I’m living a few towns over from where I grew up and lately, I’ve been invited out and have been going. It’s been fun to reconnect with friends from long ago.
But…we took a photo yesterday, a bunch of us, and even though I knew I’d gained weight, I didn’t realize how much of a fat girl I am or how I looked on the outside. It was frightening. Because I never looked so heavy in my life! The overall weight gain is staggering in a photo.
Because in my head, I look good. I’m happier than I’ve been in a long time. But the meds I’m on are not fun and it shows on my body. And lately, well, I’m craving bread! OMG! Hand me a crusty hunk of french bread or a roll slathered in butter and I’m in heaven! So not good for keeping the weight down….
But I digress. This was a shocker to me yesterday. So I’m thinking of trying to start on August 1st to be more mindful of what I eat and how I eat it. I want to lose the weight as I’m not happy with the scale or how my clothes fit or how I look in said clothing.
It’s been too hot to walk outside (for fear I’ll get dizzy with the heat) so I’ve been more sedentary lately too. I think today and tomorrow I’ll enjoy myself less so I can ease into the August mindfulness.
Any tips on losing weight? I’m all ears!
Authentically 50 ~ Embracing Life's Changes 
I understand what you went through. One of my kids showed me a picture they took where I was in the background and I did not like the way I looked at all. Ugh!
Then last couple of weeks I had a digestive issue related to wheat and sugar (not gluten intolerance or allergy, maybe an inflammation?) so I cut that out for a week. So much bloating and discomfort, I was in pain whenever I ate anything. I looked like I was 6 months pregnant from the bloating. 🤯
It was the hardest thing, to cut out my lovely food choices. I love fresh bread with butter, pastries, pasta … Waa! It was difficult. But I didn’t miss the discomfort when I abstained… 🤷♀️
And it worked. No alcohol either for a week.
Now my system has regulated and I decided to keep the wheat and sugar as an occasional rather than daily “treat”. I recommend this, because outright denying yourself the things you enjoy make you miserable.
So, start with a clean break from that stuff, is what I suggest, say for a few days, then reintroduce occasionally. (When the craving hits simply say “it’s not gone forever, I can have it again next Saturday” and stick to it.) If I have bread and butter for breakfast today I won’t have a sandwich for lunch today, or a carby dinner tonight. I choose protein and veg instead. If I have pizza for dinner, I don’t eat wheat-y carbs the next day.
It takes a little getting used to and some planning, but if I can do it, so can anyone (I’m a wimp for good food…). And I do cheat at times, but then get back on track the next day.
Good luck! You’ll feel better in no time. 😊
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This is golden! Thank you! I am so glad your system has regulated and you feel better! Yay! You’re right. I can do this and not deprive myself but simply make it a treat…oh it may be hard at first…but…I’d love to get rid of the inflammation too…I feel like I look pudgy…
Thank you for sharing and for inspiring me! I appreciate you! Good luck to you too although you sound like you’re doing great!! 🙂
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I used to worry about my weight and be constantly dieting as a teenager and in college. Once I quit dieting and ate whatever I wanted, I lost weight. I don’t focus on it and eat when I’m hungry and try not to eat when I’m full. I also think walking or some sort of exercise is crucial.
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Good for you! 🙂 I like the way you think! I like how you lost weight!
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👍🏼
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I put on 30 pounds over the last 2 years and I hate it. I’m going back to being more mindful with the carbs and sugar, as in Keto/Atkins type. I just need to stop sticking my hand in the jelly belly jar. It is a constant up and down but like you, I’m not happy with the way my clothes fit anymore. I’ve got a 50th (!) high school reunion coming in October and while I won’t be able to get to my high school weight, I can at least try and get this extra 30 off! Good luck to us both and nice to see that other than the weight thing you are doing well!
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Hey Janet! I’m rooting for you!! (and me!) So cheers to us and losing weight to feel better! I love that you’re going to your reunion! I can’t wait to hear all about it! We have 2 months so anything is an improvement! Let me know how it’s going with you (and I’ll do the same)! I’ll be your biggest fan! Go Janet!! Yay!
I’m a chocoholic so Jelly Belly’s don’t do it for me…LOL I’m not sure what has more sugar…I was thinking of doing keto/atkins. Have you found any good websites to recommend?
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No websites but I got a couple books that were simple to follow, Simple Keto and Keto Quickstart.
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Staying active and watching what goes in my mouth is how I best maintain a healthy weight. It’s been really hot here in TX, but I enjoying getting up early for a brisk walk around the hood.
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Good for you Barb! It’s the boredom eating that has me in its clenches I think. That and having been so stressed for so many years. Excuses I know…but I’m starting to walk again whiich helps!
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I’ve pretty much battled my weight my entire life, so I’ve had lots of experience with this issue. It got to the point where I retired to basically take care of myself. I like to eat, so I knew my main ticket was just being regular with exercise. There are days when I don’t feel like it, but I’m pretty dedicated. If I don’t go swimming or workout at the gym, I try to walk. I also gave up some bad eating habits. When I have a bad eating day, I don’t freak out about it. I just get back to it the next day with renewed determination.
I have to give my parents credit because they never once made me feel like my value was determined by my weight. Therefore, even when I was overweight, I still had good self-esteem. That has everything to do with them.
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Thank you Pete for sharing and thank goodness for your lovely parents too! Once the heat of summer passes, I think I’ll be better off and can get into a routine. The kids are now starting to go to the gym and offered to ‘work out’ with me at home too which helps to motivate. I think a bit by bit overhaul of eating habits will help as well. It will take time – thanks for being inspiring!
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Losing weight sucks
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I agree!
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