improving general health, weight loss/gain - Page 2

[javilu]

I will join you as well. I haven't posted here much (if at all, I think), but I might be moving over here shortly. I am beginning my 12th month of TTC. Anyway, I have been working for over a year on improving my physical and emotional health. I have come a long way (I was headed down the very wrong path about a year ago), but still have some ways to go. I am trying to see it as a lifestyle, or a way of living for the rest of my life, not specifically related to fertility. My main aim right now is to MOVE more!

Maybe I can also be a resource to anyone who wants to talk about food, exercise, herbs and hormones. I have read a *lot* about endocrinology and PCOS (one of my half-sisters has PCOS and I believe I am mildly insulin resistant), and also about natural and nutritional healing.

I really do believe in holistic health. It's the only thing that keeps me going sometimes!

[crazyrunningmama]

Originally Posted by dachshund mom

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.

Does the low carb thing work well for you? It has never made sense to me and I know I could never do it because I LOVE fruit and starchy carbs too. I try for variety fruit and veg (this time of year I shop for frozen and just whatever is in season, which means it is also the best deal, organic whenever possible). It also helps that I a toddler so I am trying to model good eating, and knowing I will be sharing everything with her makes me think more about my choices.

Originally Posted by puffnstuff

I will join you as well. I haven't posted here much (if at all, I think), but I might be moving over here shortly. I am beginning my 12th month of TTC. Anyway, I have been working for over a year on improving my physical and emotional health. I have come a long way (I was headed down the very wrong path about a year ago), but still have some ways to go. I am trying to see it as a lifestyle, or a way of living for the rest of my life, not specifically related to fertility. My main aim right now is to MOVE more!

Maybe I can also be a resource to anyone who wants to talk about food, exercise, herbs and hormones. I have read a *lot* about endocrinology and PCOS (one of my half-sisters has PCOS and I believe I am mildly insulin resistant), and also about natural and nutritional healing.

I really do believe in holistic health. It's the only thing that keeps me going sometimes!

Welcome to you! Sorry you have to be here and thanks for offering you wisdom and experience. Moving more is a great goal! I have been a bit intimidated by everyone else's workout routines, since I don't have one. Actually since January I have been swimming almost once a week and getting the gym a few times, since I am taking my first "one campus" course in a long time I am using the university facilities on the 2 days a week I am there. I intend to walk more with my dd, especially with the new ( to me) jogging stroller my mom just gave me.

I have just started going for acupuncture and they recommend a cleans/ elimination diet for 3 weeks. No dairy, wheat, soy, red meat etc. Leaving some grains and lots of produce, would probably be great for me but it is going to take some planning for me to be able to do it. Weaning slowly off of caffeine for starters!

Good luck everyone, write us your updates, progress and challenges!!!!!

[kristenok18]

Originally Posted by crazyrunningmama

I have been a bit intimidated by everyone else's workout routines, since I don't have one. Actually since January I have been swimming almost once a week and getting the gym a few times, since I am taking my first "one campus" course in a long time I am using the university facilities on the 2 days a week I am there. I intend to walk more with my dd, especially with the new ( to me) jogging stroller my mom just gave me.

That sounds great! i get easily intimidated, too, but I just try to remember that we can only start from where we're at. I was amazed when I looked back and realized how much I had increased my stamina since starting. Time really does fly! Do you keep a journal? That has helped me tremendously, especially when I feel like I'm getting nowhere. Another thing that helped me was finding a buddy to work out or walk with. If i was accountable to someone else (planned meeting time), then I was much less likely to bail.


In terms of foods to eat, it such an individual matter. Some people's bodies work more efficiently if they eat higher amts of protein, some do well with no dairy, etc. I think the key is to find what works for your body through trial and error. I keep a food journal, and record what I'm eating each day. I take it in spells, and will be really good for several months, then not record anything for months after that. But it's helped me see how I feel after eating certain foods. I learned that grains and beans are NOT good for me, and that higher amts of protein and healthy fats actually help me lose weight. Certain fruits are off-limits (unless combined with high protein snack), but others are ok. I have to be careful with high-sugar veg and root veg, but everything else is fine. It's been a long process, several years in the making, and I'm not done yet.

[barose]

Originally Posted by crazyrunningmama

Does the low carb thing work well for you? It has never made sense to me and I know I could never do it because I LOVE fruit and starchy carbs too. I try for variety fruit and veg (this time of year I shop for frozen and just whatever is in season, which means it is also the best deal, organic whenever possible). It also helps that I a toddler so I am trying to model good eating, and knowing I will be sharing everything with her makes me think more about my choices.

