Is there anything I CAN eat?!?
BycroftLM
Posts: 1
My husband is an Ironman triathlete two times over. By comparison, I am a slug. Through calorie counting and exercise I lost 30 pounds over the last 2 years and had gotten where I wanted to be. HOWEVER, over the last couple of months I have put back on about 7 pounds. YIKES!
At 45, I know your metabolism slows down. I asked the hubster the other day for some advice. All I got was, you need to avoid sugar, you need to avoid fruit because it has too much sugar, you need to avoid simple carbs so no more bread, you need to avoid excess sodium so you don't retain water, you need to avoid fat, you need to avoid protein unless its very lean. (NOTE: He works out about 15 hours a week so he does NOT eat this way!)
Is there anything I CAN eat besides lettuce?
On another note, he says that it doesn't matter if you restrict your calories to 1200 per day if they aren't the "right kind" of calories, you'll still put on weight. Is he crazy?!?
At 45, I know your metabolism slows down. I asked the hubster the other day for some advice. All I got was, you need to avoid sugar, you need to avoid fruit because it has too much sugar, you need to avoid simple carbs so no more bread, you need to avoid excess sodium so you don't retain water, you need to avoid fat, you need to avoid protein unless its very lean. (NOTE: He works out about 15 hours a week so he does NOT eat this way!)
Is there anything I CAN eat besides lettuce?
On another note, he says that it doesn't matter if you restrict your calories to 1200 per day if they aren't the "right kind" of calories, you'll still put on weight. Is he crazy?!?
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Replies
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carbs -oatmeal (plain) and brown rice
protein -chicken, fish, anything lean
sugar should only be from fruit -one serving per day
add some protein shakes
eggs
peanut butter, almond butter (natural, none that say sugar or any additional oil in it)
eizekel bread, cereal
veggies -lettuce doesnt have much in it so swtich to spinach, broccoli, kale, brussel sprouts, asparagus
i just signed up but you can check out my diary for the last couple days.0 -
and yes he is right about the 1200 calories.. make sure to check glycemic index of fruit you eat ,, i would suggest apples and any kind of berries..0
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I'll agree with him on the sugar and white bread... since passing thirty I have noticed that those two things make me puff up a bit and they never did before. LOL
Definitely do not avoid all fat! You don't have to limit yourself to chicken, and you don't have to completely avoid whole grains.
You're a woman trying to get healthy, and he's a male athlete. In some ways, you are in two different worlds. Seriously.
Track your calories. Eat enough to fuel your body properly, probably 1500-1600 is a good place to start.
Aim for 30g or more of fiber a day, and protein up to 100g.
Keep your sodium below 2300mg/day.
Eat lots of veggies, a moderate amount of fruit, some healthy whole grains, lean protein, healthy fats. A lot of people on here try for 40% carbs, 30% protein, 30% fat.
Exercise regularly and add some weight-bearing exercise to your routine.
You can do it, and you don't have to make yourself crazy!!0 -
No. He isn't right.
I ate all kinds of foods, alcohol, Diet soda (OHGODNO) never paid attention to my macros, and only cared about my calorie goal.
I lost 82 lbs. I'm shockingly healthy.
You do NOT have to torture yourself through this. You won't keep at it that way.0 -
Well, imo the only thing he actually got right was the sodium thing.
If you just want to lose fat, get healthier and slimmer, and not get uber uber healthy, keep a calorie deficit, hit your macros, exercise and lift heavy, then eat whatever you want.
Why cut things out? Why make it harder than it needs to me?0 -
you don't even HAVE to exercise. I lost the first 50 lbs without doing anything more vigorous than walking my dogs for 15 minutes a day.
Don't bog yourself down with a million rules.0 -
I hit 25 lbs down today, and I eat almost 200g of carbs per day.
It is all about calories in/calories out. Period.
I do not, however, recommend starting at 1200 calories per day. Slowly work down to that. If you are exercising, you need to eat those calories back.
Please read the following post I wrote for newbies for more information:
http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/470367-tips-for-newbies0 -
you don't even HAVE to exercise. I lost the first 50 lbs without doing anything more vigorous than walking my dogs for 15 minutes a day.
Don't bog yourself down with a million rules.
True, you dont. But, surely you'd want to minimise muscle loss.0 -
you don't even HAVE to exercise. I lost the first 50 lbs without doing anything more vigorous than walking my dogs for 15 minutes a day.
Don't bog yourself down with a million rules.
