Maintainers May Goal Challenge..Anyone? - Page 3

BellaHMB · 05-20-2008, 01:03 PM

Agreed 100%. Be her friend, and be an example to her of healthy eating.

Bella

Prairieprof · 05-20-2008, 03:46 PM

Well, thanks for the input, everyone. I really don't want to have this conversation, or to harm our friendship in any way; she is my main emotional support these days. Yet I'm a teacher and it makes me crazy not to share knowledge.

Two points I'm still struggling with, though:

I don't assume my friend is as aware of what she's doing to herself as you all seem to think. She doesn't binge or have an especially disordered relationship to food, she just eats like a 17-year-old boy, as if there are no consequences to what she consumes. (For the record, we are both lesbian, and there is WAY less emphasis on thinness as an ideal in our community, so I think it's a lot easier to go along not worrying about it than it is for heterosexual women.) It just seems to me like she needs a wake-up call from somewhere -- but if you folks say it shouldn't be from me, I accept that.

In a more abstract sense, though (let's take this away from me and my friend), are you saying that even though we have learned certain things about the damaging health effects of sugar/carbs it is not appropriate to share this knowledge even as we watch people developing conditions they could avert or reverse with a change of diet? It seems the parallel would be watching someone abuse alcohol or drugs and standing by silently, simply because they hadn't asked for our input. Is that really the protocol? (I admit that I haven't experienced this situation with any friend or family member, so I truly don't know.)

I just can envision my friend dying young, and how guilty and chickens--t I'd feel for never having said anything for fear of hurting her feelings, when I knew a change in diet could have saved her life.

TaDa! · 05-20-2008, 04:30 PM

I hear what you are saying .. Logic may dictate that she hear what you say, see the reason and the love with which you are sharing your knowledge, and then act on it, but people generally do not act entirely with logic when it comes to their own identities, their own bodies, things that are very deeply personal. Myself, I would be very deeply upset and my relationship (friend, or more than friend) might never recover from what I would feel was a betrayal of their "total acceptance" of me. In the end, the whole exercise would be entirely counterproductive, I would not only be unable to "hear" what that person is saying, I'd always be suspicious that they had a certain agenda behind certain actions, words, etc.

Now, that is me and that is many obese people - but I am certain it is not all. In the end, no person can convince another person to lose weight, but if you tread lightly and let her take the lead as far as how much she wants to talk about that particular topic, you will not risk alienating her and you might be able to share some of what you have learned in a way that she will be able to actually listen and evaluate what you have to say.

Even though weight may not appear to be such an issue in general in the lesbian community, I am pretty sure every person would like to look good and buff, however it is they personally define that ... for some of us, it is just very hard to get there ... how about trying out some lc vegetarian recipes before your trip and cooking for your friend ... you are going to Whole Foods aftr all

If she's anything like me (and yah, pizza was once at the top of my list, lol!) than a delicious cheesy, buttery or olive-oily dish would absolutely get her attention! Maybe that would be a way to share your lc lifestyle with her and get her to become interested in it from the food perspective ...

Pauline

Prairieprof · 05-21-2008, 06:27 AM

Thanks for the feedback, Pauline. The perspective of others has been really helpful to me. And my friend does know about my LC eating, so at least the issue is out there (I remember in previous days her picking up on my humorously calling myself a "breadaholic," and now I don't eat it at all and rarely even miss it). And I agree Whole Foods will be a good opportunity to introduce her to some things I enjoy that I think she would as well.

Deb79fl · 05-21-2008, 08:48 AM

Let me say that I think you're a great friend! Not many people would worry so much about what someone else does or does not do. It proves that you're a very loving a generous spirit! You made the right choice in a teaching career, BTW!

