My BFF Mrs. HB, who is my polar opposite, asked me if she could write a blog post once a week as a way to help keep her accountable on her road to loose 36 pounds this year. I decided to let her do it for one reason, she needs YOUR encouragement. Because clearly, she’s tired of listening to my suggestions. She NEEDS YOU! So here we go.
Have you heard of Murphy’s Law? “Whatever can go wrong will go wrong.” Something like that. I start my new 2020 journey with a ruptured plantar fasciitis. Can you believe it? Why? Why me ?????!!!!!!! But it shall not deter me! So having shared that little tidbit I will go on with my quest.
First thank you all for your supportive words of encouragement, tips and sharing of your own journeys. Not one negative remark and that says a lot for Ms. Mavis readers!
I shall now divulge my state of being. I start this journey weighing 186 pounds. My all – time heaviest. I am
only 5’3″ after all and there is not much spreading or stretching to go around my small frame. My waist circumference, which has transformed into a blob, is 41 inches at the bellybutton.
That is the real HOLY GUACAMOLE!
I have never had a tiny midsection, but now it seems like an alien, unrecognizable to me. I often wonder, this surely belongs to someone else. Someone who has let themselves go, postmenopausal, older, not as active as they should be, prediabetic. Oops that IS me! No longer can I deny, deny, deny it away. I would LOL, if I could but it’s not funny.
This past week was my first week of my “journey.” I will call it that because I don’t like diets nor really believe in them. Why, because one, I have historically failed with them long term and two they never are a lifestyle I can maintain. With this journey I plan to modify as needed.
So, on Monday I started full speed ahead and fasted all day. Then came time for my Thursday fast. I only lasted till dinner. I had a white bean chicken chili so not too bad, but still not my goal of total fasting.
Hence modification. I also had 4 chocolates left over from Christmas. Another oops, but maybe you didn’t read that, LOL as far as
the rest of the week, I have determined I will do another kind of intermittent fasting. Who knew there were so many different types? I surely did not.
This will means I plan to skip breakfast. That means not eating after dinner until lunch time the next day. I swear the, breakfast is the most important meal of the day slogan was made up by breakfast marketing people. In the past I was an avid breakfast eater and have gone through phases of what I was eating.
I like routine, so I usually ate the same thing over and over for a period. But one day I didn’t eat and what would you know, I wasn’t as hungry at lunch time as I normally was. So, for most days now I don’t eat breakfast. I look at this a “gimmie” intermittent fast. For lunch I will usually have a salad of some sort, dressing on the side. My favorite, while out and about working, is the Oriental chicken salad at any Teriyaki eatery.
I am also trying to stay away from bread, rice and pasta. On sushi, though, I will always have rice, maybe brown, if I remember. For dinner I will cook for my family so healthy, but no restrictions.
- Trying to keep it simple.
- No counting anything.
- No weighing anything.
Trying to listen to my body for hunger signs and not eating just because its “time”. We shall see how this goes. Stay tuned. I can’t sign off without recognizing how many of you mention that you are diabetic. I made a note to remind myself to remind ya ’ ll that this fasting thing may not be best thing for YOU. In fact, maybe detrimental to your health. So please if making changes, do what’s best for YOU.
Good luck.
~Mrs. Hillbilly
More in this series:
Deborah says
I wish you only good luck. Mrs. HB, you can do this, but, don’t skip breakfast. Eat something, even if it’s just a piece of fruit. Eat less, but don’t not eat. Eat less, move more. I don’t believe in dieting either. The first three letters are DIE. LOL
Kay says
Mrs. HB… fiber& protein (no sugar) Speed Keto (keto) or the Blue Zones… recipes… black beans in the morning. You can do this… I’m in the same boat as you. Best of luck and try not to eat after 6:00pm …PS and I have never meant a piece of dark chocolate that I didn’t like. It’s ok to have a little bit as a treat.
Oh and one more thing… fasting makes me very hungry. Just be thoughtful with your food choices. All the best and wishing you a speedy recovery.
