There are certain foods that i cannot keep in the house. They will call to me from the refrigerator, cupboard or pantry. Its funny- but some foods I fixate on- and other that are similar I could care less about. For example- I tend to hate store bought cookies… like anything Mr. Christie, I could care less about Oreos, Fudgee-o’s whatever.. but home made chocolate ship anything sends me into tail spin. Muffins.. whatever- banana bread I could eat a whole loaf.
It is KEY to know your trigger food and not kids yourself that you will buy them “for the family” . I have baked many brownies and cookies for the family… yet the family never seems to get a chance to eat them.
below are foods that are DANGEOUS to me and could set me back.
1. Fudge. Real Fudge of any kind.
2. Carrot cake.
3. cheesecake
4. Pecan Pie
5. Homemade brownies.
6. Homemade chocolate chip cookies
7. Halvah ( a Middle eastern treat.. sesame oil, honey and nuts and incredible texture)
8. cinnamon buns
9. Baked loafs (banana bread, date and nut loaf, etc)
10. Poppycock ( a buttercrunch , popcorn almond, walnut mixture)
What are your trigger foods? think about them and be honest with yourself. Don;t make them. If you love chocolate chip cookies- make ginger cookies for the bake sale…
Posted by Linda J. - Weight Loss Using Diet, Exercise and Meridia as Weight loss Tip Articles at 9:59 PM EDT
No Comments »
Well, as I lose weight I am feeling better and better, more energy and bounce. I keep meaning to take up Yoga ( again ) and do more hiking. We live in a rural area with tons of public hiking trails and I do like to hike. One problem I have had in the past is my back aching after a while. I can keep up with everyone except my lower back really starts to hurt after a while. I have found that a really GOOD pair of hiking boots can make all the difference.
I was looking at both hiking and hunting boots that are offered at online stores and was amazed at the science that goes into constructing a pair.
I prefer Hiking both Converse and Wolverine brand for overall comfort and can recommend these to some one wanting a decent pair and worried about cost and comfort. I am going to put these on my Christmas list his year ;-)
Posted by Linda J. - Weight Loss Using Diet, Exercise and Meridia as Daily Posts at 9:45 PM EDT
No Comments »
Well- after the pecan pie incident of Thanksgiving I learned lesson. I did not go overboard or anything- I had small piece and within calorie range for the day. But I was reeling for about a week … fighting off cravings and urges to eat. I really have a problem with certain foods. I just don’t think I should eat them or try and incorporate into my diet- much like an alcoholic should not try and have occasional glass of wine with dinner.
So- Here are some ideas for getting through Halloween and mounds of candy that is everywhere:-)
- Do not buy candy to give out that YOU like. If it is a huge problem- then buy non-food items like stickers, toys, etc.
I personally don;t really eat chips/cheezies/doritos so I bought that to give out. Usually I would by Cadbury chocolate anything… and then pick at the bag(s) and left overs. Don’t set yourself up for failure. If its not there you can’t eat it.
- Halloween parties: Bring veggies and low fat dip. I went to one yesterday and was fine. Normally pot lick type thing like that will be HARD for me. I also made sure i ate- PLENTY before we left. Also carried some fruit and protein bar in my bag just in case.
Protein will curb hunger and cravings. Better to eat a nd 250 calories protein bar ( drink lots of water ) then pig out on brownies and chocolate.
- Have kids keep their stash out of site. Not in a big bowl on kitchen counter.
- Let your kids eat it til its gone- none of this 1 chocolate bar a day for 6 months. Dentist will also agree this is best method. Have it GONE and over with rather than laying around tempting you.
I also think letting them eat and not “restricting” foods removes emotion and guilt from eating and a good thing for the kids. Attributing any emotion to food is playing with fire.
Is it fair to have other suffer or have their lives affected by your dieting? It depends. My family would rather make small sacrifics to help me achieve goals rather than have me fail. I am not trying to fit into a bikini for Christmas Holiday- I just want to live past 50 years old.
Posted by Linda J. - Weight Loss Using Diet, Exercise and Meridia as Weight loss Tip Articles at 4:42 PM EDT
No Comments »
I have probably lost closer to 25 lbs- was at my goal last Monday :-)
The scales I have are wonky and can shift by 30 lbs depending on any kind of shift in weight.. so I almost picked up new scales at Costco yesterday.
I will put up some new pics this week as it is beginning the month.
