improving general health, weight loss/gain

[crazyrunningmama]

Is anyone interested in a thread focussing on improving overall health (physical, mental and emotional!) and weight loss or weight gain (with improving fertility or success rates of ART in mind)?

I am back at my "pre-pregnancy weight", which is bad news. I had hovered around 165 for a few years, which is not a great weight for my height and frame. In the months leading up to getting pg with my dd, I went up to 176, then gained 40 pounds during pregnancy and had associated foot, knee, and pelvic floor problems. By last summer I was down to 162-165 again and now I am back up to 175. Weaning my dd didn't help. This is a big deal for me to state actual numbers, I am trying for some accountability here. Losing some weight would make me feel like I am doing something concrete towards improving the success of our next IVF cycle and I could use some support.

Anyone else interested?

[kristenok18]

I am! I have pcos, and am battling with my weight and body shape. At this point, it's not just for infertility. I am trying to change my eating and my exercise habits for my overall health. I have cut down my grains and sugars dramatically, but I really need to omit them completely. I also tend to exercise well for a certain period of time, then give up for an even longer period of time. I'm not quite ready to put numbers out there yet (I can barely even admit them to dh!), but hopefully the changes I've been making over the last couple of years will be making a difference once I can commit to them consistently.

I am currently trying follow a traditional foods diet with limited grains/sugars, and I'm exercising several days a week at the Y (elliptical and weights). Dh is a marathon runner, and really wants me to start running. I am contemplating trying to train for a 5K, which is a HUGE step for me. I just need to buy a good sports bra ($$$) for my huge ladies.

[BunnySlippers]

For once I don't feel like I need to gain any weight. I am glad you included that though. Some of us skinnies have a hard time keeping the weight on and quite often I feel like I can't say anything about it because the rest of the world is trying to loose weight- even if they are an ideal weight.

I am steadily improving my diet and fixing deficiencies. Mainly iodine, zinc and selenium are ones I try to be faithful in getting. Iam being sure to get more raw and whole foods into my diet. I have cut out fast foods, but have added coffee as Timmies is doing r-r-roll up the rim right now and 9 times out of 10 I win a coffee or donut which is unusual. Heres to winning the car or the boat next

I am also concious of trying to get fit. When I was pregnant with dd, I was super fit and had a great pregnancy because I was able to stay active. I have not been active in the past year or so, so I need to get going now or else Id be scared to start exercising while pregnant.

I started seeing a chiropractor and masseuse a few months ago. And detoxing. These are all things I wanted to do but couldn't before getting preg the first time around.

[crazyrunningmama]

Originally Posted by kristenok18

I'm not quite ready to put numbers out there yet (I can barely even admit them to dh!)............. I just need to buy a good sports bra ($$$) for my huge ladies.

Oh, my dh doesn't know those numbers!!!! I like to keep some mystery in the relationship. Every once in a while I ask him how much HE weighs, and I'll mention that I weigh less (if I do at that moment )

[QUOTE=BunnySlippers;10885313]For once I don't feel like I need to gain any weight. I am glad you included that though. Some of us skinnies have a hard time keeping the weight on and quite often I feel like I can't say anything about it because the rest of the world is trying to loose weight- even if they are an ideal weight.
I have not been active in the past year or so, so I need to get going now or else Id be scared to start exercising while pregnant.

[QUOTE]

You can say it here, I know there are others that have mentioned trying to put on weight and then losing it due to getting sick and how frustrating it is. Healthy is healthy and we all want to get there!

I feel the same about exercise. When I was pregant with dd, I had had so many health issues (and stress induced Ben and Jerry's) that I didn't get into any kind of exercise while pregnant because I was sooooo out of shape beforehand.

I think a good start for me would be just mindful eating. Not eating so it isn't "wasted", not eating on the fly and eating 3 meals and 2 snacks, instead of all day long.

[Lauren31]

I am interested in this as well--- I might be underweight, but I am not sure. I am not "infertile" per say but I just haven't had AF in three months almost. I had been on BCP for over 8 years and just went off three months ago. I run on the ellipitcal everyday (unless something comes up) for about 40-45 minutes and I lift light weights three times a week. I am 5'5'' adn 125 lbs which may be too skinny? I don't know. I just want my period and fertility back and don't know where to start! Oh also, I love cheese and natural foods although I love meat, chicken, fish, etc so I am not a veggie. But my big downfall: HORRIBLE DIET SODA. I think I am addicted. And I drink two to 2.5 glasses of wine a night (I am a food and wine snob) hahaha and I LOVE coffee. So anyways, any advice would be great.

