Gained 33 pounds after moving to the US

llalab

Hello everyone!

I moved from Europe to the US about two years ago and have been going through a weight gain/loss roller coaster. I went from 56 kilos to 62 kilos, then from 62 to 52 kilos in 2 months and finally from 52 to 67 kilos in less than 6 months. My biggest challenges have been:
1. Portions: the portions are so much bigger here and I slowly got used to them;
2. Groceries: it has been a challenge adjusting my eating habits to the products available in the US;
3. Exercising: I hate the gym so much. I have never exercised in my life but walk a lot and used to ride my bike to and from work everyday back home. This was sufficient to maintain my weight but it is no longer possible where I live (night walks are not very safe).

I am so sad and frustrated with my body currently. I can't fit in any of my clothes and had to buy one pair of jeans and a few t-shirts that I wash every two days. These are the only things I can wear. I have never seen my weight fluctuate like this. I have tried the slow-carb diet but feel it is too restrictive for me. I don't really enjoy meat, eggs and fish and usually eat pasta.

I want to make a change and try to see how I can learn to eat and live healthy while being in the US.

Thank you very much for reading me.

mistsoflavender

Hello! Living in America is so hard because of the food. When you eat, use smaller plates so you feel like you have a full one. Chicken is a good source of protein and soybeans as well. If you have one nearby, try Wholefoods! It's an organic grocery store with tons of fruits, vegtables, meats, nuts, etc. It's much easier to avoid temptations there. I myself hate the gym, so I search workout vids on youtube or take an inclined walk/run on my treadmill. You can walk around your neighborhood or invest in in-home exercising equipment to get your privacy. It's hard, but you should avoid pastas. Maybe once a week's (or a while) fine to indulge. You could also replace it with whole grain pasta (but still in reduced portions) Hope I could help at least a little (:

nat1cat

This made me chuckle. I grew up in the middle of America and was an overweight child and young adult. I managed to figure things out as a 25-year-old and started resisting the food culture you describe. Then, I moved to Germany and gained a lot back because the food culture is a bit "healthier," and I assumed that I wouldn't have to resist so hard-core. (Indeed, when I tell people I count my calories here they often think it's a weird American thing). Now, I'm calibrating my eating (and drinking - German beer is the devil) once again!



It's all about what you're used to, I guess!

steve0820

Sorry to hear about your struggles, but it has nothing to do with where you live.

Eating more calories then you burn makes you gain weight.

llalab

Thank you everyone for your answers and advice!

@mistsoflavend: Thank you so much for the recommendations! I will try to locate a Whole Foods nearby and load up on good ingredients! I am just very confused about the "pasta situation" and would love more information on it. I read the Tim Ferris book on the slow-carb diet and understand a bit more the concept. What I am confused about is that everywhere I lived in the past, people consumed carbs and dairy and didn't seem to gain weight. I myself used to eat pasta everyday for years and didn't gain weight (I have a mediterranean diet and tend to it my pasta with sea food and vegetables). Should pasta be avoided only for weight loss reasons or at all times? I would love your input on this.

I will also try to wake up earlier so I can go on morning walks for exercise. I love walking and I never

@ purpleshrink: Hahaha this is funny and shows that it is not the place that matters that much but the change in habits. I lived by the German border and I can definitely relate to the German beer issue It is all about developing new habits that are adapted to the new environment. To be honest, I know that I am to blame for this. Food is so easy to access here, it's a blessing and a curse. Back home, supermarkets close at 7pm and on Sundays, and it is hard to get delivery. I have access to so much more now (24/7 supermarket, cookie store open until 3pm, delivery at all times, vending machines that take credit cards). There are new boundaries to set and new habits to form!

@steve0820 You are absolutely right! Will start monitoring my calorie intake from now on and exercise more!

zephtalah

I gained 10 pounds moving from the US to a 3rd world country. :embarassed: However, that had everything to do with me eating too much because I allowed stress eating during the transition. Moving cross culture can be difficult in many ways, but thankfully a healthy lifestyle can be obtained anywhere. You can do this one day at a time. Find youtube videos of workouts you enjoy that you can do in your house. (Jillian Michaels and Leslie Sansone might be good places to start). Pasta is fine as long as it is in moderation. I love pasta, and eat it frequently. It has never hindered my weight loss after each of my children. However, you can choose one that is lighter on the noodles and heavier on the veggies. Some stores have crazy fruit and veggie prices, and others are more reasonable. Shop around till you find one that has what you are looking for. I know the different layouts can be a bit overwhelming at first, but at least you speak the language and can ask people around you where the best places are in your area. Best Wishes!

Oxxygi

I live in Europe and believe me temptations are everywhere. OK, maybe there is not so much processed crap, but you know a lot of healthy and homemade foods are high in calories and fat.

llalab

@ zephtalah: Thanks for the great advice! I found these fitness blender videos on Youtube and really like them. I will also check out the ones you recommended. I am so glad to hear that pasta is ok! I have no problem switching proportions and making vegetables the main part of the dish. I think it is more the idea of completely banning them that is an issue for me. When I was doing slow carb, all I could think about was pasta and cheese. All day long. When it comes to food, I have the mindset of a 3 year old hahaha! Time for a change!

@ Oxxygi: I can definitely agree with that! I think my issue here is not so much the quality/fat content of the food, but the portions and availability. I am a night owl and usually won't go to bed until 3 am. Back home, nothing was open so I would just wait. Now, the possibilities are endless, delivery, supermarket, delis. Everything is accessible all the time and I have to rely more on self-control. The problem is that I am eating more than I should be.

Thank you everyone for your comments because it is making me realize some of the issues I will have to work on during this journey.

Oxxygi

Yep, I'm an owl too...But in my town you can't get any food after 10pm , shops are closed. No takeaway culture. There aren't many options for this even.And it's still cheaper to make food at home. Only one Hesburger restaurant here.( By the way near my place, hahaa, but I don't like that food at all....:sick: )

otter090812

If you can't walk outdoors, try Leslie Sansone indoor walking videos on YouTube. I started out with her stuff before progressing to higher intensity exercise. But portion control, especially with pasta, has to be a big part of the changes you make. Good luck!

zephtalah

I know this sounds terrible, but if I had to give up pasta in order to be fit, I think I would pass. However, in moderation it can definitely be part of a balanced diet. We all have things we love and they don't have to be abandoned in the name of health only moderated. I have used Fitness blender too. They have some good things. I hope you find what works for you.

llalab

Thank you everyone, definitely checking out these videos! Just logged in my food & exercise for the day. Looking forward to this journey with you all!