True, you dont. But, surely you'd want to minimise muscle loss.
for me, because I had been a dancer and then a kung fu instructor before I gained, I felt like I had a reasonable amount of muscle underneath the fat layer. So I did nothing but cardio. Granted that may not be the most balanced approach, I'll concede:laugh:
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Check out my diary. I eat pasta (white pasta too GASP), drink wine and beer, eat ice cream and red meat. I lose happily. Stay in your calorie goals and hit your macros. No point being unhappy with your food choices during dieting because you'll become boring (or feel deprive) and binge.0
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He's wrong (mostly) about the 1200 calories. Google "twinkie diet" and I you will see what I mean. Very interesting stuff! I say "mostly" wrong because although yes, from a pure calories in calories out standpoint it doesn't matter if you eat 1200 calories of twinkies or 1200 calories of broccoli one will be a lot more filling (and have more nutrition which is important for other reasons). Personally the only way I can stick to 1200 net calories per day is if most of those calories are fruits, veggies, whole grains, low fat dairy and lean meat. 1200 calories of that kind of food is a GIANT PILE of food -- plenty to keep you satisfied all day. If I wanted to get my 1200 calories on nothing but Dunkin Donuts double chocolate donuts (a favorite of mine) my total food for the day would be 3 donuts! Would I loose weight if I truly ONLY ate 3 donuts a day -- yes. Is it in any way realistic to stick to that diet -- no, unless you are the twikie diet guy!
For some very good ideas about things you can eat take a look at the book "Picture Perfect Weight Loss."0 -
I'm almost 40, and eat loads of bread, pasta, pizza and all other kinds of carbs.
You can eat anything. It's just a matter of the right balance. You might lose weight faster if you cut out a ton of carbs and eat nothing but lettuce, but you'll get burned out and quit. It's better to lose a little bit slower and enjoy the process.0 -
One Word: Moderation :bigsmile:0
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No. He isn't right.
I ate all kinds of foods, alcohol, Diet soda (OHGODNO) never paid attention to my macros, and only cared about my calorie goal.
I lost 82 lbs. I'm shockingly healthy.
You do NOT have to torture yourself through this. You won't keep at it that way.
THIS worked for me too0 -
He's wrong (mostly) about the 1200 calories. Google "twinkie diet" and I you will see what I mean. Very interesting stuff! I say "mostly" wrong because although yes, from a pure calories in calories out standpoint it doesn't matter if you eat 1200 calories of twinkies or 1200 calories of broccoli one will be a lot more filling (and have more nutrition which is important for other reasons). Personally the only way I can stick to 1200 net calories per day is if most of those calories are fruits, veggies, whole grains, low fat dairy and lean meat. 1200 calories of that kind of food is a GIANT PILE of food -- plenty to keep you satisfied all day. If I wanted to get my 1200 calories on nothing but Dunkin Donuts double chocolate donuts (a favorite of mine) my total food for the day would be 3 donuts! Would I loose weight if I truly ONLY ate 3 donuts a day -- yes. Is it in any way realistic to stick to that diet -- no, unless you are the twikie diet guy!
For some very good ideas about things you can eat take a look at the book "Picture Perfect Weight Loss."
Agreed.0 -
Hmmm. I'm 46 and I've lost 61 pounds doing almost the exact opposite of what he is telling you to do.0
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No. He isn't right.
I ate all kinds of foods, alcohol, Diet soda (OHGODNO) never paid attention to my macros, and only cared about my calorie goal.
I lost 82 lbs. I'm shockingly healthy.
You do NOT have to torture yourself through this. You won't keep at it that way.
Agree with above.
I am 47, and short, (5'2") - have lost 60 lbs, and almost at my goal weight. About 10 lbs less to lose, and still losing now.
I eat lots of "bad" stuff. I do not eat 1200 cals a day (actually eat about 1600)
I eat white flour, white sugar, good and bad carbs - had some dark chocolate peanut MnMs today in fact. I eat some processed foods, fast foods, even pizza, regular soda and so forth regularly. Not everyday, but once, twice a week. Mainly because processed foods are low nutrient and high calorie - so I like more bang for my buck. I aim for more nutrient dense choices for most of my eating. But if I need some chocolate, I have some.
I often eat a cup or more of fruit daily with my lunch.
But I don't avoid any food.
I do make sure I stay in my calorie goals, I do watch my protein. No real concerned with carbs, sugars , fats.
I do exercise regularly and hard, but that's because I am working to loose the last bit of bodyfat.
But before that, I regularly did about 400 cals a day exercise, 6 days a week, and lost weight then also. (cardio and strength training both)
I currently do strength training with heavy weights three days a week, I also do cardio 3-7 times a week.