[crazyrunningmama]

Welcome!
First off, I was on BCP for most of 10 years and it took a good 6-8 months for things to get "normal". And yes, diet soda is the DEVIL - stop!!!

Are you trying to get pregnant? If so, I have heard that too much vigorous exercise can be a problem. Maybe you would switch to walking for 2 or 3 days a week?

[Lauren31]

Originally Posted by crazyrunningmama

Welcome!
First off, I was on BCP for most of 10 years and it took a good 6-8 months for things to get "normal". And yes, diet soda is the DEVIL - stop!!!

Are you trying to get pregnant? If so, I have heard that too much vigorous exercise can be a problem. Maybe you would switch to walking for 2 or 3 days a week?

Could diet soda cause me not to ovulate??? just curious, I haven't seen evidence of that

I tried to just walk 2-3 days a week but honestly the high I get (the stress release???) from running on the elipitcal I just love love love. I was thinking I would cut it out a couple days a week but it's like I am addicted! I try to eat more then you would think I would to compensate for the exercize: two servings of pasta, bread, veggies, wine, and salad for dinner for example. I always snack on fresh fruit, veggies, and peanut m and ms too. hahaha Thanks for your help, it is good to know that BC can screw up your cycle. I am seeing my doctor in a week or so so I hoping the period will start before I get there. She doesn't seem knowledgable and at all healthy. She is obese and doesn't really listen. ugh. I would go to another doctor but my husband is army and its kinda hard to switch doctors.

[kristenok18]

Originally Posted by Lauren31

\ She doesn't seem knowledgable and at all healthy. She is obese and doesn't really listen. ugh. I would go to another doctor but my husband is army and its kinda hard to switch doctors.

She could be pretty ignorant about health and nutrition (as I know most people are, regardless of their medical credentials), or she could be dealing with hormone issues like PCOS or thyroid problems, which can make it virtually impossible to lose weight.

[rubidoux]

Originally Posted by Lauren31

She doesn't seem knowledgable and at all healthy. She is obese and doesn't really listen. ugh. I would go to another doctor but my husband is army and its kinda hard to switch doctors.

I'm pretty certain you could be a great doctor and obese. I used to be a great obese attorney. I also know quite alot about how to not be fat, although I am. And I'm guessing she could be not healthy, but still know alot about health. And, I know this sounds like I'm really thinking outside the box, but I even think it is possible to be healthy and obese.

[kristenok18]

Originally Posted by rubidoux

And, I know this sounds like I'm really thinking outside the box, but I even think it is possible to be healthy and obese.

: I exercise regularly and eat an amazing diet, but you'd never know it to look at me. I have been studying nutrition intensively for years, but again, you'd never know it to look at me.

I know this thread is a support for those dealing with IF and trying to gain or lose weight for health issues, but please be mindful of how you word things. If your doctor doesn't listen, yes that's a problem. She's obese? That is not a valid reason to dismiss someone.

[Lauren31]

Originally Posted by kristenok18

: I exercise regularly and eat an amazing diet, but you'd never know it to look at me. I have been studying nutrition intensively for years, but again, you'd never know it to look at me.

I know this thread is a support for those dealing with IF and trying to gain or lose weight for health issues, but please be mindful of how you word things. If your doctor doesn't listen, yes that's a problem. She's obese? That is not a valid reason to dismiss someone.

Sorry, I worded that the wrong way. I guess what I am saying is that I can't see her having sympathy for someone who has a hard time gaining. Maybe not though if she has a hard time losing she might be able to understand

I don't know, I assume that when you are in the business of health you should be healthy yourself. I understand that women can be large and healthy, my MIL is the perfect example, people are all built differently. My doctor just doesn't seem healthy to me and I guess subconciously that causes me to not respect her as a health expert. I would choose a different doctor for sure if I had the opportunity. SHe dismisses things I say and keeps me waiting for hours in the waiting room (not her fault, bad scheduling) I just have not had a good experience there, yet. Hopefully things change!