Originally Posted by kristenok18

In terms of foods to eat, it such an individual matter. Some people's bodies work more efficiently if they eat higher amts of protein, some do well with no dairy, etc. I think the key is to find what works for your body through trial and error. I keep a food journal, and record what I'm eating each day. I take it in spells, and will be really good for several months, then not record anything for months after that. But it's helped me see how I feel after eating certain foods. I learned that grains and beans are NOT good for me, and that higher amts of protein and healthy fats actually help me lose weight. Certain fruits are off-limits (unless combined with high protein snack), but others are ok. I have to be careful with high-sugar veg and root veg, but everything else is fine. It's been a long process, several years in the making, and I'm not done yet.

I agree, its all individual. I have insulin resistance PCOS and have to keep my carb levels very low and no sugars (even most fruits) or my insulin will shoot up and it can and does keep me form ovulating.

Any food allergies/intolerances will pack on the pounds for me too. So no, gluten and any grains for that matter, sugars, dairy (except for cultured butter which I can tolerate) and soy.

[dachshund mom]

Barose, how was your insulin resistance diagnosed? Did your RE do the test?

I'm reading a lot about hypoglycemia and PCOS, and it sounds like metformin might help me even if I'm not IR. I'm taking all my studies to the RE. Hope she's ready for me.

I did my first low carb shopping trip today and it was no big deal. I'm having to eat more meat than usual until I find more veg recipes without beans or rice. I'm mostly making normal foods, but will have an extra veg instead of the bread/starch side, or wil use a low carb tortilla for tacos, and of course no pasta meals. My big thing for now is no white foods (rice, potatoes, bread, pasta)

I eat a lot of sandwiches, so lunch is changing to salads, chicken salad w/ cucumbers, boca burgers, etc. Breakfast is up in the air. I usually eat oatmeal, but that is too high carb, so maybe eggs? How am I doing?

I went swimming today - such great exercise!

[crazyrunningmama]

Originally Posted by dachshund mom

Breakfast is up in the air. I usually eat oatmeal, but that is too high carb, so maybe eggs? How am I doing?

I went swimming today - such great exercise!

Would quinoa for breakfast work for you? It's high protein (although still a carb I realize). Maybe a small serving with nuts? That is what I am considering as I prepare (mostly mentally) to do a no-wheat cleanse soon.

I have been swimming too. I am not a good swimmer so I do it by minutes, if I spend x number of minutes in the water moving my body I consider my goal met. I started with 20 minutes at the beginning of the semester (Jan) and am now up to 40.

Years ago, I read some silly article about how not to gain weight over Christmas. One line stuck with me: "Creme brulee is always available to me". Meaning that you don't have to feel like you must eat every yummy thing you see because you can have it whenever you want. Good message for those of us who eat for emotional reasons, grew up always "wanting" etc. I've been thinking about it a lot lately.

I also negotiated with my dh to go to the accupuncturist!!! I committed to losing 1 pound a week until my goal weight is met if he would just go and talk to them. He is happy to see me getting serious about it (rather than complainging AND eating).

[crazyrunningmama]

Okay, this is crazy. My weight has gone UP in the last week or so, by 2 or 3 pounds. : YIKES!! Okay, this is my new rule: no eating after my dd is asleep for the night.
And a brisk walk of at least 20 minutes every day. BRISK.

What are you tweaking this week?

[kristenok18]

Ugh. I'm in the same boat, I think. I'm sure my downfall has to do with the gobs of trail mix I've been eating. I made a yummy batch for dh (since he's been doing lots of long runs lately, and has a 1/2 marathon this weekend), but it's so yummy I keep eating it. All good stuff, sunflower and pumpkin seeds, cashews, almonds, dried cranberries and blueberries, but I can't stop eating it!!!

My workouts have been abbreviated this week, due to crazy schedules and ds's new limits (he broke his arm over the weekend), but I'm trying to ramp up the pace on the elliptical trainer.

20 min brisk walks sounds great! Are you in a region where the weather is good?

[Lauren31]

Originally Posted by crazyrunningmama

Okay, this is crazy. My weight has gone UP in the last week or so, by 2 or 3 pounds. : YIKES!! Okay, this is my new rule: no eating after my dd is asleep for the night.
And a brisk walk of at least 20 minutes every day. BRISK.

What are you tweaking this week?

Ooooh good rules I am cutting down on wine (I am trying to limit it to two small glasses with dinner instead of two large glasses with dinner!!) and I am going to cut my runs from 45 min to 35.