I personally also have a free day, one day a week, so I can eat anything I miss or am craving. Keeps me sain, and keeps me from eatting a half gallon of ice cream in one seating. 0 -
Try the happy herbivore meal plans. They are vegan (I'm not a vegan but the meals are really really good lol so I eat them anyhow). The meal plans are 1200 calories a day, high in protein, healthy carbs and low in sugar and salt. The lovely thing about vegan food is that it is naturally low calorie so you get to eat a tonne of food for around 1200 calories a day. I've lost ten pounds and haven't been hungry and I have tonnes of energy. I don't even crave meat, and I really like meat! You do have to pay to download the plans but you can choose the price.
http://getmealplans.com/0 -
I agree with the sugar comment... but don't forget to "wear sunscreen".0
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If I cut everything out I would be off of this diet and gaining weight again like crazy. I got to my goal weight ONCE in my 10 years of marriage. On a chicken and tuna fish diet.....basically a can of tuna a day, no may and chicken breast. Totally unsustainable.
Since August I've lost 30 lbs and am working on the last 25!!! I eat Mexican, meat, potatoes, diet soda (GASP), Crystal Light, go out to restaurants and sometimes eat fast food. I need to make this doable and sustainable for me. And so do you!!!
I've taken the meals I like and made them healthier (mash black beans with a little water instead of refried beans, ground turkey instead of ground beef, more salads and veggies, Bolthouse Farms salad dressing--yogurt based). I drink wine, I've even gone over calories a few times. I just got out of a 2 month plateau and figured out I need to raise my net calories....and it's working.
Restriction doesn't work long term. This is a journey to being healthier (with weight loss being a great side effect of this) and that needs to be something that can be sustained!!! Good luck finding the balance that's right for you.
PS....I don't even know what macros are or if I'm hitting them or not!!!0 -
I have lost more than 60lb total. I found that by having foods I couldn't eat I would want them more. Now I eat healthy but if I really want something I will eat a SMALL amount of whatever it is.0
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I think hes right.. the right kind of foods is key. I think a lot of people have missed the fact that you only have 7lbs that you want off, and in that case, what you put in is important and the healthy choices are key at getting those last pounds off. When you have a large amount to lose, its easier then when you have very little.. i would just look into "clean" foods JMO!0
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I agree with the girls above.. I eat anything.. I hate high protein Low carb restricted diets, I have seen so many of my family members lose so much weight this way, and the minute they add back some refined sugars they blow up like balloons gaining what they lost back plus some! I excercise faithfully 5-6 days a week.. I eat what ever I want.. Grant it not Mcdonalds, But if I was in a pinch I would.. I also eat pastas, breads, Peanut butter , I have 2 glasses of wine almost every night.. and I DO eat back my excercise calories.. I do weights and Cardio and I drink 8-10 glasses of water. I am friending you so that you can see my diary for encouragement.. I am not saying what I do will work for everyone out there.. But Its working for me.. and I am NEVER starving.. I have learned to "edit" recipes to make they healther and lower calorie.. Example.. Taco salad with Ground turkey instead of Beef.. You can do the same with tortillas.. They make smart and delicous brand 100 calorie wraps, you can put chicken in them with lettuce even throw a tablespoon of sour cream in there.. You will do great.. The minute you tell someone what they cannot do/cannot have you throw failure out before even giving it a try.. You will suceed your way, Not by doing what your husband does..0
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I'm almost 63 and have lost about 15 lb in the past 16 weeks...slow but sure. Because I've always been inactive, it took a while to get used to exercising but I walk, snow shoe or dance for 30 minutes every day now. I'm still only eating 1200 calories a day but that's a lot of food if it's whole grains, veggies, fruit and lean meats...my rule is to eat nothing that isn't good for me in some way. I've reached my original goal but want to lose another 5 lb...I'm told my weight loss was slower than most because I didn't have as much to lose. Don't get discouraged...I always figure I'm doing WAY more exercise and eating MUCH better than I was 6 months ago...and that's a good thing even when I don't see immediate results.0
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My husband is an Ironman triathlete two times over. By comparison, I am a slug. Through calorie counting and exercise I lost 30 pounds over the last 2 years and had gotten where I wanted to be. HOWEVER, over the last couple of months I have put back on about 7 pounds. YIKES!
At 45, I know your metabolism slows down. I asked the hubster the other day for some advice. All I got was, you need to avoid sugar, you need to avoid fruit because it has too much sugar, you need to avoid simple carbs so no more bread, you need to avoid excess sodium so you don't retain water, you need to avoid fat, you need to avoid protein unless its very lean. (NOTE: He works out about 15 hours a week so he does NOT eat this way!)
Is there anything I CAN eat besides lettuce?
On another note, he says that it doesn't matter if you restrict your calories to 1200 per day if they aren't the "right kind" of calories, you'll still put on weight. Is he crazy?!?