Lori King says
I’m with ya! Same general area of weight and height as you this time last year and have managed to lose almost 50 pounds this year. My choice was WW, I have been on every diet imaginable in the last 40 years or so and gain it all back over time or as in the high protein low carb diets gain it all back the next month… Anyway that being said you have to do what is right for you is the real deal. Everybody has advice and I have heard it all. Its annoying LOL! However it is always meant with good intentions! I stalled on my weight loss and my doctor told me to do intermittent fasting of eating only from 11 am to 7 pm. It is an 8 hour window that time window can be adjusted accordingly. I lost 7 pounds more doing that but have stalled once again. New adjustments in my plan as I have 15 pounds to go for my liking. By the way breakfast means break the fast so if you are eating at 11 that is your break-fast. It is not skipping breakfast. Just FYI to all. It is a journey and it is hard. These fun trick diets that help you lose a lot to begin with are so hard to maintain in the years and years that follow is just the thing, you have to make it your lifestyle. I think dieting is just that – a diet and it is temporary which is why people gain weight back. Lifestyle change is permanent (with minor adjustments!) Anyway good luck on your path – I look forward to reading your progress, struggles and all! Nothing is perfect 🙂
Julia says
Dear Mrs HB, I’m so sorry about your foot! I have been struggling with plantar fasciitis for several months. Painful. Can’t imagine how bad a ruptured one feels! So maybe look into some seated chair exercises you could do to get your heart rate up. We used to do some of these to fun music when I worked with folks who were a fall risk. The goal is just to get your heart rate up. Any increased movement is good for health.
And hats off to you for just plowing ahead you can do this!
Carole says
Yes I agree, eat something in the morning. You have after all fasted all night. Your body needs something to keep going, esp if you are pre diabetic. Keep that blood sugar as level as possible. I work with an RD, she is amazing at keeping me straight. But she does insist on moving, like REAL walking. I know you miss Mavis in this part but just get out there, well as soon as your foot is healed. It really makes a huge difference of all the things you can do, MOVE IT!! Love your posts, esp love your new backyard. Keep going Mrs. HB!!
Peggy says
On the journey together Mrs. HB! All you have to is be committed for YO, the rest will fall into place.
Staci says
I too am trying the fasting thing – I recommend the Delay not Deny book. I’m finding my way too
SARA says
i hope skipping breakfast works for you……I find, for me, skipping dinner is easier. I am 70 and live alone so don’t have to fix meals for anyone else. You are going to succeed I just know it…..hang in there and good luck!
Connie says
If you eat in morning make it protein. If I eat carb even oatmeal in the morning I am starving by noon. But everyone’s body is different. You will figure it out. Intermittent fasting is the best for me – eating within 8 hour window.
Karen says
I totally agree with this. I am also on a weight loss journey and have lost 115 pounds in 15 months. Mainly cut out white carbs and feel better as I think I have a gluten issue. Eat a protein with some fat around 10-11 in morning…then eat when hungry which is usually around 2-3. This meal is protein and vegetables. At night, around 6 I am not too hungry and might have fruit or a small treat like sunflower seeds or dried blueberries. This is how I eat at home. I do not deny myself anything. It pay attention to my hunger and then eat. How I eat also falls into the intermittent fasting. Usually nothing after 7p until 11a, except morning coffee! I eat out, it usually divide portions in half and take half home with me and find I am satisfied. Always usually share a dessert….makes it special. Also enjoy a drink or light beer. I also have ambulatory issues and can’t walk far. It try and do some type of chair moving, use a sitting elliptical and have just started just getting g up and “dancing” to loud fun, old 60s type music to keep the weight loss going. I still have about 50 pounds to go. I found it was a mental decision and change that had to happen first. Also retiring kicked most stress eating o the wayside. So happy to be able to live the life I never thought I was deserving of and now I want to be healthy so I can enjoy it. Finally de died on getting knee replacements so I can walk and enjoy. You have this and can do it…..putting yourself out there is a help and I wish you well on your journey!
Andrea at Opulent Cottage says
You go girl!! I lost 20 pounds last summer by staying out of carbs and intermittent fasting! Another tip I have is to read other people’s testimonials, it is so inspiring and really helps with that Can-do attitude! I particularly like the stories on dietdoctor.com, also their recipes. We are all behind you!! Can’t wait to hear about YOUR success story :))
Lynne says
Mrs. HB, since this is a journey, how about you conducting a little test? If you think it’s a good idea to skip breakfast, do that for a couple of weeks and see how it goes, in terms of you being able to do that and consume moderate amounts of food at lunch and dinner. Then try eating a good breakfast and not eating again until an early dinner. I tend to agree with the others who urge you to have breakfast; at least for me, I get so hungry by lunchtime that I over-do it then.