I would like to clarify something I said earlier. Obese people do know that they're overeating, eating the wrong things, and "should" make healthier choices. I think for the majority of people that have gotten obese find it hard to get started because it's such an overwhelming thought to think that they can never have their favorite foods or have to count carbs or calories, etc. for such a long time in order to get the weight off. I know for me, ignoring the problem was how I coped. I stopped looking at myself from the neck down and I knew how bad I felt (physically) from the additional weight, knew how bad I felt emotionally because I couldn't seem to get a grip on my overeating, etc. My husband had no idea how much binge eating I did, nor did he know how much pain I was in, emotionally. I've suffered from mild depression for years and in just the last six months did I realize that it was completely gone!! Whether from the diet or the fact that my body feels better, more supplements to meet my needs (5HTP added a few months ago), or if it was because I stopped eating to make myself feel better (which BTW, does not help!!).

What finally happened with me to make me start losing weight? After my husband & I moved, I found out that my former office manager (who was at least 250) had started to lose weight, exercize, and looked and felt great. Well, this was the same person that I used to eat lunch with, splurge on "treats" with, etc. We were both going through a lot of things when we worked together, both tried to diet, both fell off more than once. Well, after she lost her husband, left our office for other employment, I guess she decided to get her life back. I thought, if she can do it, so can I. I set out to lose 25 pounds only. Told DH, if I get to 175, I'll be happy. I was! Then, I said OK, that wasn't so bad, let me "try" to get to 155, at least I'll be out of the "plus sizes". Got there, too! Wasn't easy and I fell off track more than a few times, but, I finally found that after one week back on plan, I was back in control. Now, I'm down more than 60 pounds, lost more than 55 inches and as of today, am only 2.5 pounds from the goal I set last July, when I started. So, now at 47, I look "almost" like I did at 25. I feel better, look and feel younger.

One suggestion, while your friend is visiting, make some low carb versions of some of your favorite foods as a way to introduce them to her. Don't tell her it's low carb until she's tasted it and given her "seal of approval".

Also, I see you do PP. That plan is so much more flexible than Atkins, maybe that would be a plan to share w/her. She could still have some of her favorite carbs, just limited.

Last suggestion, if she is interested, tell her about the boards and what a great support it has been for you. Sometimes, just a "little nudge" will get a person in the right direction.

Debbie

Prairieprof · 05-21-2008, 07:59 PM

Thanks, Debbie. Well, I'm off at the crack of dawn tomorrow; I'll report when I return.

I think my plan is just to mention when the topic arises how happy I am with LC for me, and try to share some foods I think she'd enjoy (I recommended whey protein as a smoothie addition a while back, and she was very receptive to that -- and I'm bringing a baggie of it along with me, PP'er that I am!). If it fit naturally into a conversation, I might mention how interesting I've found learning about the lack of good science behind the low-fat stuff I believed in all those years (intellectual conversations are natural for us, and she is scientifically inclined).

Ailuros · 05-22-2008, 12:47 AM

That sounds like a good approach, Anne, I hope you find an opportunity to pass on some ideas. If she has a scientific approach, she may be interested in Gary Taubes's book, or one of the video interviews. Anyway, enjoy your time together - see you when you get back

.

JuliaL · 05-23-2008, 03:22 AM

Good morning, May Maintainers! How is everyone doing with their May goals?

I set a weight goal of 140 for the month, and although I'm not quite there, I'm so happy to report that I've lost 14 lbs. since I started on thyroid hormone replacement. I'm truly amazed! I haven't been eating any differently, although I have cut out soy and flax. I'm exercising about the same amount - 5-6 days per week. Only 2 lbs. to go!

Have a great Friday everyone!

Ailuros · 05-23-2008, 03:34 AM

That's great, Julia

.

It's incredible that there are still people who believe all you have to do is eat less and exercise more! Since I implemented some of Schwarzbein's suggestions just over a month ago, I've gone from about 60 to about 120g carb per day and increased my food consumption by 2-300 cals per day without gaining any weight. My exercise has stayed the same. I was 116.2 this morning. That's about 22% BF. I really like being around 20%, but at the moment, cutting my calories or carbs seems to just demolish my energy, so it's not worth it.

I haven't done too well with my goals for the month - exercise is still pretty sporadic, and I haven't been at all consistent with meditation either - looks like I have some goals to carry forward to next month

.

The food side has been good, though, and I am feeling better than I have done for a while, so overall I'm feeling quite pleased with the way things are going at the moment.

