all over the map without a clue ( Report at end of week 1)

bombshellcertification
bombshellcertification Posts: 126 Member
in Food and Nutrition
Hi MFP'ers.

Im brand spanking new at this and realized I don't have a clue how to eat appropriately according to report guidelines. My sugars are WAY over as well as other major areas, and vitamins/minerals usually way under! erything on the report seems crazy. Am I supposed to be at the red line but not over? I didn't realize all the sugar I consume, I don't really eat junk food or sweets...but wow, sugar is nuts...and now that Ive been logging and see this, I cant help but wonder if my stomach is from sugar storing?

Can someone, please help me to understand how to plan meals to get the nurtrients and stay within reason of limits set? I have been under emotional stress and transition, exercise has been #1 anxiety buster, still last night I blacked out for a few seconds when with friends (this has not happened since drinking days 20 years ago) I did not drink, friends think it was stress, Im not sure if it has something to do with my diet in combo with stress.

Anywho, I would appreciate any pointers. I have been gaining weight in my stomach which concerns me so Im trying to take preventative measures before it gets worse ( I am not pregnant , but cant seem to lose it like I used to), I am in mid life, working out quite a bit a need a solid plan to be able to sustain work outs, daily stuff and still lose weight?

I am open to suggestions. Thank you, as I begin this journey want to start on informed, right foot....any help, wisdom & experience appreciated :) I have 20lbs to lose to be in healthy range again.

Replies

  • PJPrimrose
    PJPrimrose Posts: 916 Member
    I'm sorry you blacked out. I'd see an MD for that. Blacking out is not normal.

    How old are you? How much do you weigh? How much do you want to weigh? How much and what are you eating? How tall are you? What sex are you? What exercise do you do?

    There is no such thing as spot reducing or gaining in one area because of a food group. Genetics and build are what defines how you look. You can only lose weight all over.
  • bombshellcertification
    bombshellcertification Posts: 126 Member
    Hi PJ Primrose

    Thank you for responding.

    I'm female, 44, fluctuate between 130-134, Im 5'1.5, and have within the last two years developed a stomach which is puffy, and weight redistributing. wider, rounder etc...midlife. I have been pretty active most of my life, but in last year lots and LOTS of stress and transition. Finished grad school, care taking parents for 10 months until home health aides were accepted & now looking for work, moved to new place, have been working out since January, my diet has been so erratic over the last year, never charted until this past week, and used to intuitively eat very healthy, balanced, but have lost all sense of whats what recently and with my body changing, age etc...have been less active in general--was VERY active until grad school, still active but so much studying etc....

    I do zumba, pilates with hand weights, kick box, occasional runs (1-4 miles) or walks...would like to dust off my bike, hike and get outdoors now that weather is better....Im not trying to spot reduce, but wanted to point out that I my weight is in my stomach and hips which I know is not a good thing, its stubborn too....in the past I gained & lost evenly, not the case now...that's a new development.

    Just want to have good nutrition for overall health & energy & weight loss while working out.
  • ottermotorcycle
    ottermotorcycle Posts: 654 Member
    Oh dear. I think the main issue here is your anxiety. Stress causes weight gain. Anxiety attacks cause blackouts. It's all one in the same, and I think it's all related. I suffer from an anxiety disorder too, and the symptoms are concerning if you're not 100% sure they're anxiety: blackouts, weight gain, chest pains, difficulty breathing, insomnia, acne breakouts, etc. From what I've heard stress-related weight gain tends to go to the stomach and is really difficult to get rid of. Your body is stressed, so it stores fat - evolutionarily, that makes sense.

    Do you have someone to speak to? Therapy is a great option, and can refer you to medication if needed. Exercise helps with the stress, but only if you're talking out your stress as well. (If therapy is not an option, a patient friend will work.) Try to incorporate yoga into your routine, I find it SUCH a comforting thing to do and it really is a good workout. Going outdoors is great too. Maybe go for a hike or a bike ride, then at the end give yourself some nice yoga stretching time.

    Also try to keep your blood sugar from spiking and dropping. That can worsen anxiety and can cause blackouts all by itself.
  • debr1126
    debr1126 Posts: 28 Member
    I'd still go see the MD to rule out health problems. It could be stress-related, or it could be something else that needs taking care of.

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