I know you work outside the home, so if lunch is a business thing for you and not something you can just skip, maybe make that your big meal of the day, and either skip dinner or have something very modest then. Be sure to check the calorie count of what you are ordering in restaurants. Sometimes, the healthiest-sounding item is a huge amount of calories. Good luck and I hope the foot feels better soon!
MrsHB says
Good point to remember about looking at restaurant meal calories !
Susan says
We’ve been following the Skinnytaste weekly Meal Plans. The best part, It comes with a weekly grocery list which is a game changer for me. At first it can look overwhelming, but she lists every ingredient that you need, including pantry items. I’m at the point where I basically just have to buy the fruit, veggies, meat and seafood for the week. Good luck to you in your health journey!
Teresa says
Mrs HB, Happy New Year! A new year, a new you. Have you asked yourself if you will be fasting in the years to come? I am apposed to it as a temporary fix.. I am too pre-diabetic. I was advised by my primary doctor to keep blood sugar as level as possible with many small meals throughout the day. She told me eat SOMETHING in the morning to get metabolism up and awake. I have to be to work very early and don’t like to eat when I first get up. I manage to get a banana and a cheese stick in me so I’m good for a few hours.
Don’t skip breakfast. Try not to eat after 6 or 7. Turn off the TV, that was big for me. Enlist your family! Good luck to you, many are in the same boat.
Dolores says
Take baby steps (no pun intended) one day at a time.
I think doing something, is better than not doing anything.
Do this for your health, than losing weight.
Don’t get discouraged, it may take longer, but you’ll get there.
Linda says
Mrs HB, First & foremost, I am so proud of you for taking charge of your health! The changes you are making are life long habits so please make changes you can live with. In my humble opinion, I feel like you should never deny your body food because food is fuel that your mind & body need. It’s too bad that you are starting this with the foot pain, but as soon as you can, find some consistent activity that you truly enjoy & stick with it! I’m in your corner
Sue says
I feel your pain, I’m 5’ 3” as well and had an injury 6 weeks ago. Function in a wheel chair for 5 of those weeks. Taking care of my H who has issues, it can be done. My back side has grown a little wider so I need help also. Still can’t wear a shoe and swells so what ever exercise you do I will be paying close attention. So glad your on this challenge for 2020. I need to lose at least 30 pd also.
Mrs. C. says
My take is different from other commenters. I started keto early in 2018, and will soon start my third year eating extremely low carb, with very few “cheats.” Given my age bracket, which is yours, Mrs. H., weight loss has been slow, but the other benefits have been enormous. Significant reduction in pain, including back pain from a previous surgery, arthritis, TWO ruptured Achilles’ tendons, and plantar fasciitis. Babies are born in a ketogenic state, and new science is proving that it has tremendous anti-inflammatory benefits in addition to weight loss. I have done a lot of intermittent fasting, which is really easy when you are in ketosis, because you are burning your own body fat. Note: KETOSIS (healthy) is NOT keto acidosis (an unhealthy and dangerous state). Fasting has tremendous health benefits aside from weight loss, such as blood sugar regulation and autophagy, which is your body’s mechanism for clearing out old dead cells and regenerating. Some of the best videos for all of these things on YouTube, without getting too much into the weeds, are Dr. Ken Barry, Dr. Mindy, KetoConnect (for recipes), among others.
Because my weight loss has stalled, I am starting alternate day fasting, M-W-F, and staying on keto. I and others (e.g., Keto Kristina on YouTube) have found that skipping supper instead of breakfast may be more effective for weight loss for older women instead of skipping breakfast, but you will have to experiment. There is also the family aspect to this, and if family dinner is a priority, then skipping breakfast makes sense. It is not the most important meal of the day, especially if you are in ketosis, burning fat. If one eats a lot of carbs, i.e., the standard American diet, one has trouble skipping breakfast. People are eating 5-8 times a day, which is not how our bodies evolved.
