The Craziest Thing I Ever Did to Try to Lose Weight

Thursday, February 25, 2010

Today I am so thankful that I can maintain a healthy weight through eating healthy food in reasonable amounts and by being active. But it wasn't always that way. I've previously shared the most dangerous things I've done to lose weight (frozen cigarette puffs) and the most uncomfortable (wearing a too tight belt to bed to rein in midnight refrig raids.) But I have yet to confess the craziest thing I ever did in search of mastery over food.

You may remember I was 31 pounds at one year of age when the doctor put me on my first diet of skim milk. My mother says from birth I acted hungry all the time, so she just fed me. When I was in my mid twenties, I came to the conclusion that my sucking needs weren't met when I was an infant. Okay, it wasn't a conclusion -- more a theory. So, to test out that theory I bought several baby bottles. I filled them with watered down skim milk, usually sweetened with artificial sweetener. Sometimes I used plain water. For a couple months I spent an hour or so in the evening sucking. (I was single and lived alone.) Needless to say, it didn't help.

At one time I thought about writing an article for The Inquirer about being hooked on baby bottles, but I never did it. In the last 35 years, thank heavens, I have had no urge to repeat the experiment.

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

WALKINGANNIE 2/26/2010 4:02PM

This is what makes you such a good choice for Co-Leader. You've been there and gone through the struggle. Thanks - for this blog and everything else. Report Inappropriate Comment

MONTY68 2/26/2010 1:22PM

Marsha, If I may say so, you are funny but honest, I did try the frozen cigarette to see what difference it made for smoking, nothing so I thawed the other 2 out. I think that your baby bottles idea could make sense. I know that some people insist that need is part of why people smoke. I am not going to experiment with that one. You are one that has taken this weight thing and healthy living serious and have done a fantastic job. I see the daily comments of your exercise and all that you are doing. You are a an example of what others can do to be successful. As an afterthought, The title of what article would probably be a success on the café message board. It might be fun to allow others to tell their secrets. I is a great blog, yours always are and as I said you are a great example on being successful on your journey. Report Inappropriate Comment

KALIGIRL 2/26/2010 8:44AM

Amazing the things we do to gain control. I was never nursed and kidded my mom that I she made me the compulsive talker that I am. (She said I got it from my dad...) So glad you've found a healthy lifestyle - I'm getting there! Report Inappropriate Comment

WATERMELLEN 2/25/2010 10:07PM

Isn't it great to find SparkPeople after all of our years of struggles? Great blog! Report Inappropriate Comment

A Wiser Body

Wednesday, February 24, 2010

I read on two other blogs of maintainers that their body lets them know when they've overeaten. One really got sick. I've got to say I've noticed a little of that, too.

When I weighed 210+ pounds I hardly ever had indigestion. My body adjusted to what I was feeding it, although part of that adjustment included high blood pressure and high cholestrol. But as far as digestion is concerned, I handled overeating with little problem.

But my new body is different. It is used to 1500-1800 calories and around 39 grams of fat. When I significantly go over, my tummy rumbles and complains. I guess that is not all bad. It is one more reason to remain moderate, sticking to a sensible range each day, rather than fluctuating wildly during the week. I might be able to maintain by averaging the right number of calories despite major fluctuations, but I know I won't feel as good.

Here's to feeling good! Here's to listening to a body that has gotten much wiser!

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

BESTSUSIEYET 2/25/2010 9:35PM

What fun to see another non-scale victory! I am thankful when my body reminds me that eating healthy feels better than splurging! Good for you, getting to that point! You have come so far! Enjoy your healthy life! (PS -- lovely grand-daughter you have there -- what a blessing that you can be such a big part of her life!) Report Inappropriate Comment

KALIGIRL 2/25/2010 1:52PM

Isn't it amazing when we become AWARE of our bodies? (Makes me wonder what we were doing before....) Report Inappropriate Comment

WALKINGANNIE 2/25/2010 1:10PM

Good observations - from a very wise head and her new body! Thanks for your analytical blogs describing changes. I find them very helpful indeed. Report Inappropriate Comment

