Weight Loss Seems Impossible
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You mentioned thirsty all the time? is you thirst constant, almost unquenchable? I ask because that can be a warning sign of diabetes. If you are just a big water drinker and it is not unquenchable thirst then no big deal but true constant thirst...see you dr just to be safe.3
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deerobseven wrote: »Hey guys, I need some advice I guess. I am in a situation where I am not the one buying the food in my house and I cannot buy it myself... long story, please let me spare the details.
I feel like it is impossible to lose weight because I cannot eat healthy, though I try to portion, the food is full of carbs and fat.
I have gym at my job and I currently only do 3-5 days a week 30 min at a time. I want to do more but I am always completely exhausted, partially from eating bad, partially because i cant sleep at night and i get up at 4am...
I am not always great at water intake but i'm getting there... Ive already had 5 going on 6 glasses of water today.
Has anyone had successful weight loss while unable to eat healthy?
Does anyone have any helpful tips?
I have lost all motivation and feel exhausted 24-7. I don't want mean to be full of excuses, but I am.
How are you "unable to eat healthy?"
The food in the house is full of carbs and fat? Well just don't eat much of it. The gym won't help you even if you go.
If you eat little enough, you will lose weight. It sounds like you're not in the best situation but you can still lose weight it you have the motivation. If you don't, you won't, and that's the bottom line.0 -
deerobseven wrote: »I checked your diary, and you haven't been logging consistently. That's where you need to start. Logging accurately and consistently is the only way you're going to be able to determine that you are eating at a deficit.
The good news is that it's not the food you eat, it's the quantity (calories). It is easier when you can make your own food choices, but it can be done with portion control.
Most def working on that consistent logging. I don't always get it in but I am always watching it. Its much easier at work because I'm at my desk and just input it. I do have the app but my phone is a POS so it overheats a bunch and it doesn't really like apps, once i can get a new phone that weekends will def be easier to log.
Sounds like through you and several others that tweaking my portioning a little could help. I do want to add this though:
Last year i at boiled eggs and fruit for breakfast, large salads with lean meats and fat free dressings for lunch and light soups for dinner. No fatty foods at all, no breads, supplemented with protein shakes, took weight loss supplements and worked out 5 days a week 45min to an hour a day... for 2 months... and the only change i saw was more energy... no weight loss, my clothes were still just as tight and i didn't seem to be toning at all.... i was doing cardio, strength training and resistance training, etc ... i was drinking plenty of water and green tea.
Could it be hormonal/thyroid or the lack of sleep? Any other theories?
A little background:
I was 125lbs size 3-5 pants, and still developing at 18. When i was 20 I was steadily at 145lbs, becoming a woman and slowing my growth, size 7-9 pants (wide hips, thin waist)... then I got pregnant. My daughter.... when i had my daughter i was 192lbs... lost most of the weight breastfeeding and walking... got down to about 155lbs... and then, I stopped breastfeeding and my weight sky rocketed without changing any other habits... ate the same, walked the same, etc. My weight continues to climb regardless.... I am now 205... and not happy at all... size 18 jeans are getting small and my daughter is now 5.
You were not tracking your intake, that's why you didn't lose weight. Also, the supplements and green tea do squat for weight loss. Squat.
Fat isn't bad. Carbs aren't bad.
Buy a food scale and weigh everything. That means, weigh individual ingredients in recipes and sandwiches. Weigh mayo/butter/peanut butter. Weigh everything that isn't a drink or stock. Log everything you eat and drink. Choose accurate database entries that reflect the packaging information and weight of the food. Log consistently.2 -
I hope things turn around for you soon because it sounds like your current living situation is the actual problem. And I agree 100% with @zyxst that getting enough sleep is crucial for your health.
As far as what you did before: "Last year i at boiled eggs and fruit for breakfast, large salads with lean meats and fat free dressings for lunch and light soups for dinner. No fatty foods at all, no breads, supplemented with protein shakes, took weight loss supplements and worked out 5 days a week 45min to an hour a day... for 2 months." Fat free food is generally unsatisfying and loaded with sugar and/or sodium. Don't try to go fat free.