Alternate day fasting is hard when one is not in ketosis, but some people do it successfully (one guy on a blog I used to read lost over 50 pounds in a year) this way: limit yourself to no more than 500 calories of healthy food on the “fast” days.
Eating this way has changed my life. I can garden again almost pain free, my brain fog has cleared up, and I have so much more energy. If that is the trade off for slow weight loss, I’ll take it!
If anyone has any questions, just ask and I’ll do my best to answer.
Debra says
Fasting is okay for virtually anyone. Check out some fine YouTube videos on the subject. Dr. Ken Berry, Dr. Eric Westman, Dr. Eric Berg are a few of my friends on YouTube. I lost 58 pounds using fasting and low carb and I’m a sugar addict. Good luck!
Suzanne says
PLEASE read Dr Jason Fung’s the obesity code Or the complete guide to fasting. He has reversed diabetes in thousands of patients. You do NOT need to eat breakfast (easiest meal to skip). Keeping your blood sugars level means constantly elevating your insulin. Your liver needs a chance to actually burn off the crap we keep trying to shove in there. Diabetes took my parents and both sisters are pre diabetic. My numbers are now excellent. You can also find him at IDMprogram.com and dietDocter.com. Both freeish sights. While exercise is always a good idea you do not need it to lose weight. I started at 189 and and have been holding 150 effortlessly for well over a year. I’m 5’8, 57 and happy at this weight. Luck has nothing to do with it but I wish you the best on you journey.
Mrs. C. says
I agree, Dr. Fung is fantastic. He’s also interviewed in some YouTube videos.
Terri says
Mrs. HB, you can do it! I’ve been on a weight loss journey the past 1 1/2 and I’ve had a back injury that kept me from walking more than a few steps for several months and plantar fasciitis. When that happens, you just have to know that healthy eating is the most important part of weight loss. Good choice in cutting out the rice, pasta, bread, etc, I have done the same, except for the occasional here and there. I have a tip, if you are going to indulge in simple carbs and sugar, do so later in the evening. That way you sleep through the eventual blood sugar crash that often leads to over eating. I know if I start my day off with carbs or sugary treats, I’m craving more throughout the day and I’m also HUNGRY- ALL the live long day.
Stephanie Zilinski says
Totally agree with you.
Carrie says
I hope IF works for you! It didn’t for me but I am only trying to lose the last 10 pounds. If I stopped eating dark chocolate at 9pm I could maybe get it to go away.
Stephanie Zilinski says
I’m a type 1 diabetic on the insulin pump and totally agree with fasting…even for myself. My endocronolgist is also a Type 1 and totally agrees as well. We really don’t abide with what most nutritionists say especially around eating bread or rice with a bit more fiber…the additional fiber is not material and one can do so much better by eating high fiber raspberries for example. Yes that middle age spread affect is real but can be managed with a plan.
Diana says
I just finished reading How Not to Diet and one of its discussions was the best time to eat. According to studies our body burns more calories when we first wake up and fewer in the evening. That is why they recommend eating your largest meal at breakfast and then going lower for lunch, and the lowest amount for dinner. Also eating during daylight hours, so no snacking at night seemed to make a big difference. You can do intermittent fasting by eating an early dinner. I eat a mostly plant based foods from mostly home grown produce and have been able to maintain a healthy weight without dieting. I gain a few pounds when I travel but it naturally comes off with time. I’m sure you will find the right tweets to help you. My best advice is to remember that healthy eating is a journey that we take one step at a time.
Annie says
I am doing Keto and fasting to prevent type 2 diabetes. Keto is the way to go for preventing erratic insulin responses. Of course, everyone should check with their doctor, and follow their own body cues. That was my disclaimer. I don’t go to doctors and haven’t in decades but have studied this for decades as well. Good luck to all that are doing this journey of losing unwanted weight, and getting healthier! Let’s do it for 2020!
KC says
Good luck! I hope you figure out something that works really well for you. 🙂
Things I have found:
1. make it easy to eat the things that you intellectually want to be eating, and hard to eat the things that you intellectually do not want to be eating; if your goal is to eat more carrots and less chocolate, then have the carrots all ready to snack on and the chocolate in a box-inside-a-box so that while yes, you can have the chocolate if you *decide* to have the chocolate, it’s harder to sort of accidentally have the chocolate just by habit.
