Trying to lose weight - again

[Monkeybear1206]

I've been trying for years to lose weight. The smallest I've been was at 130 lbs. and that only a few months, but I'm trying to get there again. Currently I'm at about 160, possibly a bit more, and I'm 5`2" and I'm 22 years old. Exercise is easy, but it's watching what I eat that is the main cause of my weight. I have very low self control when it comes to greasy, fatty foods, though I have been trying to cook more and whenever I cook I make sure it's healthy. I also have hypothyroidism and plan on getting medication for it. But what I really want to know is, how can I gain self control when it comes to eating junk food? Especially since everyone around me taunts me with it and they won't try eating healthier.

[Monkeybear1206]

Thank you everyone for the advice. I think it'll help a lot. :)

[Monkeybear1206]

I'm not sure what the symptoms are, but I've been diagnosed with it.

To: Monkeybear1206
From: Startingoveragain

My daughter introduced me to Dr. Furhman's "Eat To Live" book and it is helping me a lot. He explains the nutrition in vegetables and fruits and how we need them.  I have lost a few pounds since I started and I am 285 now. My goal is to get down to 107 because I am small framed.  I also bought me a Nutriblast machine and follow the instructions it gives.  The smoothies are so delicious. You combine greens and fruit and you get all the nutrients from them rather than cooking them out.  I hope this will help you. both will help you with any medical problem you have.

Be blessed

[Barb135]

If you have hypothyroidism, you need to get on medication and get your hormone levels to a point that's good for you, or you won't be able to lose weight at all.

Even some of us on thyroid medication have a hard time; I can't imagine what life would be without.......

Do you have hypothyroid symptoms?

[courtney48]

Hi Monkeybear, I admire your honesty.  I think that you know your missteps will actually be a benefit to you and the goals you are setting for yourself.  Good idea to check your thyroid function and add medication if that is appropriate.  Also by checking in with your doc, you can have any other bloodwork done that would be a consideration in your weightloss efforts.  

To help with self control, would a food journal be helpful?  I've read articles suggesting that this can be a very helpful tool especially if you log your food item as you eat it rather than waiting until the end of the day and going by recall as to what you ate and how much.  A journal can also help you with a response to others.  If someone offers a food item, just glance at your journal, let your brain take over and remind yourself that you just ate an hour before and that you'll have a small meal at such and such time.  

Other helpful tips is to stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water through out the day and especially before a meal.  Sometimes we confuse hunger with thirst so sometimes before eating, to just have 4oz or so then waiting 20 minutes can help us gauge our thirst vs. hunger.

Definitely plan ahead for temptations by planning your meals in advance.  Prep food items so you'll have several days worth of meals and snacks-cut up veggies in advance, bake a few chicken breasts for several meals, cook pasta and keep in a big ziplock, buy yogurt in a big container and fill up several smaller ones and so on.  Then each morning you can fill a lunch box/small cooler with your day's food all portioned out and ready to go.

Since you are not opposed to exercise, make that your friend.  When your coworkers are chowing down, you can have your small meal then go out for a brisk walk.  In the evenings, even if you're watching the evening news, do simple stretches to help you stay limber.

Also remember for every step forward, you'll occasionally have a step back.  That is ok. Don't dwell on that.  Keep pressing on.  Speaking of steps, do you have a pedometer to wear to check on your daily steps?  Maybe see how many steps you take most days; track that for a few days.  Then see if you can increase it by just 10% and then a week later, by 10% more and so on.

I have a daughter about your age and though she is a little taller and heavier, proportions are about the same.  These are tips that have really helped her.  I hope they are somewhat helpful to you too.  Good luck.

[veggee]

I think that cooking healthier is a great start. I think it would help if you carried around something healthy and delitious so that when you want icky food, you'll turn to the healthy snack instead. Also, try pretending that the gressy food is something gross.