JuliaL · 05-23-2008, 04:30 AM

Ailuros: Can you elaborate a bit on which Schwarzbein suggestions you've implemented? It's nice to see someone maintaining while still eating normal amounts of food!

Ailuros · 05-23-2008, 04:52 AM

I've been following the eating advice for insulin sensitive/burnt out adrenals. I haven't had hormone tests, the choice was based on reading the descriptions. It's protein according to your size (similar amounts to Protein Power, but using it as a specific amount, rather than a minimum) divided between 5 meals/snacks. Notionally it's 25g carb at each of 3 meals, and 20g at each of two snacks, but in practice, I do vary a bit from that, just keep in that ballpark.

So: eat five times a day, with 20-25g carb (she only counts actual starchy/fruit carbs, doesn't worry about spinach, broccoli etc), an ounce or two of protein, some fat, and some non-starchy veg. All real food, which I was already doing anyway. (She doesn't bother about soy, but I don't use any. Apart from health concerns, I just don't like it other than a few drops of soy sauce once in a blue moon.)

Before, I was eating about the same amount of protein, but at three meals, not five, and about the same amount of carb per meal - around 20g, so totalling about 60g per day. So the changes have been eating more often, eating less protein at one go, and more total carbs in the day. Also it's ended up being more calories.

For burnt out adrenals she recommends mild resistance exercise, and avoiding cardio. I was already doing yoga, and stayed with that. I did at one time do Slow Burn, but had stopped that about a year ago because I felt so wiped out when I did it (not just straight afterwards, longer term too). I don't like cardio, so wasn't doing any anyway

.

She also stresses the importance of things like getting enough sleep, but I was already doing that.

Deb79fl · 05-23-2008, 07:30 AM

HURRAH!! Met goal today! When I started Atkins in July of 07, I chose 135 as the goal weight I wanted to be. Hoped to reach by my weeding anniversary on May 8th, so, just missed it by a few weeks. I'd like to lose some more, maybe another 10, but I'm very happy today!!
Happy Friday to All!

homestretch · 05-23-2008, 08:05 AM

Great job Deb and Julia! You guys have done an awesome job. Deb way to go meeting your goal I am sooooo proud of you!!!!

I have not met my May goal but I am maintaining and I am happy with that. This has been the month from he!!. I have had a lot of ups and downs and things have been insane but I am seeing the light at the end of the tunnel. Life has its ups and downs and sometimes it is hard for me to just go with the flow. We own our own business and this month has been so crazy! Combine that with all the activities my kids have had at the end of the school year and my son moving home from college (and moving out again next week for an internship) and I have felt like I could not breathe. I have learned to not binge eat during stressful times but I have not learned how to lose weight during the stress. I am disappointed in myself but I am trying to be realistic and just go with the flow knowing that I will get to a place where I can put weight loss at the top of the list again. My husband reminded me that this is not a race.

JuliaL · 05-23-2008, 08:27 AM

Way to go, Deb!

Homestretch: Thanks for the congrats. The fact that you're maintaining during a stressful time is really an accomplishment in itself.

Ailuros: I didn't know you were dealing with adrenal burn-out. It's one of the things my endo tested me for when I was being diagnosed with hypothyroid. Fortunately she found that my adrenals are functioning well. Your plan sounds very healthy. I wonder if I'm getting too much protein? Do you have a total gram count for the day that you adhere to?

Ailuros · 05-23-2008, 08:47 AM

Protein Power gives a number that depends on your lean body mass and activity level:
You need to multiply your lean body mass (LBM) by:
0.5 if you are sedentary
0.6 if you do 20-30 mins exercise 2 or 3 times per week
0.7 if you do more than 30 mins 3 to 5 times per week
0.8 if you do an hour or more 5 or more times per week
0.9 if you are a competitive athlete doing an hour or more twice daily.

That gives me 63g per day.

Schwarzbein says 1 to 1.25g for every Kg you weigh, which, for me is 53-66g.

My intake generally ends up around 60 - 70g.

