Shannon_PAC

I switched to whole milk a couple years ago after saying it was too rich and gross for the longest time. But now that's all we use. I have noticed a big difference in my appetite control when I drink at least 2 glasses of whole milk per day. I try to buy grassfed organic, but if not, at least organic or local (hormone…

Hi Julie (and everyone else reading!) We have some things in common. I have been battling obesity since I was a child. I was never really able to eat like a "normal kid." I always put on weight very easily. At one point, age 11, I essentially starved myself and lost about 30 pounds, taking my weight from 165 to 135 on my…

I really appreciate this post! I, too, started exercising recently and WHAT A DIFFERENCE in the 40 days or so I've been doing it. Every aspect of my daily life is just a little bit easier (getting out of the car, going up stairs, running in from the parking lot when I'm late to work, playing with my kids, getting off the…

I know it sounds like a lot, and you might have a hard time getting there if you eat "diet" foods. My journal lately has been terrible because I've had dinner out every night this week due to poor planning and working late, but you can look at it if you want. But in general, sometimes you might have to eat a higher fat…

I agree with keeping your calories up if you can. I know it seems unreal, but it's likely you consume at least 4000 calories per day to maintain your weight (unless, as someone else mentioned, you have a metabolic issue that MFP doesn't account for). I will be honest. I weight right around 300 pounds. I am just starting…

I'm not a nurse, sorry. But I am a PA and I do work 10 hour shifts where we actually do not get a true lunch break at all. We have to shove it in when we can. I feel for you! Is there a place you can keep portioned servings of things like trail mix, fruit, cheese, etc? That has helped me a lot. I go in a grab 3 cheese…

I've used both. Personally, I like doing half and half by itself. I find the natural bliss really yummy, but sometimes too sweet, especially if I want to drink it with a biscotti and want a stronger flavor of coffee to come through. The natural bliss is good, but you really can't control how sweet it is. I just use half…

I started weight training about 4 weeks ago with a trainer. I train with him twice per week. I gained 5 pounds almost immediately and had not lost anything. Then I noticed I was peeing a lot and stepped on the scale and BAM! 6 pounds gone. The one thing I will say is this: Being strong makes you more functional. Do it. I…

I'm interested what people have to say about this.

By the way, sorry to hijack your thread. Planet Fitness is cheap and mostly clean. It's good for someone starting off, I think. They have a circuit area, machines, free weights, and tons of cardio equipment including treadmills, bikes, ellipticals, and Arc trainers. Like I said, I just do cardio. But I know of some people…

This is funny. The one time I saw the lunk alarm sounded, it was this little manager dude who pulled it on this huge ripped guy for dropping his weights. I didn't see it all, but I don't think the guy intentionally dropped his weights. But I heard this argument happening and looked over at the David vs Goliath situation.…

I go, but only for cardio. I have a personal trainer with his own gym for strength training. But many of the Planet Fitness gyms do frown on certain things like deadlifts. And if (gasp) you drop your weights, they might even sound off the "lunk alarm" which is really quite ridiculous. I've only seen it happen once.

That is one macronutrient I have no trouble fitting in! :) Whole eggs, butter, whole milk, full fat yogurt, coconut oil hashbrowns. I almost always go over my fat. I totally disagree with "conventional wisdom" that full fat dairy is unhealthy. And I grew up (obese) on skim milk, low fat everything. Now that I'm older, I…

I'm going to be completely honest with you and I am probably the only person who will have anything negative to say. I had the sleeve in May 2009. I did not lose my hunger. And in the beginning, I could barely eat anything. I became iron deficient, B12 deficient, and magnesium deficient. The dietitian at the surgeon's…

Thank you for your encouragement! And I totally agree with you on all your points.

Wow, thanks for sharing. I think that element of not feeling safe makes sense as to why weight stays on. But I like the idea of self-defense classes. I am using something in the same realm in the form of meditation to calm and allay my anxieties. I have realized much of my anxiety has gotten out of hand about things that…

That's what The Biggest Loser phenomenon did to us, lol. That is exactly my point. I know my trainer has the best intentions. But, for me, I am someone who has a lot of trauma I'd guess you'd say. I was always the "smart fat girl." I know now that that identity wasn't fair, but I let it be what defined me because at least…

Wowwww! This is amazing! You are such an inspiration!

You're right. And i totally think it depends on the person. My brother and his wife lost quickly. 130 pounds for him and 85 pounds for her. And they're maintained for 2.5 years thus far. I just think some people aren't programmed that way. I will admit to some emotional issues with food and a pretty terrible childhood. I…

I agree with this wholeheartedly! Even the 20 to 30 minutes. To me, that is manageable right now. I keep telling myself this is a journey! I enjoy the exercise I'm doing and the benefits I'm seeing from it. So I want to keep doing it, but don't want to burn myself out.

I am definitely getting stronger from my sessions with the trainer. The recovery is getting better and I could definitely add 2 cardio sessions a week. Three just feels out of my comfort range in addition to the training. I will make it a point to do lower intensity those days because our sessions are quite high intensity,…