[crazyrunningmama]

sick and tired

Now I've got a cold, making the "going for a brisk walk" thing a bit hard to pull off, even though we've had really nice weather. :

I am starting a cleanse/elimination diet tomorrow. My accupuncturist suggested it and why am I going for treatments if I'm not going to follow through? So..... No wheat, dairy, beef, soy, corn, coffee/black tea and others. Leaving me with green tea, chicken, fruit, veg and some grains, so not a big hardship, more of a shopping and organizational challenge. I was thinking about this today, as I try to wean myself off of caffeine!!! And thinking that it would be easier if it was something like work where there is someone who may actually check up on you and where your behaviour (or lack of it) has actual consequences. And it occurred to me:

ONLY MY BODY HOLDS ME ACCOUNTABLE.

This seems really significant to me, does that make sense?

[kungfufugirl]

Hey all! I am revving up for an IVF cycle this June......I am waiting until I confirm my cycle dates before starting a new thread....so I was hoping to get some support here for now.....I am trying hard to get ready for this cycle....accu....no sugar....no soda....gradually reducing caffeine/coffee....reducing exercise/activity levels....

The soda thing is the toughest right now.....I am sooooo craving a soda....and I know I should NEVER have it...TTC or NOT! But I got in the bad habit while working nocs at the hospital.....help! Don't let me do it!!!

BTW--good luck all those cycling right now!


~jo

[Lauren31]

Originally Posted by kungfufugirl

Hey all! I am revving up for an IVF cycle this June......I am waiting until I confirm my cycle dates before starting a new thread....so I was hoping to get some support here for now.....I am trying hard to get ready for this cycle....accu....no sugar....no soda....gradually reducing caffeine/coffee....reducing exercise/activity levels....

The soda thing is the toughest right now.....I am sooooo craving a soda....and I know I should NEVER have it...TTC or NOT! But I got in the bad habit while working nocs at the hospital.....help! Don't let me do it!!!

BTW--good luck all those cycling right now!


~jo

DON'T DO IT!!! hahaha what is so bad about one soda?? Is it Diet? Just curious. YOU CAN DO IT GIRL! Just imagine the little baby that might be made at the end of this month!!!

[kristenok18]

Originally Posted by Lauren31

what is so bad about one soda?? Is it Diet? Just curious.

HFCS in reg sodas, and artificial sweeteners are even worse. Not to mention the toxic combination of the phosphoric acid and all the other chemicals in there. That stuff just rots your teeth away, not to mention what it does to your bones. Horrible nasty toxic stuff. I don't have time right now to pull up some of my favorite articles, but here's one to start with.

kungfufugirl- good luck with your ivf cycle!!!! sending you lots of good vibes to get you through all the diet/exercise changes!

[crazyrunningmama]

Originally Posted by kungfufugirl

Hey all! I am revving up for an IVF cycle this June......I am waiting until I confirm my cycle dates before starting a new thread....so I was hoping to get some support here for now.....I am trying hard to get ready for this cycle....accu....no sugar....no soda....gradually reducing caffeine/coffee....reducing exercise/activity levels....

The soda thing is the toughest right now.....I am sooooo craving a soda....and I know I should NEVER have it...TTC or NOT! But I got in the bad habit while working nocs at the hospital.....help! Don't let me do it!!!

BTW--good luck all those cycling right now!


~jo

We are meeting with our RE May 5 and we may end up cycling in June as well (have to see if my prolactin is back to normal yet). So I may see you on the June IVF thread when there is one!!


You can do it!!!! Yes, it is crap for your system. My best advice is not to have any soda in the house and avoid convenience stores/vending machines.

Good luck!!!

[ashesofyou]

OK, I'm jumping on the wagon too.

I *must* be accountable to someone in order to keep my motivations in check. Will you guys help me with this? PLEASE?!?!?!

I'm currently on a low calorie, very low fat/sodium diet and monitored by a doctor. I've GOT to get this weight off. I checked in at the doctor's office at 224.5, down 4.5 lbs in two weeks

But I've been getting next to no exercise. I've been sick, and in so much pain with a bad tooth, it's zapped all my energy for the last week, and has limited even more what foods I can eat. I have a dental appointment today, and I'm back in the game this evening.

Tonight, I will either weed/tend the flower beds for at least 30 mins, or walk the block, which takes about 20.

If I don't check back in after I've done this, most likely by 8pm EST, I fully expect some cyber butt-kickings.



Oh, and to the PP who seemed to advocate diet soda to a person suffering from infertility. ----> :
If I interpreted wrong, I apologize, but it's not nice to encourage a person to do the thing they are looking for support to be strong against.

[kristenok18]

ashes- YAY for 4.5lbs!!!! That's fantastic, especially considering what you're going through with your tooth! I'm glad you're getting in to the dentist today. Dh has had an abcess in the past, and it was the most miserable time of his life. Hopefully all will go well and you'll have energy this evening to get going. Come on, girl, you can do it!!!

