So its the end of January, but still early in a year when I hoped to make a lot of changes. So far the results are mixed.
I want to lose weight, and so far I have lost 2 pounds and gained it back again. I do have the data to understand what is happening because I log all of my eating and exercise. Bottom line: If you don't cut back or move a lot more you'll stay the same. About half the time I am able to restrict my calories to around 1500 - but on the other days I go up to 2000 or more. I've been doing yoga 2-3 times a week, and I do walk the dog a lot.
If I ate 1500 calories every day and did a moderate amount of exercising, I would probably lose a pound a week. The big weakness for me is sweets. Most of my nutrients are right on target, but I am always eating more sugar than I ought to be, even if its fruit. I also eat more in the evening than I should be. What it boils down to is that I reach for something sweet when I need emotional comfort. I reach for something sweet when I am tired or lacking energy. While it used to be the case that I would binge on dessert - I am more likely to eat protein bars - but they are still sweet, and have a fair amount of calories.
So I haven't changed my behavior enough to make a difference. I know that what I need to do is spend even more time planning what I eat - plan for a healthy snack instead of grabbing something sweet. And I need to plan my exercise so that I do something every day.
The other thing that makes me overeat is a lack of sleep. On the days where I don't have a good nights sleep I am much more likely to eat too much.
I watched the show "my 600lb life" several times. Most of the people on it have 4 or 500 lbs to lose and a real addiction to food. I am pretty sure they only show you the success stories. But you see people struggle in major ways to make the changes they need to make to save their lives. I find it inspiring that the people on the show are willing to be so vulnerable about their struggles.
So this month was a failure in some ways, but I have to say its not really a mystery to me. Permanent weight loss involves changing behaviors. I think in my case it will be a challenge to see if I can stop handling my emotions by eating... because that is something I've been doing for a long time.
There are other changes I am trying to make, like socializing more and breaking out of my isolation. I made some strides this month, but not a lot. Once again, its the depression that makes it hard. I can plan to do something but then if I feel badly I will back out of it when the time comes. I hate myself for doing it, but that's what I do.
Well, 11 more months in the year. I will try harder in February.
Alice
I want to lose weight, and so far I have lost 2 pounds and gained it back again. I do have the data to understand what is happening because I log all of my eating and exercise. Bottom line: If you don't cut back or move a lot more you'll stay the same. About half the time I am able to restrict my calories to around 1500 - but on the other days I go up to 2000 or more. I've been doing yoga 2-3 times a week, and I do walk the dog a lot.
If I ate 1500 calories every day and did a moderate amount of exercising, I would probably lose a pound a week. The big weakness for me is sweets. Most of my nutrients are right on target, but I am always eating more sugar than I ought to be, even if its fruit. I also eat more in the evening than I should be. What it boils down to is that I reach for something sweet when I need emotional comfort. I reach for something sweet when I am tired or lacking energy. While it used to be the case that I would binge on dessert - I am more likely to eat protein bars - but they are still sweet, and have a fair amount of calories.
So I haven't changed my behavior enough to make a difference. I know that what I need to do is spend even more time planning what I eat - plan for a healthy snack instead of grabbing something sweet. And I need to plan my exercise so that I do something every day.
The other thing that makes me overeat is a lack of sleep. On the days where I don't have a good nights sleep I am much more likely to eat too much.
I watched the show "my 600lb life" several times. Most of the people on it have 4 or 500 lbs to lose and a real addiction to food. I am pretty sure they only show you the success stories. But you see people struggle in major ways to make the changes they need to make to save their lives. I find it inspiring that the people on the show are willing to be so vulnerable about their struggles.
So this month was a failure in some ways, but I have to say its not really a mystery to me. Permanent weight loss involves changing behaviors. I think in my case it will be a challenge to see if I can stop handling my emotions by eating... because that is something I've been doing for a long time.
There are other changes I am trying to make, like socializing more and breaking out of my isolation. I made some strides this month, but not a lot. Once again, its the depression that makes it hard. I can plan to do something but then if I feel badly I will back out of it when the time comes. I hate myself for doing it, but that's what I do.
Well, 11 more months in the year. I will try harder in February.
Alice