PEGGYANNSCH 2/25/2010 9:03AM

yes you are right Report Inappropriate Comment

MONGO2TEN 2/25/2010 5:13AM

I have found the same thing. I can no longer eat junk without it affecting me. I can have 1 cookie, but if I go overboard, I know about it. I like that because it keeps me from returning to my old ways. ~Nancy Report Inappropriate Comment

MONTY68 2/25/2010 12:48AM

Marsha Great blog, When I weighed 254 and ate a whole pizza, I felt stuffed but happy. that is why I weighed 254 heading to 300. One of the things a lot of us don't do is pay attention to what our bodies are telling us. Now I feel good when I eat and not stuffed. Feeling Good is what it is about. A good reminder to all and thank you for sharing. Report Inappropriate Comment

JANNIEWANNIE 2/24/2010 11:45PM

I want a wiser body too. Thank you for sharing your insights. I always learn something from you. Take care and hugs from J Report Inappropriate Comment

WATERMELLEN 2/24/2010 9:42PM

I'm with you on this: if I eat high fat cheesecake, for example, it may taste good at the time but I'll experience a "food hangover" that may last for days! Not worth it, even if I were to cut back enough to be within my calorie range for the day . . . Report Inappropriate Comment

PERSISTANT123 2/24/2010 9:34PM

I'm so glad to hear that eventually, not overeating will become the norm in my life, and if I do my body will object. Glad to hear you've come so far. Report Inappropriate Comment

JOHAL52 2/24/2010 8:21PM

My body is still getting hungry. So I am trying to make healthy choices and feed it when it complains but stay within the calorie limit. Report Inappropriate Comment

LIMASTAR 2/24/2010 7:49PM

S true. When I go over in calories, my body is not a happy camper & lets me know about it. So I use Spar People to plan all my meals & snacks. So much easier & my body is happier. Report Inappropriate Comment

RAYLINSTEPHENS 2/24/2010 7:37PM

Great blog - for your great new body!! Report Inappropriate Comment

ONEKIDSMOM 2/24/2010 7:14PM

One of my favorite descriptions of myself is as a "little old lady in training"... you can take it so many ways. We have trained these new bodies. They are demanding we respect them. Here's to us! Listening to those bodies with an attitude! Report Inappropriate Comment

SJSTOMPER 2/24/2010 6:48PM

You're right!! My body is telling me when I eat something (or too much) that shouldn't be put in my system. I'm feeling so much more comfortable while staying away from processed foods, and high-fat, high-sugar foods. Report Inappropriate Comment

Just Two Days This Time

Tuesday, February 23, 2010

After my company left, I stepped on the scale and found myself 3 pounds over my target weight. Although that amount might have been a fluctuation, I knew I had overdone it a bit. So I decided to cut back to the low end of my calorie range. The last time I had an indulgence it took me six days to get back to goal weight.

Well, two days of careful, healthy eating and the scale is back just where I want it. Although next time perhaps I can avoid the gain, I feel pretty good. I am building confidence that I can catch small gains early and maintain this weight while enjoying life each day!

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

WALKINGANNIE 2/24/2010 3:15PM

Well done Marsha. This is just how things should work when you're in control. I haven't been tested in this way yet - but I hope I can copy your example in similar circumstances. You are a continuing inspiration. Report Inappropriate Comment

KALIGIRL 2/24/2010 1:25PM

Sounds great - I love how you took the fluctuation in stride - shows you are TRULY a maintainer! Report Inappropriate Comment

NEWLIBRARIAN 2/24/2010 11:19AM

That is great progress. I am still working on my 5 pounds of holiday weight. Report Inappropriate Comment

MONGO2TEN 2/24/2010 4:54AM

Great job! I have my Mom staying with me for 7 weeks. It is a challenge with company. You did fantastic:) ~Nancy Report Inappropriate Comment

JOHAL52 2/24/2010 12:42AM

Good for you for catching it quickly and doing something about it! Report Inappropriate Comment

