Any other health professionals on here?

Honestly, I mainly attribute it to going back to basics. I stopped drinking sodas and all sugary drinks altogether because we all know those things are slowly killing us and just aren't worth the calories! I did go a bit extreme my first year and even cut out alcohol. Alcohol really does a number on the liver and contributes to fat storage, and I needed to get real serious about focusing on healing my body.

Next, to eliminate more sugar, I eliminated a lot of processed foods. I controlled what ingredients went in my food. I'm really big on the "slow food" movement because it literally changed my life. I buy mostly grass-fed/ non-commercial animal products, and I follow the dirty dozen list and buy those fruits and vegetables most exposed to pesticides organic. Overall, my vegetable intake increased dramatically, and I incorporated a variety of grains--mixed it up. I also ate more healthy fats, like nuts, seeds, avocados, and olive and coconut oils (both cold pressed, unrefined).

Finally, it made all the difference in the world to leave a job that made me miserable and kept me sedentary, chained to a desk 9 hours a day. To go from that to my life now, is like night and day. I'm not exactly running marathons, but the "me" two years ago wouldn't be able to keep up with me today.

play2014 wrote: »

I am brand new to this page tonight! I have been a Cardiology RN fir 40 years! I definitely felt the pressure up not just talk the talk, but walk the walk. I did ok till I was 55 and got lupus alongside asthma, and spent the majority of the last 5 years on steroids. Needless to say I gained 50 pounds, too sick to work, and quit 8 months ago. Feeling much better, but so far I have only lost 17pounds. I finally realized I hadistly managed my weight by activity. Now inactive, so I'm just learning to loose weight by 95% diet. The BEST thing I ever did for weight loss was get a dog! She's 15 now, but we walked everyday for 14 years. Some days 15 min other days 1 hour. Dogs are ready to go whenever you are. Your personal journey will be an asset to your career. Since you are young, there are sooo many weight loss places needing a dietitian. What state do you live in, city or rural? Kim

I'm in a rural part of Florida. I have a dog, too, and she does love to move! I enjoy going to the beach with her or going on hikes, but we don't always have time for that and just keep it simple. I recently made myself give yoga a try and fell in love. I pace myself, but in the few classes I've taken I already see/feel progress, and it's encouraging!

So sorry to hear about your troubles. Steroids are awful, but when you need them, you need them. Hope things are under better control for you now!

Sending you a friend request.

strozman wrote: »

Nurse here. Most healthcare pros work so many hours that finding time to eat right and workout seems impossible

Yes, indeed! Though judging by your picture, it looks like this is not a challenge for you! Good job on getting it done!

pearlygirl135 wrote: »

Johanna0528--Your advice is so helpful! I am a pediatrician for 27 years. I have struggled with weight issues on and off my whole life. I have to lose about 100# and feel that if I can get a handle on my weight, I can help kids with their weight struggles. I have seen a sharp upswing in the last 10 years of kids who are 100# or more overweight and would like to give them better advice. Currently, they have to think--"What a hypocrite! She's way fatter than me!" It also doesn't help that I put myself last in almost all instances and then "reward" myself with sugary/buttery sweets. Your advice about cleaning up your personal diet is great, but my patients are mostly on food stamps and living on processed foods. Also, they have to eat what their moms get at the grocery store. Any advice on a first step for those kids? I go over the 5-2-1-0 plan that the government came up with and I think it's pretty simple, but I feel it goes in one ear and out the other.

I wish I was experienced--and qualified--enough to offer you some sound advice, pearlygirl135, but I still have a couple years to go! But food insecurity is one of those things that really frustrates me. I did have to work on a thrifty menu project last semester to feed a hypothetical scenario (mine was a single father with two kids) living below the poverty line, and while it was extremely difficult to feed them all balanced meals, it could be done. But they were definitely not going to have access to organic foods, and they had to turn to canned or frozen options for vegetables because they were cheaper. Access is a huge problem for these families when you look at where the supermarkets are actually positioned: they're typically not as prevalent in lower-income neighborhoods, so they're buying fast food meals or snacks at gas stations!

As for advice, I always start with farmers markets. Next, if you can find an RD to collaborate with who does grocery store tours, those are invaluable for many families! Perhaps you can find one in your area that works in community nutrition and knows of some education available to the public. Nutrition education is huge right now, especially with all the misinformation on the internet!