Weight Loss Accountability/Support Group Thread

[Alligatorob]

Today was a good day, back on diet, one day in a row now. I did end up doing about 4 1/2 hours of gym, after counting the vigorous part of PT. It felt good to be back exercising.

In the pictures you uploaded while on vacation, you didn’t look overweight at all.
Is this merely for strength training and cardiovascular reasons?

Thank you, but I know I am overweight, clothing can hide a bit of fat... I go to the gym to stay in shape, I know it helps with weight loss but not so much as eating right. Walking is good exercise and your equipment sounds real good. My philosophy is any exercise you keep doing is good exercise, do what works best for you!

 

[Alligatorob]

I am down 3 pounds

Good for you!!

 

[CallMeKate]

Great numbers yesterday, Rob! Do you have actual daily limits set for yourself for the carbs, protein, sodium, fat, fiber, and sugar... or just count them without trying to stay within certain limits? How often do you do the gym... and do you give yourself any down days from the workouts? @Alligatorob

 

[Alligatorob]

Well I weighed this morning, 197 lbs. That is my highest since the big weight loss a few years ago. I don't have a firm goal, but believe I'd be better off in the 160s.

As I have said before I once weighed 360 lbs, then lost a lot of weight, getting down to a low of 143. I think that was too low for me, I did not feel well, light headed and a bit dizzy. Not sure if that came from getting to skinny or from the prolonged very low calorie diet, maybe some of both. Losing over 200 lbs can be hard on a body.

My biggest problem is binge eating... I have a problem with it, a kind of addiction I believe. I am still doing it, just less often and maybe less food when I do, but it still happens. My eating goal, in fact the only goal I see as really important, is to stop or manage the bingeing, if I can do that I know the weight will follow...

I know from experience that recording what I eat and reporting it in a place like this helps, so I am going to give it a try.

Great numbers yesterday, Rob! Do you have actual daily limits set for yourself for the carbs, protein, sodium, fat, fiber, and sugar... or just count them without trying to stay within certain limits? How often do you do the gym... and do you give yourself any down days from the workouts?

Thanks Kate!

No I don't really have daily limits for things, though I do try to get at least 100 grams of protein a day. I do not have a calorie goal either, but when I am in the 1,500 calorie a day range I am happier. I do watch the "carbs, sodium, fat, fiber, and sugar" and try to stay in a reasonable range.

I usually go to the gym 5 days a week, weekdays, I take the weekend off. I average 2 1/2 to 3 hours per day, no particular goal but just do what I can. Much of my exercise on my own, not in classes, is now things I learned in Physical Therapy, I think that helps.

 

[PeppermintPatty]

Well I weighed this morning, 197 lbs. That is my highest since the big weight loss a few years ago. I don't have a firm goal, but believe I'd be better off in the 160s.

As I have said before I once weighed 360 lbs, then lost a lot of weight, getting down to a low of 143. I think that was too low for me, I did not feel well, light headed and a bit dizzy. Not sure if that came from getting to skinny or from the prolonged very low calorie diet, maybe some of both. Losing over 200 lbs can be hard on a body.

My biggest problem is binge eating... I have a problem with it, a kind of addiction I believe. I am still doing it, just less often and maybe less food when I do, but it still happens. My eating goal, in fact the only goal I see as really important, is to stop or manage the bingeing, if I can do that I know the weight will follow...

I know from experience that recording what I eat and reporting it in a place like this helps, so I am going to give it a try.

Thanks Kate!

No I don't really have daily limits for things, though I do try to get at least 100 grams of protein a day. I do not have a calorie goal either, but when I am in the 1,500 calorie a day range I am happier. I do watch the "carbs, sodium, fat, fiber, and sugar" and try to stay in a reasonable range.

I usually go to the gym 5 days a week, weekdays, I take the weekend off. I average 2 1/2 to 3 hours per day, no particular goal but just do what I can. Much of my exercise on my own, not in classes, is now things I learned in Physical Therapy, I think that helps.

You’ve done this before so you know you can do it again. Going to the gym and working out as much as you do is sure to make a shift.