I haven't had any adrenal tests, but, as you say, it seems a very healthy way to eat. If you're insulin resistant, the carbs at each meal are less. Once you're healthy, they're a little higher (about 150g per day), and the snacks are then optional.

girl81 · 05-23-2008, 06:36 PM

Debbie and Pauline,
Such wonderful, wise, heartfilled replies to Prarie.

TaDa! · 06-01-2008, 05:01 AM

Big Congratulations to Julia and to Deb!!!!!!! and just in time for summer!!!! Fabulous!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I am intrigued by the conversation regarding upping carbs in different ways and I just wonder how all of you are dealing with fat percentages, or amounts of fat grams? as I eat fairly high fat still: Approx 98 gm fat (52%), 65 gm net carbs, 118 gm protein ... Do you all lower fat significantly?

LOL! I have no idea whether I met my May goal, lol!! My MIL passed away and I had a quick trip to Ireland where I ate poorly. I just returned on Thursday night and have decided not to weigh myself for a couple of weeks since it will likely only upset me and possibly cause me to start binge eating, etc ... so that will be my big resolution for June .. not to weigh for two weeks, and then, to get back to siggy weight by the end of June .. Shall we start a new thread for June?

Girl81 .. Thank you

Ailuros · 06-01-2008, 05:05 AM

I'm eating around 50% fat, 20% protein, 30% carb. At least, that's more or less where the numbers were last time I counted. I'm not counting at the moment. TaDa, I think it's about the same amount of fat as you, but a bit more carb and a bit less protein.

Are we going to have a June thread?

JuliaL · 06-01-2008, 05:44 AM

I'm eating a lower fat diet, only because I prefer to add good carbs. I have found that as long as I'm careful to avoid eating a lot of wheat or wheat-based carbs I do o.k. on a higher carb plan. All my carbs come from veggies, fruit, oats and low-fat dairy. A typical week's macros look like this:

05-21-2008, 08:48 AM	#65
Deb79fl Senior LCF Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Central Florida Posts: 434 Gallery: Deb79fl Stats: 202.5/130/135 WOE: Atkins/PP/ general lower carb Start Date: July 2007	Let me say that I think you're a great friend! Not many people would worry so much about what someone else does or does not do. It proves that you're a very loving a generous spirit! You made the right choice in a teaching career, BTW! I would like to clarify something I said earlier. Obese people do know that they're overeating, eating the wrong things, and "should" make healthier choices. I think for the majority of people that have gotten obese find it hard to get started because it's such an overwhelming thought to think that they can never have their favorite foods or have to count carbs or calories, etc. for such a long time in order to get the weight off. I know for me, ignoring the problem was how I coped. I stopped looking at myself from the neck down and I knew how bad I felt (physically) from the additional weight, knew how bad I felt emotionally because I couldn't seem to get a grip on my overeating, etc. My husband had no idea how much binge eating I did, nor did he know how much pain I was in, emotionally. I've suffered from mild depression for years and in just the last six months did I realize that it was completely gone!! Whether from the diet or the fact that my body feels better, more supplements to meet my needs (5HTP added a few months ago), or if it was because I stopped eating to make myself feel better (which BTW, does not help!!). What finally happened with me to make me start losing weight? After my husband & I moved, I found out that my former office manager (who was at least 250) had started to lose weight, exercize, and looked and felt great. Well, this was the same person that I used to eat lunch with, splurge on "treats" with, etc. We were both going through a lot of things when we worked together, both tried to diet, both fell off more than once. Well, after she lost her husband, left our office for other employment, I guess she decided to get her life back. I thought, if she can do it, so can I. I set out to lose 25 pounds only. Told DH, if I get to 175, I'll be happy. I was! Then, I said OK, that wasn't so bad, let me "try" to get to 155, at least I'll be out of the "plus sizes". Got there, too! Wasn't easy and I fell off track more than a few times, but, I finally found that after one week back on plan, I was back in control. Now, I'm down more than 60 pounds, lost more than 55 inches and as of today, am only 2.5 pounds from the goal I set last July, when I started. So, now at 47, I look "almost" like I did at 25. I feel better, look and feel younger. One suggestion, while your friend is visiting, make some low carb versions of some of your favorite foods as a way to introduce them to her. Don't tell her it's low carb until she's tasted it and given her "seal of approval". Also, I see you do PP. That plan is so much more flexible than Atkins, maybe that would be a plan to share w/her. She could still have some of her favorite carbs, just limited. Last suggestion, if she is interested, tell her about the boards and what a great support it has been for you. Sometimes, just a "little nudge" will get a person in the right direction. Debbie __________________ Life is full of changes... and I'm changing for the better! Now a member of the 70 pound club! Started Atkins July 2007/Goal met May 23, 2008 Now striving for new goal of 125 Last edited by Deb79fl : 05-21-2008 at 08:54 AM.