Weight loss supplements are a HUGE waste of money and can cause health problems, not fix them. Don't bother trying to buy those again, either.
If possible, buy a food scale and just start learning proper portion sizes. That's all you need to do right now. Don't overwhelm yourself with all the other details.
Is there anything you can do about NOT getting up @ 4:30 AM and wait around until 9:00AM for work? Where do you wait?
I really cant do anything at the moment in regard to being up so early. I wait in my building and generally use that time to workout on occasion, shower and get ready for the day. If I have time and am able to, I will nap at my desk.
I think the living situation itself would be fixed once the financial situation is fixed, but at this point its kind of a snowball effect. I wont be buying weight loss supplements anymore, they made me feel panicky anyway, I dont handle that much caffeine well, even the low doses are iffy for me... feeling my heart race was NOT fun.
I will work on the sleeping. I have Melatonin that was given to me and Im hoping that will help with relaxing and sleeping better... currently I might lay in bed a hour or so before I pass out and then wake up 3-4 times a night. I might try ear buds with tranquil music along with a face mask to block out my husband being up and moving around. I think the lack of sleep has done more damage than not being able to lose weight or recover after workouts... its done a number on my mental health as well and work isnt any easier when you are exhausted 24/7.
I want to try the scale, but may have to hold off, we will see. I'll start with the sleep and go from there.
Thank You! 0 -
If you had a food allergy to peanuts, would you feel bad asking your in laws to purchase a few foods here or there that don't have peanuts? Or would that also seem out of the question to you?
I'm not you, I don't know the family dynamics, but asking for a few particular items isn't being ungrateful. They may be proud of you for having the humility to admit there's something specific you need in order to be healthy during this difficult period in your life.
Yeah, that's a good point.. they do still buy and cook shrimp though their son is allergic though, they just open a window to air the house out a bit.. Might i mention that the shrimp are strictly hers because they are so expensive.. and if i want to be able to eat them i have to contribute to them... though... i mean, im broke lol! But im still being fed... just not spoiled. 0 -
Protein shakes are usually kind of expensive. Maybe swap out some fruit/vegetables or some chicken in place of it and take a multivitamin? But it all comes down to portion control. You can eat the "healthiest" foods but if you still eat more calories than you burn, you will not lose weight. And you can eat a whole lot of calories in a relatively small amount of food. Last Friday we had a program at work, and brought pizza in for 45 people. I ate 2 pieces of pizza which wasn't very filling - I was hungry again a few hours later. Ate a rice crispy bar as a snack. Tracked it later after the program - almost 1000 calories between the pizza and rice crispy treat. And I hadn't eaten supper yet. I was double my calories for the day because of the pizza. (Learned that pizza is not a good choice for me - not filling enough and way too many calories).
Im def not buying protein shakes on the regular, i just have a HUGE container i bought a long time ago. I couldnt afford to buy it now... that thing was $70 on sale... and quite frankly, if i dont finish it soon it may expire lol!
Really though, I really have been portioning... i do have some slip ups though because, well, im still hungry. Ive also experienced where i thought I wasnt eating as many calories as i was and then got upset i ate it at all... i try to stray from breads and def portion the fried foods. My inlaws fry everything they cook and may make a salad to go with it on occasion... when there is no salad its mashed potatoes, a veggie fried in bacon grease and rolls or garlic bread on the side...
I really want to get back into smoothies and maybe get into juicing... though that will have to wait until I catch up on the expenses.0 -
Would your MIL be open to you giving her a small list of things for her to get for you? It's worth asking. I agree with ditching the protein shakes. With what is saved from them, you could buy some healthier food.1
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SeptemberFeyre wrote: »Would your MIL be open to you giving her a small list of things for her to get for you? It's worth asking. I agree with ditching the protein shakes. With what is saved from them, you could buy some healthier food.[/quoSeptemberFeyre wrote: »Would your MIL be open to you giving her a small list of things for her to get for you? It's worth asking. I agree with ditching the protein shakes. With what is saved from them, you could buy some healthier food.