I was terrible yesterday. I don't get a chance to work out on the weekends (though dh always gets to.... My folks came over yesterday (which they NEVER do, but they wanted to see ds, who broke his arm last weekend), and they ordered Chinese take-out for lunch. Like enough to feed an army (and none of it healthy options), and me, being the food-addict that I am, ate way more than I should have. And being tired out from playing in church that morning and the visit all day, we succumbed to weakness and ordered pizza for dinner. though i am dealing with af and all her insane carb cravings and nasty cramps, and feeling sorry for myself that last cycle didn't work, AGAIN. Doesn't excuse it, though. I'm hoping my cramps will subside soon (they're always worse in the am), and I can head over to the Y for a grueling make-up workout.

CRM- sorry to hear you've been sick. It seems like I always get sick when starting a new routine, and it's sooo easy to get derailed. Good luck with your detox!

kungfufugirl- i gave up soda years ago, but every once in a while I will smell a coke or pepsi and just crave it. I reread the articles about soda, and try very hard to remember how it physically makes me feel. Can you substitute iced tea? Maybe make a big thermos of iced decaf green tea to take with you to work. If I'm craving the fizz, I drink seltzer. Fruit juices are way too sweet for me, but if you can tolerate them, mix juice with seltzer to get a fizzy sweet drink.

[barose]

Originally Posted by crazyrunningmama

Now I've got a cold, making the "going for a brisk walk" thing a bit hard to pull off, even though we've had really nice weather. :

I am starting a cleanse/elimination diet tomorrow. My accupuncturist suggested it and why am I going for treatments if I'm not going to follow through? So..... No wheat, dairy, beef, soy, corn, coffee/black tea and others. Leaving me with green tea, chicken, fruit, veg and some grains, so not a big hardship, more of a shopping and organizational challenge. I was thinking about this today, as I try to wean myself off of caffeine!!! And thinking that it would be easier if it was something like work where there is someone who may actually check up on you and where your behaviour (or lack of it) has actual consequences. And it occurred to me:

ONLY MY BODY HOLDS ME ACCOUNTABLE.

This seems really significant to me, does that make sense?

Bolding mine: that is my diet all the time except I do eat grass fed beef maybe once a week and consume NO grains at all and I stick to a very low sugar diet (very little fruit only).

It doesnt take long to notice the positive effects.

[kungfufugirl]

Originally Posted by crazyrunningmama

We are meeting with our RE May 5 and we may end up cycling in June as well (have to see if my prolactin is back to normal yet). So I may see you on the June IVF thread when there is one!!

We meet with our RE on May 1!!!!! Hopefully I'll have more news on my cycle dates by then, too....it would be so cool to cycle with an MDC-er!!!! My past cycles I've gone with IVFC, but the outlook here is a bit different!

Originally Posted by crazyrunningmama

My best advice is not to have any soda in the house and avoid convenience stores/vending machines.

I agree.....I currently have a junk food eating houseguest who keeps bringing stuff in.....lucky for me the sweets/other junk aren't so much of a temptation anymore....but the diet soda sure is!!!! Broke down and got an Icee today....but no diet....It was 95 degrees and HOT!!!! Still only 4 oz of coffee this morning and dd was up most the night so that is pretty good!!!!!

Got another acu appt tomorrow Gotta get all that good chi going to my ovaries!

[crazyrunningmama]

Originally Posted by ashesofyou

OK, I'm jumping on the wagon too.

I *must* be accountable to someone in order to keep my motivations in check. Will you guys help me with this? PLEASE?!?!?!

Tonight, I will either weed/tend the flower beds for at least 30 mins, or walk the block, which takes about 20.

If I don't check back in after I've done this, most likely by 8pm EST, I fully expect some cyber butt-kickings.

Go, go, go!!! You can do it!!!!! I hoped you had nice weather for your outside exercise.

[QUOTE=kristenok18;10984096]
CRM- sorry to hear you've been sick. It seems like I always get sick when starting a new routine, and it's sooo easy to get derailed. Good luck with your detox!

[QUOTE]

Thanks for the encouragement! I am missing my tea with milk and sugar, but I can do this. Right?

Originally Posted by barose

Bolding mine: that is my diet all the time except I do eat grass fed beef maybe once a week and consume NO grains at all and I stick to a very low sugar diet (very little fruit only).

It doesnt take long to notice the positive effects.

NO grains? Wow, sounds like it makes a huge difference in your life. Good for you for sticking with it.

[barose]

Originally Posted by 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.

For me its a tradeoff but I cant do low fat or veg; so low-carb, plenty of fat and "clean" meat it is. Good luck at the RE!