05-23-2008, 03:22 AM	#68
JuliaL Way too much time on my hands! Join Date: May 2003 Location: Louisville, KY Posts: 16,918 Gallery: JuliaL Stats: 190/142/140 16/8/6, height 5'8", age 48 WOE: Atkins/BFFM Start Date: 4/22/03	Good morning, May Maintainers! How is everyone doing with their May goals? I set a weight goal of 140 for the month, and although I'm not quite there, I'm so happy to report that I've lost 14 lbs. since I started on thyroid hormone replacement. I'm truly amazed! I haven't been eating any differently, although I have cut out soy and flax. I'm exercising about the same amount - 5-6 days per week. Only 2 lbs. to go! Have a great Friday everyone! Last edited by JuliaL : 05-23-2008 at 03:25 AM.

05-23-2008, 08:05 AM	#73
homestretch MAJOR LCF POSTER! Join Date: Jul 2007 Posts: 1,207 Gallery: homestretch Stats: 206.5/153/155 WOE: Lost 35 on SB/Now Atkins and calorie counting Start Date: 5/26/06	Great job Deb and Julia! You guys have done an awesome job. Deb way to go meeting your goal I am sooooo proud of you!!!! I have not met my May goal but I am maintaining and I am happy with that. This has been the month from he!!. I have had a lot of ups and downs and things have been insane but I am seeing the light at the end of the tunnel. Life has its ups and downs and sometimes it is hard for me to just go with the flow. We own our own business and this month has been so crazy! Combine that with all the activities my kids have had at the end of the school year and my son moving home from college (and moving out again next week for an internship) and I have felt like I could not breathe. I have learned to not binge eat during stressful times but I have not learned how to lose weight during the stress. I am disappointed in myself but I am trying to be realistic and just go with the flow knowing that I will get to a place where I can put weight loss at the top of the list again. My husband reminded me that this is not a race. __________________ Start 206.5 5/26/2006.......Current 153.......Goal Met Nov. 1, 2007 "Be careful the environment you choose for it will shape you; be careful the friends you choose for you will become like them." ~ W. Clement Stone BELIEVE IN THE POWER WITHIN YOURSELF! Last edited by homestretch : 05-23-2008 at 08:06 AM.

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05-20-2008, 01:03 PM	#61
BellaHMB Very Gabby LCF Member!!! Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Northern California Coast Posts: 3,073 Gallery: BellaHMB Stats: 210/139/150 goal met 5.27.07 WOE: Maintenance Atkins Start Date: 1-16-07	Agreed 100%. Be her friend, and be an example to her of healthy eating. Bella

05-20-2008, 03:46 PM	#62
Prairieprof Senior LCF Member Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA Posts: 300 Gallery: Prairieprof Stats: 145/117/120 5'4" 10-12 to 4, 18% BF WOE: Protein Power Lifeplan for maintenance Start Date: 8/2007	Well, thanks for the input, everyone. I really don't want to have this conversation, or to harm our friendship in any way; she is my main emotional support these days. Yet I'm a teacher and it makes me crazy not to share knowledge. Two points I'm still struggling with, though: I don't assume my friend is as aware of what she's doing to herself as you all seem to think. She doesn't binge or have an especially disordered relationship to food, she just eats like a 17-year-old boy, as if there are no consequences to what she consumes. (For the record, we are both lesbian, and there is WAY less emphasis on thinness as an ideal in our community, so I think it's a lot easier to go along not worrying about it than it is for heterosexual women.) It just seems to me like she needs a wake-up call from somewhere -- but if you folks say it shouldn't be from me, I accept that. In a more abstract sense, though (let's take this away from me and my friend), are you saying that even though we have learned certain things about the damaging health effects of sugar/carbs it is not appropriate to share this knowledge even as we watch people developing conditions they could avert or reverse with a change of diet? It seems the parallel would be watching someone abuse alcohol or drugs and standing by silently, simply because they hadn't asked for our input. Is that really the protocol? (I admit that I haven't experienced this situation with any friend or family member, so I truly don't know.) I just can envision my friend dying young, and how guilty and chickens--t I'd feel for never having said anything for fear of hurting her feelings, when I knew a change in diet could have saved her life.