Just to clear it up, im not buying the protien shakes on the regular, the huge container i have i bought several months ago... and its the first one i bought.
But yes, i could try asking my mother in law. I dont think she'll budge, she doesnt even budge for her husband, but ill def try.
And im down for a scale, getting the scale is the tricky part lol0 -
deerobseven wrote: »Yeah, that's a good point.. they do still buy and cook shrimp though their son is allergic though, they just open a window to air the house out a bit.. Might i mention that the shrimp are strictly hers because they are so expensive.. and if i want to be able to eat them i have to contribute to them... though... i mean, im broke lol! But im still being fed... just not spoiled.
Oh man sorry to hear that. You know concentrate on the things YOU can do: sleep well, and log everything you eat. 2 things. Exercise seems it's not a problem since you have a gym at work.
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AngelinaB_ wrote: »deerobseven wrote: »Yeah, that's a good point.. they do still buy and cook shrimp though their son is allergic though, they just open a window to air the house out a bit.. Might i mention that the shrimp are strictly hers because they are so expensive.. and if i want to be able to eat them i have to contribute to them... though... i mean, im broke lol! But im still being fed... just not spoiled.
Oh man sorry to hear that. You know concentrate on the things YOU can do: sleep well, and log everything you eat. 2 things. Exercise seems it's not a problem since you have a gym at work.
Yes i just need to push myself more. Im always tired so its rough but it can be done. It does help with my work day for sure!1 -
You mentioned thirsty all the time? is you thirst constant, almost unquenchable? I ask because that can be a warning sign of diabetes. If you are just a big water drinker and it is not unquenchable thirst then no big deal but true constant thirst...see you dr just to be safe.
Its not always unquenchable, but i cant be without a drink at any point in time. I have one with me most of the day. I can drink several cups when im eating any meal. It might be a habitual thing lol! I recently had a biometric screening and my blood sugar was fine so im sure thats not it. I just went to see my doctor on monday and i am waiting on the results of the blood tests for thyroid, etc. If thats not it my next step in the OB.
Another bit of background:
Along with the lack of being able to lose weight, I have frequent hot flashes, nausea and crazy mood swings.... and... my husband and i have been trying to conceive baby number to for 4 years now and i have never used birth control... my body is obviously telling me no at the moment... I guess alot of it seems hormonal so thats def one of the reasons im waiting on the thyroid test. Im only 25, theres no real reason any of the above should be as big of an issue as they are for me if I was in good health.0 -
Thank You all for your feedback so far! I am soaking it all in. Some things can be done now and some will have to wait but it is all helpful and greatly appreciated. I can be a bit on the negative side sometimes so I appreciate everyone's patience with me and all of the uplifting words.
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I know first hand that sleep deprivation is a big motivation-killer. My 11mo has just started sleeping through the night (well, with only one feeding, down from 6-8 lol), and before this I TRIED to motivate myself to work out and eat well after getting a few hours of broken sleep, and it never lasted. Now I am starting slow because I'm still nursing but getting even a 6 hour stretch of solid, unbroken sleep is heaven to me now.
And I do understand the issue with sharing a car. My hubby and I have always shared one car even when we both worked full time and it involved a lot of waiting around before/after work. Is it possible for you to take the bus at all? When I started a few hours after hubby, catching the bus to work allowed me to get an extra couple of hours of sleep, and then he'd pick me up at the end of the day. Having a 5 yo may complicate that for sure though.
I've ALSO lived with my hubby's grandpa when we were getting on our feet as newlyweds, and he shopped and cooked every supper. He'd legit put a stick of butter in every pot - meat, potatoes, corn. 3 sticks of butter! And he'd push seconds onto us and basically insult me when I said 'no thank you, I'm stuffed' with a smile. I gained 20lbs after I got married and I blame him! lol
So I don't have much advice, just wanted to say, I feel your struggle - mine all happened individually, I really feel for you having all those things happening all at once!1 -
onefortyone wrote: »I know first hand that sleep deprivation is a big motivation-killer. My 11mo has just started sleeping through the night (well, with only one feeding, down from 6-8 lol), and before this I TRIED to motivate myself to work out and eat well after getting a few hours of broken sleep, and it never lasted. Now I am starting slow because I'm still nursing but getting even a 6 hour stretch of solid, unbroken sleep is heaven to me now.