2. smaller plates, have seconds if you’re still hungry; lots of people keep eating past when they’re hungry just because the food is there, or on the plate, or tasty. Eat, wait, and then eat more if you are still definitely hungry.
3. make it easy to get water in. Haul around a water bottle (or a bottle of herb tea or lemon water or cucumber water – whatever your preferred hydration-without-particular-calories vehicle is), or keep a glass at your desk. Helps with health, helps with reduced snacky-urges, helps with increasing movement because you’re always getting up to go to the bathroom. 😉
I guess: make your intellectual diet/movement choices, and then rearrange things so that it’s *easier* to do those things than to do the things that you’ve been in the habit of (but don’t want to do any more), If you have to think before you do something you intellectually want to reduce, then you’ll have better odds of reducing it. (this does sometimes require changing things up more than once; if you move the chocolate, but then get used to its new location and can automatically eat it again, then move it again!)
Hope it all goes well, and sorry about your foot! Oy.
CherylV says
My opinion is diets don’t work, because you eat differently for a time and then go back to what you were doing before. Again, in my opinion, the way to lose weight is to change the way you eat. Change it so that the focus is on protein first, choose a number and then aim for that number and drinks lots of water. If you are watching calories, divide the calories by grams of protein, if less than 15, then you’re good. But everyone is different as are their bodies and what works for one doesn’t work for the other.
I have ulcerative pancolitis, which has meant a HUGE change in eating habits. That’s not to say that I don’t at times wander off the path, but I pay hugely for it now so that the experience tends to deter me the next time I even think about it.
Jamie says
I have been exercising for 16 months and lost 30lbs. Most of it in the last few months. What made the difference was food journaling and drinking water! I didn’t realize I was dehydrated until I wasn’t for a few weeks. At first I had to get up multiple times at night, but your bladder will adjust. I confused my body’s “I’m thirsty” with “I’m hungry” cues. It makes a huge difference in how you feel and allows you to better understand what is going on inside yourself! Good luck!
Lea says
I’m so sorry about your ruptured plantar fasciitis – I sprained mine badly a year and a half ago; ouch!
I hope you heal well!
Lea
karen says
I have to chime in on this. Congratulations! I am 57, full blown menopausal with PCOS and Metabolic Syndrome. Losing weight has been horrible until last year. I began Keto, and about a month into it added Intermittent Fasting. Last year I lost 33 lbs, and kept it off. By summer 2020, I will reach my goal. If your interested in this way of eating, I would suggest starting with a website called Ruledme.com. Another one of my favorites is IBreathImHungry.com. The information is wonderful. I eat but only when my body says it’s hungry, which is typically around 1 or 2 pm. I stop when Im full. It is very satisfying. My husband joined in and he has lost 40lbs. I will eat this way the rest of my life. By the way, we both had full physicals last year and our doctors were blown away by our blood work. I know there are many ways to weight loss but this has been the only way for us. Healthy fats, moderate protein, and low carb veggies. We replaced regular sugar with monk fruit/erythritol blend when we treat ourselves, usually berries sprinkled with it and heavy cream on top. Good luck, you can definitely do this.
debbie in alaska says
Doing the Intermittent Fasting (I eat between noon and 5 every day and fast the rest of the time) was life changing for me. I also am round through the middle with a slow metabolism and I can go long stretches of time without food with little to no physical consequences (my blood sugar doesn’t get wonky and I don’t get cranky — well from lack of food anyway). I dropped 40 pounds and have maintained for 3 years. I sleep so much better – wake up rested and love that I only have to think about food during a set window which was such a relief for my brain. I hope this IF option works for you but if it doesn’t I am confident you will find something that feels right for you. You’ve got this, girl! p.s. I agree about the “breakfast being the most important part of the day” motto being a marketing ploy 🙂
Teri says
I feel your pain. Most important is for you to get the foot healed. Then you can get back into walking. Wishing you all the best.
Cheri Deane says
You may be interested in watching Dr. Ken Berry on YouTube. He addresses pre-diabetes, high blood pressure, etc. Dr Berry has many short, informative sessions on YouTube.