PO_PAZZA 2/23/2010 7:12PM

Everything I've read about successful maintaining is about doing just what you did. Catch the gains at 2 or 3 lbs., and we can stay on top of it. Mary Comment edited on: 2/23/2010 7:12:34 PM Report Inappropriate Comment

STARTWME 2/23/2010 6:11PM

Hooray that you went to the "lower range", but not under your minimum. You know how to bounce back. Christine Report Inappropriate Comment

PERSISTANT123 2/23/2010 1:32PM

Being able to catch it early then have a plan to get back to where you want to be. That's where I want to be someday! Report Inappropriate Comment

MONTY68 2/23/2010 12:31PM

Marsha That is fantastic and you are right, catch and maintain. You are doing a great job. Report Inappropriate Comment

DONNABRIGHT 2/23/2010 10:44AM

Wow, that is my goal. Catch it early and stay at goal weight. I'm getting closer. Report Inappropriate Comment

Sweetener Withdrawal

Monday, February 22, 2010

I read back in December on SparkPeople that the recommended amount of artificial sweetener per day is no more than the equivalent of four packets. I knew I used way over that amount and have for years and years.

For the month of December I just tried to count how many I was using. I certainly wasn't exact. The article did tell that 8 ounces of diet soda equalled one packet. It didn't tell me the equivalent for sugar free pudding, diet syrup, and right now I can't think of any other such products, but I know I used some. Anyway, in December I actually think counting them made me use less. However, I counted approximately 12 packets per day. (Oooops! Ooouchhh!)

I sat a goal to reduce, by one packet a week, from 12 to 4. So, if I had stuck to my plan I should be about down to 4 after 8 weeks. Well, eight weeks have come and gone. Can't say that I've achieved what I set out to do, at least not on schedule. However, I have made progress. I'm at about 6 to 7 daily now. I have been drinking less than 8 ounces of soda weekly. My oatmeal in the morning I generally sweeten with unsweetened applesauce and no other sweetener now.

The thing I'm having trouble with is hot drinks. I enjoy coffee, decaf coffee, tea, decaf tea, and herbal tea. I used to add two packets - one Splenda and one Sweet & Low -- to each all day long. I cut down to one packet of Splenda only in each cup. I'm trying to drink some without any sweetening. Some days I just can't do it. I've even had a day or two I just quit counting.

So, I am hereby, recommitting to get to this goal of averaging 4 artificial sweetener packets or less per day. My birthday is June 6th.I am declaring that I will accomplish it by then. Maybe sooner.

If anyone else has gone through sweetener withdrawal, please share your experience! Thanks, Marsha

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

SKEPHART827 2/25/2010 10:30AM

I've heard that the only "safe" non-sugar sweetner is stevia, because it is all natural. I used to use Splenda and have now switched to "Truvia", which is made from stevia. Also "diet" sodas cause the same sugar craving as regular soda. You are better off with water or if you need the fizz, club soda with a shot of real fruit juice. Report Inappropriate Comment

MONGO2TEN 2/23/2010 3:38PM

Good for you:) I've been trying to cut back as well. My problem is the WW yogurt. It has artificial sweetners in it and it's my favorite....But I'm down to 2 diet sodas a week, so I'm making progress slow, but sure. I never thought to count how much I consume, I might try doing that to see how I do. ~Nancy Report Inappropriate Comment

MONTY68 2/22/2010 9:52PM

Hi Marsha, I know you will do it. I guess I really don't pay attention to the sugars in anything. On July 20, 2007 and having a 2 liter diet pepsi, I quit that day, have not had any soda since then and I don't ever recall any withdrawals from it. After reading your blog, I went straight to the coffee mate as that is what I use instead of milk and sugar. Boy are labels hard to read, no artificial- but does have corn syrup. I drink tea straight-I add nothing. So I am no help to you on withdrawals. What I do know is you, and I am very confident that by June 6th 2010, you will be down to 4 or less per day. YOU WILL DO IT!!! Monty Report Inappropriate Comment