"Over the last couple of months ......." I don't think your metabolism slowed down that much (maybe check with your doctor .... menopause?). More likely you got got a little lax with your eating habits. Do you measure your portions or estimate them? Christmas is a stressful time for many people, and tons of food everywhere. I wouldn't make any drastic changes.
Unless you want to be a triathlete, you should be able to eat regular, but "wholesome" foods.0 -
My husband is an Ironman triathlete two times over. By comparison, I am a slug. Through calorie counting and exercise I lost 30 pounds over the last 2 years and had gotten where I wanted to be. HOWEVER, over the last couple of months I have put back on about 7 pounds. YIKES!
At 45, I know your metabolism slows down. I asked the hubster the other day for some advice. All I got was, you need to avoid sugar, you need to avoid fruit because it has too much sugar, you need to avoid simple carbs so no more bread, you need to avoid excess sodium so you don't retain water, you need to avoid fat, you need to avoid protein unless its very lean. (NOTE: He works out about 15 hours a week so he does NOT eat this way!)
Is there anything I CAN eat besides lettuce?
On another note, he says that it doesn't matter if you restrict your calories to 1200 per day if they aren't the "right kind" of calories, you'll still put on weight. Is he crazy?!?
I have very little to lose but I'm eating more than 1200 cals/day. Try working on one specific goal instead of trying to implement a bunch of new little rules/limits.
Here's a few links that talk about starvation mode, and a link to the Unofficial MFP FAQ Group. There's a ton of great information there.
http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/396638-minimum-caloric-intake
http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/186814-some-mfp-basics
http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/3047-700-calories-a-day-and-not-losing
http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/390234-does-starvation-mode-exist-and-what-is-it
http://www.myfitnesspal.com/forums/show/474-unofficial-mfp-faq0 -
Calories in = calories out....
However, avoiding processed foods (white bread, white pasta, white rice, packaged meals, sugary stuff, etc) is probably just general good advice anyway.
I'm 31, and I used to be a "carbaterian". I've cut out a lot of the muffins, bagels, pastas, etc, from my diet, and I feel less bloated. I've upped my veggies and lean proteins significantly. I still eat fruits . And I will NEVER give up chocolate. I still have cheat meals, and I enjoy my food. I just try to eat more whole foods than other foods, and I load up on veggies rather than loading up on other stuff. Oh, and "good fat" is good! You need good fat and protein to feel full and to function. 0 -
Yes, it's sort of as simple as calories in/calories out. Physics is physics. The problem is that we're not perfect machines. The calorie unit says nothing about bio availability or what the body has to do process food. Being a little hyberbolic, I could measure timber in terms of its caloric content, but I'm not going to eat it.
For some people, their bodies respond a little more strongly to certain percentages of specific macronutrients. Some people really do have problems processing carbs, for example. The "calories out" portion of the equation gets a little fuzzy there because the process of deriving energy and nutrients might be hampered by biochemical oddities.
Here's the thing, though. Unless you have a reason to think you're one of these people, just try calories in/calories out first (factoring in any other health goals and concerns) and if you're concerned about maintaining muscle, eat some more protein and lift weights. From there if you're not getting the results you want, do some more research on your own which might include interviewing some nutritionists.0 -
... he says that it doesn't matter if you restrict your calories to 1200 per day if they aren't the "right kind" of calories, you'll still put on weight. Is he crazy?!?
I don't know if he's crazy ... but he's wrong. a calorie is a calorie is a calorie. one calorie from a carrot = one calorie from a doughnut.
what can you eat? whatever you'd like. just keep it inside your calorie goal for the day. sure there are things you'll want to avoid ... because they won't help you fit your whole day inside that limit. and you can find better snacks. munchies for me now are solved with two cups of various dry cereals. usually about 200 calories. air popped popcorn is 20 calories a cup. both better than potato chips. but I could also eat chips and lose weight, if I kept in my goal. (see the pattern?)
look, you are going to make some healthy choices along the journey. it'll be a process. just like the weight loss. but you can't lose 100 pounds overnight and most people can't completely switch their foods overnight. and you don't have to. last week? mixed in with my meals I think I had four pieces of pizza, a few fudge bars, some candy, some diet soda, some pudding, bread, pastas, even -- GASP! -- some fast food. I lost 3.5 pounds. I've lost 17.4 pounds since I started this, right about two months ago. and it's because I'm not choking down food I hate. I can stick with this. so please, please don't let your weight loss journey be derailed by people who claim otherwise.0 -
start lifting heavy weights and you'll definitely be able to eat good meals and not worry too much about gaining weight.0
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