements because he prescribed Phen-fen. He is a good doctor, just not to bright in the nutrition arena.
NOW, if he would have put ME on phen-fen I would have been looking for a new MD.

Just to let you know why I feel so strongly about Dr. Adkins. I work with cancer patients. The American Institute for Cancer Research (AICR) compiled thousands of epidemiolgic studies to write their "Food, Nutrition and the Prevention of Cancer: a global perspective." To make a long story short, the following things were found to possibly increase the risk for breast cancer: Total fat, saturated animal fat, animal meat and animal protien.
I do not advocate a total vegetarian diet on this finding, but I certainly wouldn't do the Adkins recommended bacon & eggs. Athough I will admit that the risk vs. benifit of losing weight is sometimes a valid point. But doing something like Adkins should be a last-ditch effort (in my opinion)

Weight loss is such a touchy subject. I wish I had never gotten involved in this post! http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/frown.gif

[food girl]

Dear Kathy,
I sincerly apologize for implying that your doctor is a quack. My GP (that I still see)an I had ongoing arguements because he prescribed Phen-fen. He is a good doctor, just not to bright in the nutrition arena.
NOW, if he would have put ME on phen-fen I would have been looking for a new MD.

Just to let you know why I feel so strongly about Dr. Adkins. I work with cancer patients. The American Institute for Cancer Research (AICR) compiled thousands of epidemiolgic studies to write their "Food, Nutrition and the Prevention of Cancer: a global perspective." To make a long story short, the following things were found to possibly increase the risk for breast cancer: Total fat, saturated animal fat, animal meat and animal protien.
I do not advocate a total vegetarian diet on this finding, but I certainly wouldn't do the Adkins recommended bacon & eggs. Athough I will admit that the risk vs. benifit of losing weight is sometimes a valid point. But doing something like Adkins should be a last-ditch effort (in my opinion)

Weight loss is such a touchy subject. I wish I had never gotten involved in this post! http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/frown.gif

[Kathy]

FoodGirl, Please do not feel that way. I just felt I had to let you know what was bothering me..I do not hold grudges..as far as I am concerned it is water under the bridge. I truly respect where you are coming from, especially in regard to Cancer. At this point in my life I am at higher risk for a heart attack than breast cancer, (due to weight factors, not cholesterol). My current doctor has never mentioned diet drugs; my previous doctor gave out phentermine like it was Halloween and was selling Herbalife out of her office..talk about quacks! You are right, dieting is a very touchy subject; but I still respect your opinion. And if you re-read my first post, I DID ask thoughts! http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/smile.gif Thank you for your post!

[Kathy]

Mrs, R. Thank you for your post. I find it helpful to see what works for other people. I am playing tennis once a week and trying to walk every morning just because it is easier. I know it will be easier once the kids are back at school. I was weight training before Summer started..it really seemed to help. I came to the Cooking Light website because I feel I need to get ideas for a healthier lifestyle..I will get there! Thanks for the vote of confidence!