05-20-2008, 04:30 PM	#63
TaDa! Big Yapper!!!! Join Date: Jun 2003 Posts: 9,832 Gallery: TaDa! Stats: 236.5/130.25/130-135 & 5'3" tall WOE: Atkins (Vegetarian + Fish) Start Date: 6/03 & Goal! 5/06	I hear what you are saying .. Logic may dictate that she hear what you say, see the reason and the love with which you are sharing your knowledge, and then act on it, but people generally do not act entirely with logic when it comes to their own identities, their own bodies, things that are very deeply personal. Myself, I would be very deeply upset and my relationship (friend, or more than friend) might never recover from what I would feel was a betrayal of their "total acceptance" of me. In the end, the whole exercise would be entirely counterproductive, I would not only be unable to "hear" what that person is saying, I'd always be suspicious that they had a certain agenda behind certain actions, words, etc. Now, that is me and that is many obese people - but I am certain it is not all. In the end, no person can convince another person to lose weight, but if you tread lightly and let her take the lead as far as how much she wants to talk about that particular topic, you will not risk alienating her and you might be able to share some of what you have learned in a way that she will be able to actually listen and evaluate what you have to say. Even though weight may not appear to be such an issue in general in the lesbian community, I am pretty sure every person would like to look good and buff, however it is they personally define that ... for some of us, it is just very hard to get there ... how about trying out some lc vegetarian recipes before your trip and cooking for your friend ... you are going to Whole Foods aftr all If she's anything like me (and yah, pizza was once at the top of my list, lol!) than a delicious cheesy, buttery or olive-oily dish would absolutely get her attention! Maybe that would be a way to share your lc lifestyle with her and get her to become interested in it from the food perspective ... Pauline

05-21-2008, 06:27 AM	#64
Prairieprof Senior LCF Member Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA Posts: 300 Gallery: Prairieprof Stats: 145/117/120 5'4" 10-12 to 4, 18% BF WOE: Protein Power Lifeplan for maintenance Start Date: 8/2007	Thanks for the feedback, Pauline. The perspective of others has been really helpful to me. And my friend does know about my LC eating, so at least the issue is out there (I remember in previous days her picking up on my humorously calling myself a "breadaholic," and now I don't eat it at all and rarely even miss it). And I agree Whole Foods will be a good opportunity to introduce her to some things I enjoy that I think she would as well.

05-21-2008, 07:59 PM	#66
Prairieprof Senior LCF Member Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA Posts: 300 Gallery: Prairieprof Stats: 145/117/120 5'4" 10-12 to 4, 18% BF WOE: Protein Power Lifeplan for maintenance Start Date: 8/2007	Thanks, Debbie. Well, I'm off at the crack of dawn tomorrow; I'll report when I return. I think my plan is just to mention when the topic arises how happy I am with LC for me, and try to share some foods I think she'd enjoy (I recommended whey protein as a smoothie addition a while back, and she was very receptive to that -- and I'm bringing a baggie of it along with me, PP'er that I am!). If it fit naturally into a conversation, I might mention how interesting I've found learning about the lack of good science behind the low-fat stuff I believed in all those years (intellectual conversations are natural for us, and she is scientifically inclined).

05-22-2008, 12:47 AM	#67
Ailuros MAJOR LCF POSTER! Join Date: Jul 2007 Posts: 2,087 Gallery: Ailuros Stats: Maintenance (since 2003) WOE: Controlled carb, real food Start Date: 2003	That sounds like a good approach, Anne, I hope you find an opportunity to pass on some ideas. If she has a scientific approach, she may be interested in Gary Taubes's book, or one of the video interviews. Anyway, enjoy your time together - see you when you get back .