I can definitely relate to binge eating. Some of it is due to partners influence, not that I’m placing blame on him, but at times it’s hard not to want what my partner is having since I see it and smell it.

The other thing, which for myself is probably the biggest influence is that I exercise too much and my body and mind crashes with bingeing as the end result. It happens often. I don’t seem to know when I’m doing too much until it’s too late.

Exercising too much makes me a lot more hungry so I eat more which becomes counter active. I know I need to focus more on the food intake than the exercise input.

 

[CallMeKate]

You got this, Rob... And this time you have the knowledge you gained with "the big loss" and can put it to use. Binge eating is often a problem for me, too. Sometimes I can catch myself with "what the bleep are you DOING?!" but other times it's "What did you do?!" So far I've been able to somewhat make up for it with the next couple of meals, but it's so annoying.

I've never counted protein and I'm thinking that at this point I don't really need to with my lifestyle... but all that's subject to change as I research and learn more.

And yes, food addition is absolutely a real thing. Here's a little reading about it:
https://www.webmd.com/mental-health...-eating-disorder/mental-health-food-addiction

 

[Alligatorob]

I did not eat well yesterday, too many cookies and sweets. A binge I guess. I did not want to post this, but I know for accountability to work I should. I am still optimistic about this and will try to get back on track today. I weighed 198 this morning, up a pound.

I can definitely relate to binge eating. Some of it is due to partners influence, not that I’m placing blame on him, but at times it’s hard not to want what my partner is having since I see it and smell it.

Yep, always someone or something to blame, and I guess I could blame my wife for yesterday's binge. The sweets I ate were all things she had baked, cookies and cake made using our apricots. But, like you, I know in the end I am the one responsible for my own decisions.

The other thing, which for myself is probably the biggest influence is that I exercise too much and my body and mind crashes with bingeing as the end result. It happens often. I don’t seem to know when I’m doing too much until it’s too late.

Exercising too much makes me a lot more hungry so I eat more which becomes counter active. I know I need to focus more on the food intake than the exercise input.

Interesting, exercise has the opposite effect on me, it kills my appetite, for a while anyway. I did not go to the gym yesterday, that might have contributed.

Binge eating is often a problem for me, too. Sometimes I can catch myself with "what the bleep are you DOING?!" but other times it's "What did you do?!" So far I've been able to somewhat make up for it with the next couple of meals, but it's so annoying.

Wish I was better at the catching it thing, or just not starting...

You got this, Rob...

Yep, now all I have to figure out is what "this" is, LOL.

Thanks to @PeppermintPatty and @CallMeKate for your encouragement, it helps.

 

[PeppermintPatty]

Fresh apricot baked goods?
You’re a lucky man Rob.
I used to bake a lot but that’s why I’m overweight now. I’ve got a real sweet tooth.

Exercising definitely curbs my appetite at first but if I overdo it, the next day I’m completely burnt out and have a relentless appetite.

Eating anything salty throws my body off even worse. The other day I ate some potato chips which were very salty. The next day I gained FIVE pounds. It was most disappointing. I’ve since lost 4 of them but still disappointed since the scale isn’t going the direct I was hoping for.

I don’t think I’m able to lose weight successfully until I get my under active thyroid in control which I’m trying to work on.

Yesterday was another right off day for me.
My body literally ached. I’ve really got to push myself to get up and walk this morning but I definitely will.

I am seriously considering doing a 3 day fast in hopes of getting my blood sugar under control. I’d just drink beverages but would include drinking hot water with apple cider vinegar and coconut oil to help curb my appetite

Isn’t it annoying / disappointing putting so much effort into losing one pound only to gain it back and then some? At times I want to just give up.

For most of my life, I never had this problem. I’ve always been active and muscular with loads of energy.

Well that was quite the whine. lol

 

[Alligatorob]

Isn’t it annoying / disappointing putting so much effort into losing one pound only to gain it back and then some? At times I want to just give up.

Absolutely!! On the other hand we both know weight fluctuates, in the short term anyway. Longer term it will go with our calorie deficits or excesses Just have to trust that. I don't see you giving up.