Sue says
Oh boy, so many comments and different suggestions — hope it’s not too overwhelming!
My comment has to do with the oft-heard advice “only eat when you are hungry”.
I’m going to disagree.
First I will say that yes, we need to make sure we aren’t snacking out of boredom or habit etc.
But for actual meals I find that not eating if I don’t happen to be hungry at mealtime, only means getting hungry an hour or so later, at which time it’s generally less convenient to eat healthy. Plus it messes up plans for the other aspects of my life, such as when to exercise and when to sleep (don’t like to sleep or exercise on a full belly).
So what I like to do is simply pay attention to portion control. Put the right amounts of things on your plate — don’t ever just eat out of a container that is more than the right amount, trusting yourself to stop at the right time. Plates make that easy!
In other words, if I’m often not hungry at the time I have designated for dinner, it means I am eating too much at lunch. So I would adjust my lunchtime portions down a bit.
Bottom line is that you have a life full of many priorities, not just your food/weight/health. So don’t let your hunger mess up your timeline if that timeline otherwise works for your life.
And good luck and thanks for sharing your journey!
Holly Burnham says
I am so proud of you…thank you for sharing this effort with us. You might inspire me to try and be more careful about what and how I eat.
Thank you.
Christine VanHuss says
Very sorry to hear of your accident. I understand the pain. I fell September 13, 2019. I’m soon to be 65 in March. I hurt, can hardly sit ,walk ,or sleep. I pray you heal soon and all goes well for you v
Brianna says
Please do not let your spirits and motivation dwindle because of your plantar fasciitis. Do not focus on what you cannot do, but seek those things you can do. Do not let this be a decisive factor for your success, it is just a hinderance. Stay focused on establishing a new healthier you. Perhaps take some time for yourself and create a vision board, one that reflects positivity and all of the wonderful things about yourself and those gifts you have today. Design a path for success and post small victories on it as you continue your journey to evolve to reach your goals. Understand this is a process to a lifestyle change and you cannot just push a button and expect instant results.
You are your own worse critic, so please do not beat yourself up over small things. One “bad” day, “off”week, or “indulgent” meal does not define your future or success. You have a daughter and the best example you can give her is you staying positive and working toward your goals. Please think about any messages you might be giving her and make sure they are realistic and do not establish self-doubt or body dysmorphia. You are more than a number in the scale and the measurement around your waist. You GOT this!
Granny B says
Ok, it’s time for a little humor!! Just before New Year’s we were watching 3 of our grandkids and the 3 year old came over and sat on my lap on the floor. He poked me in the stomach and said “Granny your tummy is squishy”! I told him that wasn’t very nice and he shouldn’t say things like that. He gave me a big hug and said “I love you fat granny”! Hahaha. So this granny has begun the same journey you have. ♀️
Karen says
In September, I picked up a copy of the Bone Broth Diet book. I prepped several batches of bone broth, returned from a little trip, and jumped right in. It’s a 21 day diet, w 6 days of bone broth only (~400 calories), and I picked the recipes I liked best for the other days and meals. I have kept on using the same recipes, mostly. Now, from Friday dinner through Saturday, I may indulge in wine, and other carbs. I’m finding I don’t love carbs anymore. I’ll snack on nuts, especially ones covered in dark chocolate, but just a few at a time. My metabolism has really been reset! During the diet period, I lost 12 pounds, and as of today, 23 flabby pounds. Also in September, I took up aqua aerobics, which I love doing 3-4 times each week. I am a happy camper! This is a keto-type diet.
sandyf says
I have always found WW to be successful. It is easy to a manage, balanced, makes you accountable and you feel that you are not changing your entire life. It is sustainable.
But-whatever works! I need to lose some too-so you have motivated me. Thank you!
You can do it-I have no doubt that you will be successful. Don’t rush it-a few lbs a week is safe and realistic.
Cheers!!
Linda Sand says
You can do this whatever way works best for you.
One trick for me was to not deny myself. I eat an ounce of Ruffles potato chips nearly every day to satisfy my need for salty/fat/crunchy. I include those 160 calories in my day’s intake rather than try to deny them which causes me to binge. I also discovered that eating low calorie appears to cause a salt deficiency in me. I often just sprinkle some ordinary table salt in my palm and lick it up. That stops me craving other foods. Odd? Yes. Works? Yes. For me.
