@CeeBeeSlim My thoughts.... the body processes actual food differently than the processed foods. So Sugar, for example, would take LESS calories for the body to break down than, lets say Broccoli. Broccoli would take MORE calories for the body to break down. PLUS you get in extra vitamins and minerals so the body can do repairs and.... well by you doing zero crap .... you probably healed a lot of inflammation in your intestines/gut at the same time. I'm really JUST getting into learning about the GUT and GUT healing, its rather fascinating.

@GoRun2 Oh wow.... that all sounds painful. I'm glad you have time for walking though. I'm a youngster at 51.

@nay0meh I'll check out the Living Lean podcast. From your description, it sounds like I would enjoy it.
My body is probably in a happy place. January 2020 and 2021 I had 3 bunion surgeries and gained 8 pounds, not because I wasn't exercising....because I was not watching my food. This past winter I was at 110 lbs... presently 104.4 hoping to see 103 or 101. I'm not so much "dieting" as I am trying to remove processed foods and sugars from my nutrition. These last 3 pounds won't really be seen by anyone except maybe myself in the shower.

I'm also Hypo-thyroid and have high LDL cholesterol, so I feel removing the processed crap will help that as well. I am working a little bit with a natural pathic doctor (for the first time ever...man is it a little hard on the pocket book).... and am feeling like I'm making progress.


I'm trying NOT to supplement as much with Whey protein to hit 100g-130g protein a day. Presently working with Eggs, Turkey, and chicken. As well as the incidental veggies with protein like peas.

Thanks to everyone for the protein intakes - the nutritionist is looking for 100g, so I guess I have to bump up my intake (it's usually between 45 and 60 on any given day). I eat mostly vegan, and am trying to slow down on the frozen processed stuff, so this will be a work in progress for me - more beans, tofu, legumes, etc. I'd rather avoid getting into protein powders/shakes.
@Antiopelle glad to hear your cat's stitches are coming out tomorrow. I agree about the carbs, I'm trying to avoid all the white stuff (breads, pastas,etc.), but do use whole wheat wraps and pitas, brown rice and corn tortillas. Also sweet potatoes and squash now that the colder weather is coming.
@SherryRueter you do some long workouts, I don't think I could do that first thing in the a.m. without some food in my tummy. Thanks for the podcast info.
@GoRun2 I don't think I know of anyone who always has a linear weight loss. Mine will fluctuate like that too, even when I'm doing everything right. Water retention, TOM (or menopause), even lack of sleep and stress can all cause these things. Glad to hear you know it'll pass.
@nay0meh Welcome to the group. I'm stuck on the last 15, in my early 60s. I actually wish my extra weight was on my hips! Mine is pretty much all in my middle, which is the worst place to carry it health-wise.
@CeeBeeSlim I agree with everthing @SherryRueter said, the body processes junk food differently and less efficiently.

I need to remember Eat good carbs, not bad carbs.
and... If you're not hungry, then FOOD is NOT the solution.

One more question for all of you. Do you eat your exercise calories? Why or why not.
I'm only walking 4 to 8 miles which is only 200 to 300 calories/day. I don't eat them. Eating at 1200 calories, MFP says I'd lose 0.4 lbs a week.

And you?

Whew! Exhausted the last few days. Back at my home where I’m still unpacking. The travel interrupted my strength training schedule so I had to do back to back sessions. Did some ab rollouts and hope I didn’t get my costochronditis to start up again. Had never heard of that before! Arrrrgh!

Thanks for starting the new thread @Antiopelle!

Now back at my house I tried on some very old clothes (dress and jeans) from over 30 years ago! They still fit! Yay! But the same scale I brought from my parents home has me three pounds heavier!! Whatever!

I’m not the best snacker. I’ll have either a 30g protein shake ready made, make my own, have a protein bar, or a triscuit with a small slice of cheese and cut salami.

In my healthiest days it was a veggie (carrot, pepper, cucumber, celery) with some hummus.

@CeeBeeSlim YES, clothes fit! WOOO HOO! that's an accomplishment! how many women can say that?!?!? And I love your ideas on snacks!

New month new goals.
Tracking food at this point. Goal is 1400-2000 calories.
Workout this morning was great. love the trainer and the positive messages sprinkled in it.

Day 1 isn't supposed to be easy. You may fail and that's okay. You're still practicing new habits, you haven't done this before. As you practice, youll get better and it will get easier.