I am seriously considering doing a 3 day fast in hopes of getting my blood sugar under control.

If that works for you then do it. For me fasting isn't a very good solution, I do best if I eat 3 or 4 times a day. I have tried fasting, 10 days once, never works for me.

Well that was quite the whine

That's what we are here for, LOL

 

[CallMeKate]

Yep, now all I have to figure out is what "this" is, LOL.

"This" is whatever you want the end result to be and knowing that you'll get there, but also knowing that there will be a few bumps in the road.

I'm doing well today and kind of excited about dinner. It's a recipe I made before and we really enjoyed it... tortellini which isn't so great in itself because it's pasta... but the sauce is made from fresh tomatoes, fresh spinach, a little half & half... stuff like that, so it would only be a problem if I eat too much of it. That's why I cut a lot of recipes I make in half. Fresh fruit choice for dessert... I have pineapple, bananas, grapes, plums, apples, and oranges. I'm thinking for my choice.

 

[Alligatorob]

Today was a good day, back on track! No gym, Sunday is a day off but I will be back tomorrow morning.

"This" is whatever you want the end result to be and knowing that you'll get there, but also knowing that there will be a few bumps in the road.

Thanks for the reminder Kate!

Sounds like a good choice!

 

[Pepper]

Last night I knew I wanted ice cream. I always do. Was feeling guilty. I thought, "I need a protein, a veg, a carb." Then I thought "First? You're going to stuff yourself First, just to get to the ice cream?" So, I only had the ice cream. I don't have a weight problem anymore.

 

[Alligatorob]

Today was a good day, ate well and exercised, I feel good tonight. Started a small batch of apricot wine this afternoon, fingers crossed, no fermentation yet... Weighed 197 this morning.

Last night I knew I wanted ice cream. I always do. Was feeling guilty. I thought, "I need a protein, a veg, a carb." Then I thought "First? You're going to stuff yourself First, just to get to the ice cream?" So, I only had the ice cream. I don't have a weight problem anymore.

I've been eating Frozen Farmer sorbet, only 70 to 90 calories per pint container, depending on flavor. As close to guilt free ice cream as I can find.

 

[CallMeKate]

Dinner today was Honey Glazed Salmon and a potato/zucchini bake. (Yes, same one I made previously a few times... our zucchini is going crazy and it's the recipe I like best for it.)

So why do I take something healthy like salmon and have to put a honey glaze on it? Fair question... let's just say salmon isn't one of my favorite things and this is one of the few ways I can enjoy it.

There was some of the bake left over (very little) so I just sauteed it with some fresh spinach and scrambled an egg with it to heat up for breakfast.

 

[PeppermintPatty]

Today was a good day, ate well and exercised, I feel good tonight. Started a small batch of apricot wine this afternoon, fingers crossed, no fermentation yet... Weighed 197 this morning.

I've been eating Frozen Farmer sorbet, only 70 to 90 calories per pint container, depending on flavor. As close to guilt free ice cream as I can find.
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This looks so incredibly good Rob. Strawberry lemonade sherbet. Too bad they don’t sell it anywhere near me. I’d have to drive 3 plus hours to get some.

 

[Alligatorob]

Today was a good day 3 1/2 hours at the gym, ate well and feel good tonight. I've been slowly building up to it, but now 3+ hours in the gym is beginning to feel like the norm. Apricot wine brewing nicely, lots of fermentation going on. Weighed 195 this morning.

Dinner today was Honey Glazed Salmon and a potato/zucchini bake. (Yes, same one I made previously a few times... our zucchini is going crazy and it's the recipe I like best for it.)

Good for you, I don't think the honey glaze adds too many calories, and salmon is good for you. My favorite way to cook it is on the bbq on a plank, no sauce. Gives it a nice smoky flavor. We also have zucchini in the garden, too much right now. I like it stewed with tomatoes, also from the garden.

This looks so incredibly good Rob. Strawberry lemonade sherbet. Too bad they don’t sell it anywhere near me. I’d have to drive 3 plus hours to get some.