For exercise I like t-tapp.com. Her More program includes sit down exercises you can do while your foot heals. Then, even if you only do hoe downs it’s likely your posture will improve, your pain will decrease, and you will lose inches. She has free videos you can try to see if this works for you.
Rosaleen says
Hey, Mrs. HB, I’ve also dealt with plantar fasciitis, no fun. I can’t imagine ruptured PF. Wow!
So, when you feel it is time to switch up your diet routine, another easy attack point is one you seem already to be leaning into. That’s cutting carbs. There are a lot of substitutes available. Low carb tortillas and flat breads come to mind. I suggest experimenting with pasta substitutes. Spaghetti squash and shirataki noodles and rice may require a bit of an adjustment, but hubby and I have become quite accustomed to then. Your sushi? Consider mixing sticky rice with shirataki rice to cut calories and carbs in half. You may be able to incorporate these into family meals, whether everyone eats the same things or your portion of the sauce, etc., is added to the low carb starch substitute. For our supper tonight, I tossed raw shrimp with a garlic and herb seasoning, then sauteed the shrimp in butter, adding prepped shirataki angel hair, more garlic and herb seasoning and a bit of salt to the same pan. My diabetic hubby was very happy with the entree. BTW, he used to be very picky. I didn’t worry about counting calories or carbs, but a pound of shrimp, half a stick off butter, and some salad should be a safe bet as diet suppers for 2 adults. Shirataki products have zero calories. By themselves, they have no flavor, but work quite well in soups and stir fries. Good luck!
Vicki in Birmingham says
Hey Ms. Hillbilly, First of all, I want to tell you how proud I am of you for recognizing there is a problem, then making a plan to do something about it!
I work with a doctor that dropped pounds left and right and I asked him what he was doing. He said it is really simple, I quit eating desserts, potatoes, and bread and that is about it for the most part. So, he isn’t full fledged keto (which I don’t think is healthy), but it certainly has worked for him.
My next suggestion is, after you try your different plans and decide which does or does not work for you, I would seriously consider the Mediterranean Diet. It is healthy, well rounded and good for you. Just watch portion control. It may be the one to consider when you are on a maintenance plan…like for the rest of your life!
Keep up the good work girl! You CAN do it! And you will feel much better for it in the long run!
Jennifer says
You have inspired me to get serious about my weight loss as well. The weight has been creaping on over the past few years and I need to get it under control. We have been reading about intermittent fasting and my dh and I have decided to try it as a way to get out “need” for so many calories under control. My body thinks it needs more than it really does because I normally eat too many if that makes sense. So we have been “fasting” 2 days a week. We are trying to go 18 hours before eating – dinner time until lunch the next day. Then between lunch and dinner of the fasting day we are limiting our calorie intake to 500-600 calories. We will see how it goes!
Rebecca Briscoe says
I have read some on intermittent fasting. and one way to go is to severely restrict calories on 2 days a week. Only eat 500 calories those 2 separate days. So your day of only eating the chicken chili would still be your “fasting” day! I have also read that eating only between the hours of 12 to 8 and fasting the other 16 hours is good for your blood sugar!
Maxine says
I was waiting for the heat of summer to end then start running, which is the only way I’ve ever lost weight. Broke my ankle, surgery, 6 screws and a plate late I can walk but still hobble a bit. I’ll be allowed to work up to running starting in February. I regret not getting on the floor and doing more exercises, but I’m walking all I can for now -although I use my ankle as an excuse not to as well. Love the physical therapists. Good luck! Be kind to yourself! Drink more water and I kind of think if I’d done more weights I might have been able to avoid my injury, so stay Strong!
Judy Johnson says
You can do this! One small choice at a time, a thousand a day maybe but they add up. Grocery shopping is key too, buy and prep fruits and veggies to make it easy. Try different combinations for snacks and on the side with sandwiches and meals. My current favs are celery and apple, baby carrots and sugar snap pea pods, and tangerine sections and anything! They are portable and when eaten together are soooo sweet and satisfying!
Angela D. says
Mrs. HB– I’m sorry to hear about your ruptured plantar fascia! Please consider my experience, as I hope it can help you or other readers: I struggled with plantar fasciitis for over four years.
