Help with weight loss

Hi everyone. I have tried many weight loss programs without much success. Because of a couple of health issues I really need to shed some weight off fast. Does anyone know of anything that I would be able to do easily or take that would help me kick into gear? It's not that I don't have the time in the evenings to get off my hiney I just don't seem to have the energy to do anything about it. Maybe caused by depression because all I think about is I need to lose weight. Any suggestions or support is appreciated.

I have loved both Slim Fast and the Special K diet when losing weight. I just recently did the Special K and I love that there are a variety of cereals and even bars and crackers. Like Slim Fast (I do generic wal mart or store brand) you eat the cereal twice a day with snacks and then a sensible dinner. Their promise is lose a pants size in 2 weeks. I did it and saw results. Good luck!

I lost a bunch of weight a few years ago and felt great. However, after going through depression last year because of 3 miscarriages in a 7 month period, I gained it all back. I didn't have much motivation to do anything except sit and eat, and in my depression, it wasn't healthy choices I was eating. Starting this year, I'm going to do the same thing that was successful to me in the past. This is what I did . . .

Because it took me 30+ years to develop my bad habits, I figured I couldn't change them over night. If I wanted it to be something that stuck, I had to make my changes gradually. I started out by exercising every day. Even if it's a walk around the block, it's a start. Don't try to push yourself too hard at first. 30 minutes may seem like a lot right now, so try just 10 minutes the first week, and add 5 minutes each week until 30 minutes doesn't seem like as much. Set a goal and work towards it. I'm lucky to have equipment in my house, and I set a time each day to work on it. This may sound crazy, but I like to DVR Jeopardy and watch it while on my stepper. If I fast forward the commercials, it takes 20 minutes to watch the show and I am focused on answering the questions rather than how much longer I have to do this. It keeps my mind distracted. I know you say you're depressed and I know how that feels. But, trust me, exercising is the best cure for that. I also take a multi vitamin with iron since I have battled anemia. If you're low on iron, it'll make you feel run down.

Each week, I also pick one bad food habit to tackle, and that's the only one I focus on. So far, I've dropped soda (Dr. Pepper is my weakness, but even diet soda is bad) and I've cut out eating after dinner. Once I clean up dinner, I brush my teeth and I'm done eating for the day. I haven't even tried to change my eating habits yet, just those 2 things. And in one week, I've lost 3 pounds and an inch around the middle. This week my goal is to focus on eating a healthy breakfast and lunch to avoid the mid-afternoon craving for junk food.

Also, don't focus solely on the numbers on the scale. As you burn fat, you'll build muscle. Weekly, I weigh myself and measure around my waist, hips, and thigh and keep a journal of it. You'll be surprised how the inches fall off faster than the pounds! Also, focus on how your clothes feel. That's even more telling than the numbers on the scale.

Good luck! If you'd like a weight loss buddy, I'd love to have one! Just PM me!

My version of the Atkins diet works for me...when I am consistent with it. It consists of eating healthy cooked meats (and eggs) and unlimited raw or steamed greens (lettuce, green peppers, cucumber, broccoli, etc) Also any extra activity such as not looking for the closest parking spot or doing lazy exercises. My lazy/commercial exercises are done in the morning, before bed or during commercials. They are leg lifts, stretches, cardio punches, etc. I know it sounds crazy but doing a little more frequently helps me.

Most registered dieticians are BIG fans of Weight Watchers because it's really balanced and teaches you ways to change your habits.

There are some endocrine (hormonal) disorders that can keep you from losing weight, and many medications have weight gain as a side effect. If you're taking any medication, it may be worth talking to your pharmacist to see if there's another medication in the same drug class that you might be able to try without compromising what it's doing for you medically.

I'm going to be trying FullBars for the first time today. My problem is portions. I can eat with the best full-grown men, and it has me 15-20 lbs overweight.

Most of the people I've met over the years (was a sales rep for prescription diabetes products for 8 years and a weight loss product for 1) have had the most success when they made fundamental shifts in their relationships with food. One lady swears by taking a sip of water before each bite and really thoroughly chewing her food. She was a registered dietician and Certified Diabetes Educator who'd lost 100 lbs and kept if off over a year doing this.