05-23-2008, 03:34 AM	#69
Ailuros MAJOR LCF POSTER! Join Date: Jul 2007 Posts: 2,087 Gallery: Ailuros Stats: Maintenance (since 2003) WOE: Controlled carb, real food Start Date: 2003	That's great, Julia . It's incredible that there are still people who believe all you have to do is eat less and exercise more! Since I implemented some of Schwarzbein's suggestions just over a month ago, I've gone from about 60 to about 120g carb per day *and* increased my food consumption by 2-300 cals per day without gaining any weight. My exercise has stayed the same. I was 116.2 this morning. That's about 22% BF. I really like being around 20%, but at the moment, cutting my calories or carbs seems to just demolish my energy, so it's not worth it. I haven't done too well with my goals for the month - exercise is still pretty sporadic, and I haven't been at all consistent with meditation either - looks like I have some goals to carry forward to next month . The food side has been good, though, and I am feeling better than I have done for a while, so overall I'm feeling quite pleased with the way things are going at the moment.

05-23-2008, 04:30 AM	#70
JuliaL Way too much time on my hands! Join Date: May 2003 Location: Louisville, KY Posts: 16,918 Gallery: JuliaL Stats: 190/142/140 16/8/6, height 5'8", age 48 WOE: Atkins/BFFM Start Date: 4/22/03	Ailuros: Can you elaborate a bit on which Schwarzbein suggestions you've implemented? It's nice to see someone maintaining while still eating normal amounts of food!

05-23-2008, 04:52 AM	#71
Ailuros MAJOR LCF POSTER! Join Date: Jul 2007 Posts: 2,087 Gallery: Ailuros Stats: Maintenance (since 2003) WOE: Controlled carb, real food Start Date: 2003	I've been following the eating advice for insulin sensitive/burnt out adrenals. I haven't had hormone tests, the choice was based on reading the descriptions. It's protein according to your size (similar amounts to Protein Power, but using it as a specific amount, rather than a minimum) divided between 5 meals/snacks. Notionally it's 25g carb at each of 3 meals, and 20g at each of two snacks, but in practice, I do vary a bit from that, just keep in that ballpark. So: eat five times a day, with 20-25g carb (she only counts actual starchy/fruit carbs, doesn't worry about spinach, broccoli etc), an ounce or two of protein, some fat, and some non-starchy veg. All real food, which I was already doing anyway. (She doesn't bother about soy, but I don't use any. Apart from health concerns, I just don't like it other than a few drops of soy sauce once in a blue moon.) Before, I was eating about the same amount of protein, but at three meals, not five, and about the same amount of carb per meal - around 20g, so totalling about 60g per day. So the changes have been eating more often, eating less protein at one go, and more total carbs in the day. Also it's ended up being more calories. For burnt out adrenals she recommends mild resistance exercise, and avoiding cardio. I was already doing yoga, and stayed with that. I did at one time do Slow Burn, but had stopped that about a year ago because I felt so wiped out when I did it (not just straight afterwards, longer term too). I don't like cardio, so wasn't doing any anyway . She also stresses the importance of things like getting enough sleep, but I was already doing that.

05-23-2008, 07:30 AM	#72
Deb79fl Senior LCF Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Central Florida Posts: 434 Gallery: Deb79fl Stats: 202.5/130/135 WOE: Atkins/PP/ general lower carb Start Date: July 2007	HURRAH!! Met goal today! When I started Atkins in July of 07, I chose 135 as the goal weight I wanted to be. Hoped to reach by my weeding anniversary on May 8th, so, just missed it by a few weeks. I'd like to lose some more, maybe another 10, but I'm very happy today!! Happy Friday to All!