And I do understand the issue with sharing a car. My hubby and I have always shared one car even when we both worked full time and it involved a lot of waiting around before/after work. Is it possible for you to take the bus at all? When I started a few hours after hubby, catching the bus to work allowed me to get an extra couple of hours of sleep, and then he'd pick me up at the end of the day. Having a 5 yo may complicate that for sure though.
I've ALSO lived with my hubby's grandpa when we were getting on our feet as newlyweds, and he shopped and cooked every supper. He'd legit put a stick of butter in every pot - meat, potatoes, corn. 3 sticks of butter! And he'd push seconds onto us and basically insult me when I said 'no thank you, I'm stuffed' with a smile. I gained 20lbs after I got married and I blame him! lol
So I don't have much advice, just wanted to say, I feel your struggle - mine all happened individually, I really feel for you having all those things happening all at once!
Its so wonderful having someone who understands my pain LOL! I cooked alot of baked fish and chicken before my financial struggles and before the in laws moved in, they dont believe in baking anything but cookies LOL! They also use butter and bacon grease in everything! Its delicious but its artery clogging haha! Thank you for taking the time to share your experiences with me. It really does feel good to know im not the only one and not completely crazy!
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UPDATE: At the beginning of this year I was 210. I hadn't been weighing myself for months but about 2 weeks ago I went to get a physical and realized I had lost 5 lbs and didn't know! I got curious this morning and weighed myself again and I lost another 3 lbs! I've already lost 8 lbs since I started Calorie Counting, portioning and increasing my water intake! Ive also started being more active even when im not working out and that helps with burning off calories. Its still rough because I am constantly exhausted but I am EXTREMELY excited to see progress when it was so hard before! Thank you again everyone for your advice and support!5
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Wooohooo congrats OP. Patience, determination and not giving up will pay off in the end.0
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seekingdaintiness wrote: »deerobseven wrote: »Hey guys, I need some advice I guess. I am in a situation where I am not the one buying the food in my house and I cannot buy it myself... long story, please let me spare the details.
I feel like it is impossible to lose weight because I cannot eat healthy, though I try to portion, the food is full of carbs and fat.
I have gym at my job and I currently only do 3-5 days a week 30 min at a time. I want to do more but I am always completely exhausted, partially from eating bad, partially because i cant sleep at night and i get up at 4am...
I am not always great at water intake but i'm getting there... Ive already had 5 going on 6 glasses of water today.
Has anyone had successful weight loss while unable to eat healthy?
Does anyone have any helpful tips?
I have lost all motivation and feel exhausted 24-7. I don't want mean to be full of excuses, but I am.
How are you "unable to eat healthy?"
The food in the house is full of carbs and fat? Well just don't eat much of it. The gym won't help you even if you go.
If you eat little enough, you will lose weight. It sounds like you're not in the best situation but you can still lose weight it you have the motivation. If you don't, you won't, and that's the bottom line.
Exactly. And it will cost less with the smaller portions.
Dee, I have insomnia also and often only get 4 hours or less. It does make weight loss more difficult because of the fatigue and stress hormones. I bought one of those headbands for sleep apnea that slips under my chin. It keeps the tongue from relaxing and falling back which was obstructing air flow. It was fairly inexpensive on Amazon. It is worth trying if you think you aren't breathing well and awaken abruptly a lot.0 -
One additional thought. You mentioned you're ALWAYS thirsty, which makes me wonder if diabetes is a possibility. Have you seen a doctor and had any blood work done recently? It might be worthwhile.
In my experience, diabetes can also make you feel exhausted.
I hope your situation improves soon. Good luck to you and your family.0 -
Sorry for posting the above! I see it's been mentioned already.
