Medication, exercise, and food

stormchels2

I am 41 years old, 5'3, 242 lbs trying to lose approximately 100 lbs. I am an over the road truck driver so I usually sit for 11 hours while driving and then go to bed. I finally decided that I had enough of being this overweight so I am taking some time off to concentrate on getting healthy again. I went to my doctor and got a prescription for Phentermine, cleaned the junk out of my pantry and fridge and filled then with good stuff, and joined a gym. I have been working out 5 days a week, taking my meds, and trying to eat well over the last two and a half weeks but with this medication I am rarely ever hungry. I eat very small amounts just because I know I need to put fuel into my body. I don't plan on staying on this medication for very long but I know that I need the help to control my urges until I can make eating well a habit. The problem I am having is that I am not taking in enough calories and I know that isn't good for me. I drink protein shakes almost every day and I eat fruit or veggies when I feel like I need to eat something. I am not trying to go vegan or vegetarian but at this point meat just kind of grosses me out. I try to eat chicken but usually after a couple of bites it makes me feel kind of sick. Do y'all have any suggestions on how to get enough calories in while I am on the medication? Thanks in advance!

markrgeary1

Nuts/nut butters? Avacacos? Anything that is calorie rich.

IGbnat24

They sell meal replacement t shake mix next to the protein powders or you could make a shake with whey, peanut butter, fruit, avocado. It's easy to drink 500+ calories.

AnnPT77

Perhaps if the phentermine is supressing your appetite so much that you can't eat at a healthy calorie level, you might try reducing or eliminating the drug sooner? You may find that if you eat healthy foods, especially enough protein, healthy fats, and fiber, that you still won't be especially hungry.

It's really, really important to get enough protein while losing weight, in order to preserve as much of your existing muscle as possible. Can you eat eggs? Greek yogurt? Cheese? Beans? Soy? Peanut butter? Nuts? I'm ovo-lacto vegetarian, and it's been possible for me to get a reasonable amount of protein, even at a steep calorie deficit, without eating meat.

Since you're on the road a lot, if that means eating commercially-prepared foods frequently, then eggs/dairy are usually the easiest non-meat ways to get protein in those places. (I know you said you're taking time off now, but it's helpful to use the weight-loss process to learn new ways of eating that will work in your regular life.)

Wishing you success!

CaptainJoy

stormchels2 wrote: »

The problem I am having is that I am not taking in enough calories and I know that isn't good for me. I drink protein shakes almost every day and I eat fruit or veggies when I feel like I need to eat something. I am not trying to go vegan or vegetarian but at this point meat just kind of grosses me out. I try to eat chicken but usually after a couple of bites it makes me feel kind of sick. Do y'all have any suggestions on how to get enough calories in while I am on the medication? Thanks in advance!

Try eating some lean ground turkey, tuna, and salmon. They're light and easy to digest. Make sure to take a multivitamin, with a meal or some fat-free milk, so you don't get sick while losing. Fat free milk has about 90 calories per cup so 8-16 ounces before bed will help up your calories to the more healthy range. I was OTR for decades and my daughter is currently OTR. We've both struggled with our weight. While on the road I had to cut down to one meal a day to keep from gaining weight. I'm doing great now, but I have time to track my calories, weigh my food, and exercise. I didn't have that working 70+ hours/week. My daughter is still struggling.

perkymommy

Nuts, cheeses, eggs (I eat egg whites) and oils like olive oil and avocado oil are great for good fats and protein. If you like peanut butter then maybe 1-2 tbsp of PB on toast, apples or crackers sometimes. I love fish (tuna, cod, flounder) and roast that often so that's a good alternative to chicken. I don't like red meat either.

stormchels2

Thanks for all of the suggestions! I skipped my medication today to see how I would feel. I wasn't hungry at all until just after my workout so I am going to make a healthy meal and see how it goes. I would love to take myself off of the medication before my next doctors appointment!

AnnPT77

Glad an initial experiment looks promising - wishing you continued success!