05-23-2008, 08:27 AM	#74
JuliaL Way too much time on my hands! Join Date: May 2003 Location: Louisville, KY Posts: 16,918 Gallery: JuliaL Stats: 190/142/140 16/8/6, height 5'8", age 48 WOE: Atkins/BFFM Start Date: 4/22/03	Way to go, Deb! Homestretch: Thanks for the congrats. The fact that you're maintaining during a stressful time is really an accomplishment in itself. Ailuros: I didn't know you were dealing with adrenal burn-out. It's one of the things my endo tested me for when I was being diagnosed with hypothyroid. Fortunately she found that my adrenals are functioning well. Your plan sounds very healthy. I wonder if I'm getting too much protein? Do you have a total gram count for the day that you adhere to?

05-23-2008, 08:47 AM	#75
Ailuros MAJOR LCF POSTER! Join Date: Jul 2007 Posts: 2,087 Gallery: Ailuros Stats: Maintenance (since 2003) WOE: Controlled carb, real food Start Date: 2003	Protein Power gives a number that depends on your lean body mass and activity level: You need to multiply your lean body mass (LBM) by: 0.5 if you are sedentary 0.6 if you do 20-30 mins exercise 2 or 3 times per week 0.7 if you do more than 30 mins 3 to 5 times per week 0.8 if you do an hour or more 5 or more times per week 0.9 if you are a competitive athlete doing an hour or more twice daily. That gives me 63g per day. Schwarzbein says 1 to 1.25g for every Kg you weigh, which, for me is 53-66g. My intake generally ends up around 60 - 70g. I haven't had any adrenal tests, but, as you say, it seems a very healthy way to eat. If you're insulin resistant, the carbs at each meal are less. Once you're healthy, they're a little higher (about 150g per day), and the snacks are then optional.

05-23-2008, 06:36 PM	#76
girl81 Senior LCF Member Join Date: May 2007 Location: USA Posts: 454 Gallery: girl81 Stats: past/90/healthy WOE: clean, high calorie	Debbie and Pauline, Such wonderful, wise, heartfilled replies to Prarie.

06-01-2008, 05:01 AM	#77
TaDa! Big Yapper!!!! Join Date: Jun 2003 Posts: 9,832 Gallery: TaDa! Stats: 236.5/130.25/130-135 & 5'3" tall WOE: Atkins (Vegetarian + Fish) Start Date: 6/03 & Goal! 5/06	Big Congratulations to Julia and to Deb!!!!!!! and just in time for summer!!!! Fabulous!!!!!!!!!!!!! I am intrigued by the conversation regarding upping carbs in different ways and I just wonder how all of you are dealing with fat percentages, or amounts of fat grams? as I eat fairly high fat still: Approx 98 gm fat (52%), 65 gm net carbs, 118 gm protein ... Do you all lower fat significantly? LOL! I have no idea whether I met my May goal, lol!! My MIL passed away and I had a quick trip to Ireland where I ate poorly. I just returned on Thursday night and have decided not to weigh myself for a couple of weeks since it will likely only upset me and possibly cause me to start binge eating, etc ... so that will be my big resolution for June .. not to weigh for two weeks, and then, to get back to siggy weight by the end of June .. Shall we start a new thread for June? Girl81 .. Thank you

06-01-2008, 05:05 AM	#78
Ailuros MAJOR LCF POSTER! Join Date: Jul 2007 Posts: 2,087 Gallery: Ailuros Stats: Maintenance (since 2003) WOE: Controlled carb, real food Start Date: 2003	I'm eating around 50% fat, 20% protein, 30% carb. At least, that's more or less where the numbers were last time I counted. I'm not counting at the moment. TaDa, I think it's about the same amount of fat as you, but a bit more carb and a bit less protein. Are we going to have a June thread?

06-01-2008, 05:44 AM	#79
JuliaL Way too much time on my hands! Join Date: May 2003 Location: Louisville, KY Posts: 16,918 Gallery: JuliaL Stats: 190/142/140 16/8/6, height 5'8", age 48 WOE: Atkins/BFFM Start Date: 4/22/03	I'm eating a lower fat diet, only because I prefer to add good carbs. I have found that as long as I'm careful to avoid eating a lot of wheat or wheat-based carbs I do o.k. on a higher carb plan. All my carbs come from veggies, fruit, oats and low-fat dairy. A typical week's macros look like this: