Living the Lifestyle (LTL) - Wednesday, 8/1/18

minimyzeme

We meet here to explore, share, celebrate, and (sometimes) agonize over how we do (or don't) incorporate weight loss guidelines into our daily lives. "It's a lifestyle, not a diet" is easily and often said, but sometimes not so simply put into practice.

This is a thread for everyone. If you're new to GoaD, or to weight loss, your questions and comments are always welcome. If you're maintaining, or a long-term loser, your thoughts on the topic may be just what someone else needs to hear. If you're reading this, join in the discussion!

Each weekday, a new topic is offered up for discussion. Thread starters for August are:

Monday - Imastar2 (Derrick)
Tuesday - Jerdtrmndone (Jerry)
Wednesday - minimyzeme (Kim)
Thursday - goldenfrisbee (Chris)
Friday - misterhub (Greg)

Today's topic: Who wins? We often think of weigh management as something we do for ourselves and tell others no one can do it for them. However, I think the truth is rarely are we the sole beneficiaries of our efforts to manage our weight. Who's one other person in your life who has directly or indirectly benefited from your weight management program? Why is that important to you?

minimyzeme

My new house, as luck would have it, is literally right around the corner from my older sister (+4 years) even though it's 2.5 hours away from where I've lived the last 15 years. She has had lupus for the last 20-25 years and while many of her symptoms have cleared up, they still flare up once in a while. Especially when that happens, she really suffers physically and is very limited in what she can do.

80 pounds ago, I wouldn't have been a whole lot of help to her. Without the extra weight though, there's a lot I can do to help keep her and her household running smoothly. The change of seasons in the Northeast brings different challenges year-round. Whether it's pruning, mowing, leaf-raking or snow shoveling, there's always something to do. I think this move will cut down on my own chores a lot but I'm actually looking forward to being able to help my sister out more.

If I was still carrying the 80 pounds, I'd be looking for ways to hunker down and do as little as possible. Now, I often find myself enjoying the extra energy and looking for constructive ways to put it to use. That I'll be able to help my sister is "icing on the cake", so to speak.

88olds

My kids. I’ve seen other kids lose their dad. That’s where we were headed. Despite my shortcomings, my kids didn’t have to go through that.

They also seem to have the idea of “a healthy weight” in their heads. I like to think there’s an element of leading by example there.

myallforjcbill

I presume my wife. Hopefully she will never again have to be in ICU after they wheel me in from a heart procedure and hopefully I will avoid a spine procedure.

minimyzeme

Thanks Al. Confirmed stress-eater here. Don't ask me why the behavior exists but I still do it.

What I changed are my food choices when stress-eating. I used to eat baked goods, fatty meats, and empty carbs. Now I eat veggies, fruits and lean deli meats.

Big believer in making the better choice...

podkey

Indirectly my DW has benefited a pinch from my choices. Also I suppose I may have been a bit more helpful doing stuff but not so sure about that. Our mainstays of dinner are healthy.

gadgetgirlIL

My husband. I know he was really worried about me when I was morbidly obese. Now he gets to worry about me being out in the "wilderness" for my hiking and biking activities ;-) I do check in periodically via text messaging and my high tech car is traceable through the Ford cloud. And my iPhone is also spying on me so if I fail to check in, he has some means of trying to figure out my whereabouts ;-)

goldenfrisbee

I’m back near my starting weight and boy, do I feel it. So right now no one is benefiting. That is part of the reason I am starting over again.

Jerdtrmndone

My benefits with at least keeping 50lbs. off are for my DW and myself. I have cut my meds. in half and I'm able to help my wife when needed. She is disabled and does the best for her self but there are many times I need to be there for her so my weight loss was/is crucial.

linmueller

Since I recommitted to eating healthy 6 weeks ago, my husband has started to do the same. It's interesting, because I don't push him And while his weight fluctates, it's never more than 20#s or so. I also don't really cook differently when I'm OP, but still, when I start weighing, measuring and tracking, he cuts back on junk, and starts to lose.... you're welcome

As for why it's important, his family has a rough heart health, or more unhealthy, history. Eating healthy is just smart.