Posted by Linda J. - Weight Loss Using Diet, Exercise and Meridia as Personal Goals, Weight loss Updates at 4:28 PM EDT
No Comments »
I have watched the TV show, The Biggest Loser … barely… twice now.
Last night one of the contestants GAINED 17 lbs in one week. First- how in the world can that happen? I also saw something about him doing it on purpose? Why and how? I must be missing something. He said some mumbo jumbp about sodium and water .. 17 lbs???? Is he postioning himself for huge loss next week?? Then doesn’t he risk being booted out? I don’t get it!!
I think I hate this show. I hate the trainers.. I hate the concept. Are they teaching these people how to maintain at all? That is key. I know how to lose weight- I just don’t know how to NOT gain weight…
Posted by Linda J. - Weight Loss Using Diet, Exercise and Meridia as Daily Posts at 6:07 PM EDT
1 Comment »
No Dr. Wharton today- just a stress test and ultra sound of my heart. Everything great. No heart problems at all. My blood pressure is normal again- if not on the low side 110/70.
Had stress test and was fine as well- not nearly as hard as I thought it would be.
Big news of course is I lost another 7 lbs in since last visit October 10. So I have met my Halloween goal of losing 20 lbs in 2 months all ready! I am down to 295. First time I have weighed been below 300 lbs in almost 5 years or so..
I can’t write much tonight- I went to sleep at 3am and woke up at 5:30 ( Thank-you Meridia for the Insomnia) . I may have to seriously consider going off the drug if this keeps up. My husband has really stepped up to the plate and helped with kids/dinner, etc when I have been zombie like this. Will update charts more tomorrow.
Other meridia side effect- REALLY dry mouth last few days.
Insomnia just terrible. I am basket case. I have taken Tylenol PM a few times to get/stay asleep and will ask doctor again if this is okay. I notice i am kind of bitchy next day if I take it night before.
Other highlights- my clothes are starting to hang and wearing jeans! Will post pics on the weekend.
Posted by Linda J. - Weight Loss Using Diet, Exercise and Meridia as Meridia Weight Loss Drug, Weight loss Updates at 8:15 PM EDT
No Comments »
I went for me third visit yesterday. I should say at this point that I am RARELY wrong when assessing people and situations- and this turn out to be a time when my initial impression was way off base. I was wrong. I will write later about it- just to say that my initial skepticism has proven unfounded. Dr. Wharton is the real deal.
I went to my 3rd visit at Canadian Bariatric Clinic lead by Dr. Sean Wharton. I had an ECG test and breath test. Went very smoothly and took very little time. Technician quite friendly.
Saw Derek, whose role I am not 100% sure of… My best guess is that he inputs what I tell him into a computer to save Dr. Wharton time. There are not many question he is able to answer- most because of legal reasons. He also does not seem that knowledgeable in general- he has admitted to being new to the field. he is amiable and friendly however and if you are the type that is nervous to get weighed or discuss food issues he is very non-threatening.
Weigh-in- Was disappointed. As i thought the other scales at family doctors office are not in sync.. so I am at 301. Which means from last visit at CBC ( Canadian Bariatric Clinic) I am down about 7 lbs.
I then saw Dr. Wharton- I often have to resist calling him Sean, as he is quite open and warm. When I fist met him last month I thought him disingenuous but I think I misread his motives. He really is THAT passionate and committed to his work and does not have the air of arrogance that most medical professionals to carry.
I was unusually chatty and wired at the visit. I have extreme sensitivity to caffeine and mistakenly had a non-decaf tea earlier in the day- so I talked doctors ear off…
Key Points:
I asked about headaches that I thought might becoming from Meridia- he suggested I try drinking more water- that it could be toxins being released as I lose weight.
he did also ask if I would like to be part of weight loss support group he is starting up soon. I eagerly agreed.
Insomnia: I am having a rough time with not sleeping. Some night I can get to sleep but wake up early.. other I can’t get to sleep easily and worst nights- both. I wonder if headaches are from loss of sleep. Dr. Wharton said that if they side effects continue to be a problem then at some point we could look at stopping the Meridia.
Bizarre Dreams: He mentioned this was probably because of the poor quality of sleep.
We then talked about some non- weightless related stuff and had quite a long visit. I left energized.