I saw two different podiatrists, one that injected a steroid into my foot, with little pain relief. The other recommended I walk in a boot for six weeks, although not a tall as the one in your photo. That also did little to resolve the pain.
I began physical therapy and continued through an insurance change, seeing three different therapist, with little progress, over the course of two years. Lots of stretching and foot/ calf /thigh/ core muscle strengthening involved.
A visit to a Sports Medicine doctor warned me about the possibility of a rupture; again, I’m so sorry that happened to you!
Finally, I asked if swimming might be beneficial. My physical therapist replied, “Well, it can’t hurt!”
That was what turned it all around for me!!!!!
Think about how a foot moves when swimming–and when I wasn’t swimming laps, I would stand at the side of the pool and do all of the stretching and strengthening exercises I had learned in therapy. I always thought I hated swimming, but our hospital has a large therapy pool and an olympic-sized lap pool, and the “vibe” is quite different than the local YMCA.
I do wear prescription goggles (only cost $20!), ear plugs, and a nose plug, and those unattractive items have made all the difference for me.
Please consider swimming, if you haven’t already. After struggling for four years, it took me about 8 months to turn it all around, and I’m thankful to report that in Year Six I am PAIN FREE!!!!
Blessings to You!
Linda Practical Parsimony says
The word “breakfast” is breaking the overnight period where we are not eating, hence, breakfast. Eat two boiled eggs or scrambled or whatever for breakfast if you like eggs. Eat the whole thing. The protein keeps you satisfied for hours. Good luck.
Jerry says
Hello Mrs HB! Good start! As a diabetic who is reversing her insulin resistance, I suggest reading up on that. Not just eating to lower your blood glucose. When your body becomes more sensitive to its own insulin again your body starts to relax and level out. Keep up the good work!!
Kristen says
You rock Mrs HB! It’s hard to admit we’re getting older and wider, but that means we are WISER!
You commitment to ‘journal’ the journey is wonderful and brave. You can do it!!!
Katrina says
I highly suggest the book The Obesity Code by Dr. Jason Fung. I hate non-fiction books, but I was riveted to this book. I was able to finish it in one sitting. He’s also called the DietDoctor and his website is dietdoctor.com. I have had such great success with this. No weighing or measuring required! I’ve lost 55 lbs. Don’t get down if you’re not able to fast as much as you want. It took me 9 months of just 18 hour fasts to be able to work up to longer fasts. Your body chooses the order in which it heals itself and the scale is often the last to move. I love this FB group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/CookingKetoWithKristie/.
Diane says
I know KETO is all the rage now but I prefer the Atkins diet. With that can you kickstart your weight loss with I believe up to 20 carbs a day, and then I believe you can increase it up to 60 (it’s been awhile so could be wrong on numbers). That makes it much more doable in the long term to me because it allows you to still eat fruit (too much natural sugars for KETO). I mean, come on! How can eating fresh fruit be bad for you?! It’s always been a pretty easy way for me to drop weight. Good luck!
Gigi says
Intermittent fasting, skipping breakfast, has worked wonders for my husband. He has only black coffee or plain tea instead.
A reminder to have a glass of water when you feel hungry. It may just be your body saying you’re dehydrated.
Carol says
Yay for you! I applaud you for taking the steps necessary to feel better and maintain your health. I have found WW works for me, as over time, it changes your eating habits and relationship to food. I like that with their program, I can eat anything, so there is no feeling of deprivation. (I just can’t eat everything. lol) I’ve been doing their method for about eight years, and it can be done completely online now. I’m up in weight right now, because I’m having to adjust to an injury, just like you. However, in the past, I would have just ditched my “diet” plan and gained the weight back. I’m only up a couple of pounds, and I know that with some minor adjustments over time, I can pretty easily still maintain my goal weight. You’ll do just fine! I would just recommend that you find a way to maintain your health that is sustainable for you. BTW, I agree that Skinnytaste has some great menu ideas.
Paula says
You need TQI! The good news is this program originates from Vashon Island. Google it. You will NOT regret it…. in 5 weeks you will be well on your way… I did it and it was amazing and lots of good information. Seattlite