[crazyrunningmama]

I too think it really varies by individual. I am hesitant to tell people my weight IRL because they always either say "NO, you're not" or "that's not fat". So maybe I look better than I feel. Because how I feel is what I was focussing on starting this thread. I feel too heavy, not fit, not strong and not healthy. I would like to change and I could use some support.

When people are happy as they are, do not want to change or are not ready for change, or don't want other people piping up about it, that should be totally respected.

[kristenok18]

So what is everyone doing for their regular workout routine? Are you adding anything in to step up the pace?

I get stuck in a rut doing 30 minutes on the elliptical machine and then various weights, but I just bought a dance workout video called "Bollywood Burn." It features dance moves to Bhangra pop that also give you a good workout. It's not really what I expected, but I'm hoping it'll give me some inspiration and trick my body into burning some more calories. Our Y offers a "Zumba" class, which uses several different styles of dance, but I haven't worked up the nerve to join it yet.

I'd love to hear what the rest of you do for your workout!!

[barose]

I have insulin resistant PCOS/estrogen dominance and slightly hypothyroid so keeping my diet in line and exercise is extremely important for my fertility. Its always a long learning process as to what I can and cannot eat, but its worth it for my health even if I don’t conceive.

I work out 5-7 days a week either running, spinning (have a bike at home) weight, and some Yoga.

[Lauren31]

Originally Posted by kristenok18

So what is everyone doing for their regular workout routine? Are you adding anything in to step up the pace?

I get stuck in a rut doing 30 minutes on the elliptical machine and then various weights, but I just bought a dance workout video called "Bollywood Burn." It features dance moves to Bhangra pop that also give you a good workout. It's not really what I expected, but I'm hoping it'll give me some inspiration and trick my body into burning some more calories. Our Y offers a "Zumba" class, which uses several different styles of dance, but I haven't worked up the nerve to join it yet.

I'd love to hear what the rest of you do for your workout!!

I do the elipitical for 40 minutes a day (gossiping with a friend so it FLIES by). Then 3 times a week I do at least thirty walking lunges with 10 lb weights, followed by the seated row at 90 lbs (about 18 reps). Then I do bicep curls (10 lbs, about 12 reps x 3). I then stretch and do various yoga positions to really relax. I love it. good question tonight I had an EXTRA serving of rice and chicken stir fry so I am feeling like I am really getting good at eating to gain weight correctly.

[Lauren31]

Originally Posted by barose

I have insulin resistant PCOS/estrogen dominance and slightly hypothyroid so keeping my diet in line and exercise is extremely important for my fertility. Its always a long learning process as to what I can and cannot eat, but its worth it for my health even if I don’t conceive.

I work out 5-7 days a week either running, spinning (have a bike at home) weight, and some Yoga.

My girlfriend is the same as you and she just got PG without having AF or a period in over 6 months. I just wanted you to know that if you do the best you can do, then I think that the rest is in Gods (or whatever higher it is you believe in!)'s hands.

[kristenok18]

Originally Posted by Lauren31

My girlfriend is the same as you and she just got PG without having AF or a period in over 6 months. I just wanted you to know that if you do the best you can do, then I think that the rest is in Gods (or whatever higher it is you believe in!)'s hands.

Infertility can make things a bit more complicated than that, though.

[Lauren31]

Originally Posted by kristenok18

Infertility can make things a bit more complicated than that, though.

I understand that- she had been trying for about three years. She classifies herself as infertile, so take that for what you want.

[barose]

Originally Posted by kristenok18

Infertility can make things a bit more complicated than that, though.

Originally Posted by Lauren31

My girlfriend is the same as you and she just got PG without having AF or a period in over 6 months. I just wanted you to know that if you do the best you can do, then I think that the rest is in Gods (or whatever higher it is you believe in!)'s hands.

I think both points are valid.

[dachshund mom]

I'll join you guys! I'm 5'8, 149lbs. I gained 10lbs in a month after quitting the pill and want to get some of that off before my RE appointment (referred by gyn for suspected PCOS) on the 22nd. I should be about 135lbs. I exercise, but do too much yoga and walking on the treadmill, not enough cardio.

I trying to do low carb. I've always avoided fat and can't get over it. So no fat, no carbs, no meat (I'm semi-veg). What am I supposed to eat!!!??!! If I see one more piece of broccoli, I'm going to hurl.