Posted by Linda J. - Weight Loss Using Diet, Exercise and Meridia as Canadian Bariatric Clinic, Meridia Weight Loss Drug at 12:57 PM EDT
No Comments »
I realized i didn’t put up diet that doctor suggested. Initially my Family doctor said try a low glycemic diet and basically when I look at diet Dr. Wharton obesity specialist at Canadian Bariatric Clinic) recommends it is very similar.
He initially asked I go on 1500 calorie a day to lose 1lbs a week. Yes- he wants you to lose only 1lb. a week! I have been averaging about 3 , however. ( Note: on 3rd visit correction as made- there was an input error made and I should be on 1800 calories a day- 700 calorie deficit, and was never meant to on 1500 kcals)
I have been aiming for 1500-1800 calories a day. I should aim for 30g of fibre ( harder think you think), 90 grams protein and 200 grams carbohydrate.
He also feels it is IMPERATIVE to eat throughout the day and to not go long periods without food or your body will go into “starvation mode” and your metabolism will drop. The best thing you can do is to eat something when you wake up.
Snack between meal ( about 1/2-1 hour before meal) and to avoid fruit juices.
In order to meat the nutritional requirements it is VERY difficult to eat white flour and lots of sugar.
My daily diet is broken down like this
breakfast:250 calories
snack: 150
Lunch: 350
snack: 100
Dinner: 500
snack: 150
A HIGH fibre cereal is a MUST if you have any hope of getting in 30 grams a day! I have been having Fiber1 which has 12 grams. Also with 1% milk and decaf tea in the morning. I will usually have a clementine or apple as well.
snack: almost always fruit or yogurt or both depending on the calories in fruit. I also carry a nutritional bar in purse so if I am out and don;t have acces to food will eat that- and drink with water!
lunch: I sometimes forget to eat so i will have a meal replacement shake, pretty much always vanilla flavour with frozen strawberries. Will also have sliced chicken sandwich with fruit and glass of milk.
other snacks- lower fat popcorn ( good for fiber) , raw veggies and low fit dip- either homemade or store bought.
dinner- I can usually eat what family is eating. I have found trying to eat more vegetarian meals is good way to reduce calories and increase fiber. So chicken, veggies, whole wheat pasta with lean or turkey meatballs, I tend to make a lot of Indian food as well… not for everyone but you can easily replace chicken with lentils and or chick peas. We eat a lot of basmati rice as well.
Any other thoughts? Would love to hear them!
Posted by Linda J. - Weight Loss Using Diet, Exercise and Meridia as Canadian Bariatric Clinic, Food and Snacks, Glycemic Index Diet at 10:41 AM EDT
1 Comment »
I tried this out last week,Calorie King Software. They have a free download so you can try for 7 days. Was that hard to set up- You can input how many calories a day you are aiming for - and one nice feature- how many grams of protein, fiber, fat , etc . The daily counter lets you drag and drop ZILLIONS of food items.. everything you could possible think of- including fast food and other restaurants. You can also create you own list of commonly eaten food so you don;t have to wade through all the items. I think once you set up completely would be easy to use.
I do prefer just using pen and paper with simple spreadsheet- If people ask I can post on the site. I use labels and info a good food counter book that I bought 10 years ago. I don’t eat in restaurants much so suits me fine. I am sure a medium apple has same amount of calories now as it did in 1997!
Posted by Linda J. - Weight Loss Using Diet, Exercise and Meridia as Daily Posts, Diet and Weight Loss Tools at 9:19 AM EDT
1 Comment »
I go this insert in my Meridia prescription box. It is promoting the support website for those taking Meridia, mydecision.ca .
You need the DIN number of the drug to login and register. The site offers diet info, If you have lost it ,
the Meridia DIN is 02243163. The site is set up for those who have been prescribed Meridia and is looks like it is useful dieting tool.
Would be curious to here what others think… though I am not sure I want a drug company monitoring my behavior, etc.
There is a meal planner which helps you plan meals based on the caloric intake you suggest, and TO ME its is a bit cumbersome. I have been using a good ole pen and paper reading labels and books I do have have software that should make it easy- from Calorie King and they do have a free download to try for 7 days. Again, Maybe I am old fashion but writing it down seems easier and you get more familiar with prices. The software is easy to use- you can customize stuff… think I will write separate post about it.
Posted by Linda J. - Weight Loss Using Diet, Exercise and Meridia as Diet and Weight Loss Tools, Meridia Weight Loss Drug at 8:58 AM EDT
No Comments »
