mamagotcha | Butt-kicking

When my sister was here, she did a lot of butt-kicking, and we got a LOT done.

So I asked a friend (who had mentioned in the course of conversation that she herself happened to be an advanced-level butt-kicker) to come over and do her thing. I'll feed her espresso and Bill's apple pie, and she'll help me go through my clothing ruthlessly. It's been a long time coming... I've got stuff that's worn out, doesn't fit, too big, the whole gamut.

I'm also doing a series of fitness and metabolism tests at the YMCA in the next few days. I've been going 3 days a week, faithfully, for a month solid. I'm not exactly doing the Atkin's thing, but I'm slashing the sugar and carbs in general and portion amounts specifically. Seriously, I eat less than Linc does! Plus, I'm still nursing, not an insignificant amount. I'm taking the Provigil on most weekdays, and I am doing Phase II carb blockers when I DO eat any carbs. I'm also taking glucosamine and chondroitin to help with my poor aching knees and hips (they're really ouchy the night after a workout, but the next day they're better... so the every-other-day thing works OK).

And I haven't lost a single (%&^&^$( pound. This is very, very frustrating. The Y offers a whole menu of tests and personal trainers... while the PT is a bit pricey, I talked with Bill and we decided to try the metabolism testing to see if I'm doing what I think I'm doing there. I'm not putting this in the exercise filter because I wanted to hear from other folks who have done this... did it help you? Did you get the information you needed to figure out an effective workout routine? If it didn't help, what DID?

Thanks for any butt-kicking you folks are willing to offer!

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

Until I changed my relationship with food I didn't lose a pound either. But when I changed my relationship with food, everything changed.

I began to notice how I felt after eating and only ate the things that made me feel better.
I would stop and relax completely before beginning to eat.
I began to notice how I felt while eating.
Following more advice from the same source, I ate until sated but not until full.
After eating I stop and again relax completely before leaving the table.
I started to eat slowly savoring every bite fully, noticing every nuance of flavor of each bite, the texture, etc. If it was not worth savoring it became not worth eating.

Over three years I have continued to lose weight. It was slow at first, but now I weigh what I did as a high school student. Before this I could not lose a single pound.

Good luck, good health.

do you have hints for eating slowly? Its something that i know i should, and want, to do, but... when the food is delicious i tend to really wolf it down!

Sounds like you really enjoy food. That does make it more difficult, but you can try this approach: before you start eating, pause and remind yourself, you should actively enjoy every bite. If it's delicious, it deserves your attention.

Also, if possible, don't restrict _when_ you can eat -- you should eat when you're hungry. Just, if it's not mealtime, eat an apple or some carrots, or whatever healthy thing you think your body is craving.

One of the reasons so many people get obese in this culture is that the "clean your plate" and "don't eat between meals" mentalities that our parents drill into us from an early age make us lose touch with our bodies' nutritional needs. Most people, if they listen carefully and re-attune themselves, can figure out what sort of food would be best to snack on.

And that reminds me, coming back to the question of portion control... if you're at a restaurant and they put a big plate of food in front of you, remind yourself not just to enjoy the food, but to pay attention to when you feel sated, no longer hungry but not yet full. Maybe the leftovers will make a good lunch for tomorrow -- something to look forward to.

1. Eat with someone, and talk with them. But no talking with a full mouth, of course. ;)
2. Put the fork *down* while you're chewing and swallowing.

Both of these help you pay more attention to your food.

Butt-kicking is useful. Most of these things are easier with a friend. Cleaning out closets for example - much easier with some one who is willing to be ruthless!

I think you should talk to the people at the gym. It may be spendy, but, it is an investment in your future, and worth it.

I have gotten a lot out of meeting with a trainer. I loved swimming on a swim team (a lot like having a swim trainer), but i also got a lot out of meeting once or twice a year with a trainer to come up with a good routine for the gym. I have found that to be very helpful - and my trainer was able to tailor my routine to my own specific goals.

I have not done a metabolism analysis, or met with a dietician, but my sporting friends who have mostly speak highly of the experience. (It, of course, depends on the quality of the person they saw.)

Have you kept a food journal? Where you write down every thing you consume (including drinks) for a couple of weeks to get a good picture of what you're doing? I find it to be a useful exercise. I'm shit on weekends, for example - while i eat healthily during the week it almost always falls apart on weekends. I also drink a lot of calories. It usually takes a food journal for me to recognize where i'm faltering and be able to address it.

You know, you have sounded a lot more upbeat and productive in the past month. I don't know if it is the provigil, or something else, but, it makes me happy to hear you sounding more hopeful. I hope things continue to look up.

Yeah, having this place cool down a little and not be so humid, so I can go outside a bit, has definitely helped, too.

Thanks!

I know that sometimes when I think I'm hungry, I really just need a glass of WATER. Then after a few minutes if I am still "hungry" I will take a couple of bites of something. I have been slowly losing a little but it is hard. Just remember that muscle weighs more than fat. The other thing that I think is helping is NO BEDTIME EATING. (This is really difficult for me.)

I can hardly wait. We will work on the healthful eating when I am there in two weeks so that I don't get back home looking like a porker.

I regulary drink a glass of water before eating, just to help fill up. And nursing, I drink water ALL THE TIME. I do feel well-hydrated... usually if I don't, I start feeling it as a headache. Bio-reinforcement!

Heh. Bill hadn't forwarded your flight info to me, so I went "Eeek!" But it's all good now. We can't wait to see you, and believe me, Linc will keep you on your toes.

Ooh, maybe we can make it to Powell Gardens this trip?

Butt-kicking

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