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Have you tried earplugs for sleeping? Good earplugs stay in your ears and block noises well, when you have problems with sleeping and stress you wake up easier from little sounds already. Also can you separate bed with your husband so him moving on bed won't wake you up? If it is possible to have a separate bed you can also have a curtain/other space separating wall next to your bed to block out light from computer/whatever your husband is doing that keeps you awake. Getting more or better sleep is going to help you have more energy for things like work, logging foods, exercise and a lot more. So definitely try out everything that helps reducing whatever wakes you up in the middle of night.0
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Thyroid can make you very hormonal, when mine is off my husband runs lol. I have a similar schedule getting up at 3 am and it is difficult. It is possible to lose with less healthy foods, but an option I'm not sure you have is to ask your m.i.l if you could cook your own food. That way you could pick some of the better options prepared in a healthier way. My husband and I are on different ends of the scale he is trying to gain while I am trying to lose we eat mostly the same stuff, but just cook it differently. Hope everything work out for you.0
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Dee, your MIL may want to lose weight as well. Tell her of your desire and ask if she would like to do it with you. I find if my husband agrees to diet with me, then he won't bring in the savory, salty snacks and sugary treats. Win win. Plus he loses 3 times as fast as I do, so he gets a benefit.0
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This is tough, OP, hang in there. I have to say, though, in genuinely confused why your husband is in the room crashing around in the middle of the night when you are working days. Why can't he be somewhere else in the house if he's awake? Can't he just sit in the living room or something? It just seems odd that he would be content to deprive you of sleep like that, over a long period of time. Or is he unaware that he's disturbing your sleep? Have you told him?
It just seems to me obvious that if one person is up and the other is trying to sleep, they should not be in the same room. And that if someone is living in their own house, whoever else might be living there with them, they should have other places they can spend time other than a bedroom in which someone else is trying to sleep.
I hope this doesn't upset you or you don't feel I'm speaking out of turn - but 4-5 hours sleep is not sustainable and will damage your health over the medium to long term. It's a serious issue. I understand about insomnia, I get it myself, but the main issue seems to be your husband making noise and maybe even having the light on? That's not insomnia, it's an impossible sleeping environment. I agree with others that you're going to struggle improving your life in other areas until that's resolved.0 -
I would suggest that working on reducing fatigue would likely make a world of difference. You need sleep. Without it you will feel hungrier. And working out while fatigued will further stress your body and again increase hunger.0
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It is a family of 7 so maybe hubbie has nowhere to go when he is awake at night?0
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Definitely watch your portion sizes of higher calorie foods. Try to have a salad with your meal.
I lived with family as an adult because of poor finances. I cooked a lot of dinners for everyone but sometimes just meals for dh, dd and myself.
Sit down with your family and decide how you will make the living situation work better for everyone. You are sharing resources- house, money, time. Maybe designate an area where your dh can hang out that isn't your bedroom while you are sleeping. (attic, basement, bathroom maybe if kitchen or living room won't work).
Make a meal plan together. Take turns cooking for everyone or inlaws cook for themselves and you cook for yourpart of the family.
Make a grocery list together so everyone gets stuff they want to eat.
A whole chicken or chicken thighs, tuna, eggs, peanut butter, frozen vegetables, dry beans or lentils are not expensive and can be used a lot of ways. A big pot of soup can be inexpensive and be reheated.
Maybe walk in the morning.
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Food allergies are something different, than not wanting to eat particular food. Are folks missing the point, it seems she can't afford to purchase food right now and the in laws are feeding the family. At this point in time, watch calories. Eat or starve. If protein shakes can be purchased, there is some extra money somewhere.If you had a food allergy to peanuts, would you feel bad asking your in laws to purchase a few foods here or there that don't have peanuts? Or would that also seem out of the question to you?
I'm not you, I don't know the family dynamics, but asking for a few particular items isn't being ungrateful. They may be proud of you for having the humility to admit there's something specific you need in order to be healthy during this difficult period in your life.
You can only control, what you can control.0
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