That's too bad, it is pretty new here, maybe its coming to your area. I live in a mostly rural place, we don't get things here before most folks.

 

[PeppermintPatty]

Hopefully you’re right. Maybe at least one store out our way will get it. I actually really like sherbet. I may have to go back to making it again especially when the berries ripen.

 

[palides2021]

That’s my shortest walk which I do in between longer walks. Today I went on one of my longer walks. This walk was approximately 7 1/2 kilometres and it was great!

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Today I had coffee with 1/2 tsp honey and evaporated milk
1 litre of peach mist
Blackened Atlantic Salmon with salad
A multiple vitamin 2 mushroom caps
View attachment 295270

Yesterday I had coffee, 3 bottles of flavoured water , a big salad , a small bag of potato chips and 1 cup of trail mix. ( not the wisest choice but it was good )

Yesterday I did no exercise at all.
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Thanks for the photos, @PeppermintPatty ! I feel as if I'm there, going for a walk with you!

 

[PeppermintPatty]

Thanks for the photos, @PeppermintPatty ! I feel as if I'm there, going for a walk with you!

Thanks palides. Here is my walking thread with more photos in it.

I forgot to mention that it’s week 2 and I’ve lost 2 3/4 pounds so far. For a while I went up in weight but weight fluctuates so I try not to weigh myself daily or I get disappointed. I’ve almost lost 3 pounds so far which I’m happy about.

 

[Alligatorob]

it’s week 2 and I’ve lost 2 3/4 pounds so far. I’ve almost lost 3 pounds so far which I’m happy about.

That is great, you are right on the track you planned! Maybe a bit ahead, wasn't your target 1 lb a week? You should be happy girl!

For a while I went up in weight but weight fluctuates so I try not to weigh myself daily or I get disappointed.

Weight does fluctuate with things like water, for me it's usually within a 2 lb range up or down, but has been more. I have been weighing every morning for a while, at first it could be disconcerting to see the water gains, but I've gotten used to it. I think it helps me understand my body a bit better, more importantly I think its part of my accountability process. I eat better knowing I'll be on the scales soon.

Thanks for the photos, @PeppermintPatty ! I feel as if I'm there, going for a walk with you!

I agree, you are a good photographer, and have some really nice scenery to work with. Keep it up!

 

[PeppermintPatty]

That is great, you are right on the track you planned! Maybe a bit ahead, wasn't your target 1 lb a week? You should be happy girl!

Thanks Rob. Yes I am on track with my goal of one pound a week which IS making me very happy especially since I’m still eating well and not feeling the least bit deprived. In fact, I am feeling really good right now.

Weight does fluctuate with things like water, for me it's usually within a 2 lb range up or down, but has been more. I have been weighing every morning for a while, at first it could be disconcerting to see the water gains, but I've gotten used to it. I think it helps me understand my body a bit better, more importantly I think its part of my accountability process. I eat better knowing I'll be on the scales soon.

Daily weigh ins definitely helps with accountability. Months ago I lost 14 pounds and stopped weighing myself, only to gain it all back. I’m the same; I eat better knowing I have to weigh in.

I agree, you are a good photographer, and have some really nice scenery to work with. Keep it up!

Well thank you.

How’s your working out going ?
I’m just enjoying some roasted red pepper soup.

 

[CallMeKate]

I’ve almost lost 3 pounds so far which I’m happy about.

You go, Patty, you go! @PeppermintPatty

 

[PeppermintPatty]

You go, Patty, you go! @PeppermintPatty

Thank you Kate!

 

[Alligatorob]

I am feeling really good right now

Glad to hear it! Doesn't get any better than that.

 

[Alligatorob]

Today was a mixed day, woke up with a bad stomach so did not go to the gym, Wednesdays are not my biggest gym day anyway. I did start feeling better and got a little exercise, back to it tomorrow. I ate well and feel good tonight.

Weighed 193 lbs this morning.

How’s your working out going ?

Fine, except that today wasn't too good, felt bad in the morning.