RAYLINSTEPHENS 2/22/2010 8:01PM

You can do it Marsha! I never heard of having to limit myself - but I use one per cup of coffee and most days don't go over 2 cups. I almost never drink soda anymore - I just prefer and got used to drinking water since I was 14. My mother refused to buy soda and I was unable to drink milk. So for me it was a no-brainer. Too much sugar in juice which was always in the house. You can do it! Love, Linda Report Inappropriate Comment

AQUAGIRL08 2/22/2010 7:52PM

That's a tough one Marsha! Good luck with that! Report Inappropriate Comment

LITTLEBILLY1 2/22/2010 7:46PM

You can DO IT! I used to drink half - dozen PEPSI can ever day. I cut the PEPSI out complete and may have one once a month. I started drinking tea and found that I was still taking in to much sugar so I would cut it in half (half regular (sweet) and half diet). I found out I was taking to much SUGAAR. I found SPARKPEOPLE well that really changed my LIFE - thank you SparkPeople. Now I try to drink just H20 and once in a while I will drink a couple cups (8oz is a cup) of unsweet tea. I average anywhere from 8 to 12 cups of H20 each day. I have lost 25 pounds and want to loss another 25 to 30 pounds. The weight loss is from walking at least a mile each day and changing what I eat and how much. No diet for me - I needed to change by life. Thank you again SparkPeople. Comment edited on: 2/22/2010 7:48:28 PM Report Inappropriate Comment

Motivation from Dr. Seuss

Sunday, February 21, 2010

"You've got brains in your heads,
you've got feet in your shoes.
You can go
any direction you choose." -Dr. Seuss

As I rode my bike 7 miles along the Fort Frazier Trail on a glorious, sunny central Florida day, I read the quotations on the poles. I'd read this one before, but today it spoke to me and stayed with me. Truly, I choose my direction. That seems to be what SparkPeople is all about: setting the direction. Sometimes you start small, but you start. You go the right direction.

As I contemplated that truth, I also set a personal best. My first ride on the trail I rode at 8.5 miles per hour. Today I made just over 7 miles in half hour - 14 miles per hour! I rode a little more -- gently and just for fun -- after that, too. It's not hard. You just have to choose the right direction.

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

KALIGIRL 2/21/2010 9:45PM

Sounds perfect. Report Inappropriate Comment

AQUAGIRL08 2/21/2010 9:04PM

You are doing an amazing job Marsha! Look at how far you've come. Fantastic! Report Inappropriate Comment

WILD4STARS 2/21/2010 8:37PM

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RAYLINSTEPHENS 2/21/2010 8:20PM

WTG! I always loved Dr. Seuss! Report Inappropriate Comment

FIT-AT-50 2/21/2010 6:47PM

14 MPH!!! Diane Report Inappropriate Comment

PO_PAZZA 2/21/2010 6:20PM

And will you succeed? Yes indeed, yes indeed! Ninety-eight and three-quarters percent guaranteed. Dr. Seuss Report Inappropriate Comment

MONTY68 2/21/2010 6:17PM

Marsha, I am guaranteed my daily inspiration when you write. I had never seen that quote before, wow!!! You amaze me 14 miles a hour, you must have been a blur going by. That is fantastic. Someone else mention it but I am to " But you start".That is so powerful and should be part of everyones attitude in life. Thank you again for sharing. Monty Report Inappropriate Comment

DONNABRIGHT 2/21/2010 4:56PM

Thanks - the simply things always seem to work best, don't they? Report Inappropriate Comment

WALKINGANNIE 2/21/2010 4:51PM

Congratulations on your personal best and thanks for the quote. Inspiration comes from so many places when we're open to responding to the cues around us. Report Inappropriate Comment

ONEKIDSMOM 2/21/2010 3:51PM

"but you start"! That's inspiration enough for any day! Thanks! Report Inappropriate Comment

JENNYWREN93 2/21/2010 3:47PM

I really like that! Very nice! :) Report Inappropriate Comment