Good luck. Will be anxious to see what works for everyone.

Hi Gena,
Most diets are not good. They cause muscle loss and lead to the diet yo-yo where you eventually gain it all back. The only program that maintains muscle mass is Cinch from Shaklee. Shaklee is the number one natural supplement company. They do a tremendous amount of research. The research they have done with athletes to build muscle lead to this weight management program. When you maintain muscle mass, metabolism is preserved or increased. Low calorie diets decrease metabolism.
You can read more about it at http://www.cinchplan.com/healthforlife There will be a new site up soon at http://www.cinchwellness.com with even more info and helps.
Everyone is right about changing habits slowly. Tackle one thing at a time.
I am a personal trainer and wellness educator. I would be glad to help you if you want to contact me.
Good luck and God bless,
Victoria

Start small. Make changes you can adhere to like eat out only once a week, only 1 diet soda(and no regular) per day, no eating after 7 o'clock in the evening, always eat breakfast, etc. If you start to make small changes that you'll stick to, then they will become a part of your lifestyle and you won't have to diet. Everyones needs exercise or some activity, but I would never commit to going to a gym or "working out", so instead I walk 3-4 days a week. It is something I enjoy and have made a part of my weekly routine. I think that is the key to losing and maintaining your weight. Good luck!

Patients using the Dr. TED Diet at Plano Aesthetics have had amazing, quick results. It's an HCG based diet.

www.planoaesthetics.com Check out their blog too. Lots of testimonies.

There is a FREE speaker today, TUES Jan 12, at CENTRAL MARKET in Southlake, 12:00-1:00. He will be in the community classroom in back of the Cafe. He will be sharing his ideas on nutrition and his meal plans. He is an Ironman Triathlete & vegetarian and has written a book about it. I am not a vegetarian, but I am planning to attend & LEARN. I'd like to go meatless for a few meals a week. Meat production takes a heavy toll on the environment.

I really liked the idea suggested below: of a sip of water before each bite. And chew each bite well. Back in the 70's my gymnastic coach made us chew each bite 20 times. Counting 20 chews before swallowing really slowed down our eating, and made us more aware of flavors. My coach was ahead of the times: nowadays, it's called the "slow food" movement. Digestion begins with saliva and when we swallow without chewing, we cheat ourselves of some of the nutrients available. Also, when you eat slower, the brain has time to get the message from the stomach that it is full.

An idea for walking: I read that you can start by just going out your front door. Walk in any direction for 10 minutes. Stop, turn around, go back. That's all you have to do to start! I also read about a study between 2 groups of depressed people. They gave one group a common antidepressant pill. The other group was asked to walk. Guess which group was feeling much better at the end of the study?! There is a latin proverb: "it is solved by walking." I guess it means that if you have to do some thinking, go outside and walk - - with no ipod.

I have medical issues and also so busy that I have no energy. Howewver, I discovered that if I work out, I actually end up with more energy. I don't know what your health issues are, but I have PCOS-whihc makes it hard to lose weight-(and need to lose about 70lbs) and I found that if I don't eat too many carbs, workout and take my meds, I lose the weight. I don't belong to a gym, but I have a great workout program on DVD. I have been doing it since Jan. 1, have lost weight and I feel tons better (also dealing with the depression thing). I started out slow (25 mins for the first week and now I am up to 50 mins+20 mins of strecthing) and I don't go crazy about counting carbs, I just cut back on all sweets and go for veggies instead of potatoes. It was hard the first week, but I feel great now. Just do what you can. Take baby steps. HIDE the scale and go by how your clothes fit. Also remember to drink a lot of water. If you want to know more you can PM me. And the reality is the only cost I have had is buying the DVD workout.
Good Luck!

Look for a book on Amazon (or ask your local bookstore to order it for you) called "I Can Make You Thin" by Paul McKenna. The techniques really work! I already lost 25 lbs using it, and there are no strenuous workouts or anything. It's all about listening to your body. I even did it while clinically depressed. When you first read it, some of it sounds kind of silly, but it really works. Good luck! I know how hard weight loss can be!

Have you considered hypnosis? It is not wacky mind control, it is a way to talk to your subconscious (where you problem is stemming from).

I am just starting a hypnosis website (totally new site - no where close to done yet). I am about to make a hypnosis session for weight loss motivation. When it gets up there, you can get it for only $9.00. Or, you can just email me through this site or through my site at www.HypnoticMuse.com.

Seriously, even if you don't go to my site - try hypnosis.

Good luck to you, Gena!

Schedule and allow yourself to rest all weekend.
Cut out all sugar starting thursday
Eat lots of raw foods, lean protein, drink tons of water Thursday - Sunday
IF your doctor says it's ok, take a liquid sublingual B-12 and multi vitamins
By Monday you should be feeling better, so start walking or moving. Make a goal to move 20 minutes a day. I have been known to make paper chains for each day that I succeed.
Eat whole foods - nothing processed. Take food with you.

If you can work up to it, also eliminate corn, dairy and wheat.

Once you get going, the rest will happen.

Good luck.

sparkpeople is a good website to join with lots of support and tools to use and articles. Best of all it's free.

Last year I did the cookie diet with SmartforLife and lost just at 50 lbs(baby weight) in 3 1/2-4months-No exercise!!! I am back at it this year to get another 40-50 lbs off with their new company natural weight and the produces are even better. I think the new site is naturalweightdfw.com but they are at Preston & Plano Parkway look them up they are a great group and once you commit to it you watch the weight fall off each week. Good Luck!

I am in the same situation. I physically had to write down a schedule and put in my workout time. Being a sahm makes it easier because nap time is my workout time. I have suffered from depression for years, but when I at least take a two mile walk I feel much better for the rest of the day. I take a little inspiration from Jillian Michaels and Nike...No excuses and Just do it. It takes 10 days to make something a habit and only 3 days to break it. Hope that helps :)

I can certainly understand the depression standpoint - it can cause a lot of weight gain itself, as well as the medications for it. I myself have Bipolar Disorder, so it has been challenging losing weight, and I have tried lots of things. I can tell you 2 things - most companies are just trying to sell you something, and the only way to really lose weight and keep it off is to take in less calories than you burn in a day. Its that simple. Most people, like me, need help to do this. I HIGHLY recommend Weight Watchers. They are highly reputable, very supportive, are not out to make a buck, and do not pressure you to buy things, even though there are things you can buy. Believe me, I worked for a big weight loss company for 2 years and it was all about sell, sell, sell. Don't fall into that trap - your weight loss success is the most important thing and the folks at Weight watchers keep their eye on the prize - YOU!!!!! Good luck!

Hi Gena, I can help you loose the weight and keep it off. we have helped so many who were in same satuation. You have support system and a weight manegment that works for you while feeding your body with all the neutrients, minrals, vitamins etc. that is the major difference with our products.

Let me know when you have time and I can show you and explain how it works.

Alem Feleke
214-432-4178

I have had weight issues all my life (beginning at age 9). I have probably lost more than 400 lbs going up and down the weight loss yo-yo. I am 46 and have lost 40 lbs since February last year. The difference is I am not on a diet, I am changing my ideas about food. There is diabetes on both sides of my family and I was headed that direction. I decided I was taking the weight off - for good. I find if I walk for 30 minutes every day it really helps. I do it first thing in the morning so it's done. I am a SAHM of 2, homeschool, run a business with my husband, so it's easy for me to not get it done. I have tried other times of the day and first thing works best for me. It is also my prayer time. I agree with the others about weight watchers. I have cut out sweets. I watch my carbs and try to eat lean meat with lots of veggies and fruit. You can do this if you're determined. Take it a meal at a time. If you mess up at one meal, just get right back on your plan the next meal. Don't beat yourself up, just resolve to do better. And don't look at it as a diet, that makes it sound temporary. If you're going to lose weight and keep it off, it's a life change. Believe me, I am proof, if I go back to my old eating habits I will gain back every bit of what I've lost and then some. Mine is not a diet, it's permanent.

Blessings to you this day!
Lori

Its all about what you put in your mouth. Start cutting your portions in half. I feel you pain as I struggle with weight as well, but I was told by my trainer at the gym, its about what I put in my mouth. Good luck