Let’s talk weight loss, please
I am so confused. I have been drinking green smoothies for about 7 weeks now, which have replaced two of my meals because they are so filling, so delicious and full of such great stuff. But I’m really not losing weight, and I had so hoped eating this way would cause my weight to start burning off. I’m post-menopausal, about 65 pounds from my goal weight. I don’t snack anymore. I’m not cheating. Everything I eat is healthy, and my portions are right. My smoothies have plenty of greens in them. I drink lots of water, recently bought a portable alkaline water filter that I keep on my desk at work and refill all day long. My thyroid has been tested and it is fine. I’m moving some, and will move more, but even without it, I *should* be losing weight, and I’ve lost about 5 pounds in 7 weeks — hardly worth cheering about. These 65 p0unds are the same 65 pounds I have gained and lost dozens of times, and most of them were by unhealthy methods (stimulants, starving, over-exercising, etc.) I wonder if my body is so wacked out from that abuse that it doesn’t know how to lose weight unless it’s done the same old, unhealthy way. That certainly seems to be the case, which is very disheartening.
And what is the best way to lose weight? Low acid? Low glycemic? Low calorie? Low carbohydrate? Low fat? Low inflammation? Raw? Vegan? Macrobiotic? Body type? Maker? Grains/no grains? Blueberries/no blueberries? Almonds/no almond milk? Walnuts/no walnuts? AAACCCHHHH!!!
I am thoroughly confused and deflated. Is there anyone here who is middle age, had lots of weight to lose, and found a way to do it that is healthy?
I am going through a similar experience as you. But what I am thinking is that losing weight slowly is a healthy way to lose weight, and with our new, permanent green smoothie habit, we will achieve our optimum weight in a healthy, permanent way, instead of having rapid unhealthy weight loss that just comes back. I am just trying to be grateful day to day that my pants are getting a *tiny* bit looser. The peace of mind, and joy, that comes with eating so healthily makes me feel skinny RIGHT NOW, and I am seeing that it is way more important to feel good NOW. Regardless of the scale. I threw mine out.
WHOA!!! (LOL) You say you aren’t losing weight, but you are,cause you said you lost 5 lbs in 7 weeks, at that rate you would lose approx 37 lbs in a year. Gone, healthy, slowly, and forever, not to be gained back quickly from being on a “fad diet” . Then when you start moving more, you will probably losing more.
The way you are eating is taking off the weight, effortlessly, remember every time you lost weight fast, it came right back and more, that is what ruins our health. You are on the way to weighing less with great health. WOW.
OK, I’m not middle aged, but I did lose 90 lbs after having three kids. The one thing I’m not seeing in your post is how many calories you’re consuming. To lose what you’ve lost, it appears that you’re cutting 350ish a day from what you were eating before. I’m sure you know that you need to burn 3500 kcal to burn a pound of fat. While WHAT we eat if of course important to weight loss, how MUCH we eat is really king. It’s not quite as simple as “calories in, calories out”, but until you’re at least 90% to your goal, that’s gotta be king. For me, at 5’2″ and 221 lbs, I ate 1700 kcal a day, burning 7000 cals a week from exercise and lost 2 lbs a week. It is WORK.
Now, there are those that will say that you’re missing the point if you’re counting calories, but I disagree. For people that are severely overweight, we absolutely need to re-train our minds and bodies about what it means to be nourished. Do a BMR search and see what it says you burn per day, then aim to lose a pound a week. Add exercise. Eat less, move more=non-negotiables.
I thought I’d never get below 150 lbs, which was my high school weight. I’m at 142 right now as I had a miscarriage in July, but I’m getting back to my lowest weight of 133, and trying to get lower (and I’m only 21% body fat, so that’s pretty respectable).
Enter your cals for a week in fitday.com and see where you end up! Best wishes!
Just had to comment that 5 lb. lost in 7 weeks is great progress!!! That’s almost a pound lost each week, which is a very healthy fat loss rate. I don’t think you are giving yourself enough credit. It sounds like you are doing a very great job and will make a lot of progress over the next few months.
You may not be getting enough calories. Just a thought.
I feel your pain. I am in my mid 30′s and I have been doing green smoothies no snacks no unhealthy eating for about 2 months and have only lost 10 pounds. In fact I even gained 3 pounds last week. My thyroid tested fine also but I don’t believe it and they won’t do the full panel on me. I just keep hoping that after eating well for long enough my body will eventually reset itself. This summer I lost 23 pounds and still have about 60 more to go. You can try bladderwrack it helps with thyroid support.
Another thing you might want to look at is WHEN you eat. Yes, how much you eat, how much or how little calories you eat, they are all important. But if you are not eating every 3-4 hours, then in actuality you are slowing DOWN your metabolism and making it that much harder for your body to heal and lose the weight.
Your body might be insulin resistant, especially if you are 60 pounds overweight. Most overweight people have some form of insulin resistance. If you pay attention to the sugar content of your food and only eat things that are in the low to moderate end of the glycemic index and glycemic load, then that just might help. I am not insulin resistant, but I do have hypoglycemia that gets out of control at an alarming rate if I get off track, causing me to gain weight at a rapid pace. As soon as I change my eating habits, I lose 20 pounds in 2 months and then am able to keep it off. It’s when I start sneaking in the white flours, the processed sugars, potatoes, fruits high in sugar (ripe bananas, mangos, basically any southern type of fruit), then my body goes out of control. I have a friend who has been insulin resistant for years and eliminated the processed foods and almost ate a raw diet and lost 50 pounds over a year. Pay attention to the amount of carbs you are eating and make some switches. Some changes I made was from regular white rice to balsamic rice (I can’t stand brown rice), totally eliminating any potatoes, buying stone ground whole wheat/whole grain bread, and not eating any cold cereal or power bars. The closer you can get to the pure form of the food, the better. That’s why these green smoothies are so powerful!
I’m just throwing ideas out here, but it could also be that you have a lot of toxic build up in your system, especially from the abuse you mentioned that you put it through. It really sounds like you have a lot of healing and cleansing to do first before your body is able to start shedding significant weight. The green smoothies, especially the dark leafy green part of it, heal like nothing else. My grandma’s eyes are healing from cataracts, much to the amazement of her doctor, because she has significantly decreased processed foods and drinks a green smoothie once or twice a day.
I would say stick with it. I know you’re frustrated. I know you want to see a higher loss. But the thing is, as other people have pointed out, you HAVE lost some weight. Slow and steady is always, ALWAYS better than quick because your body allows it happen and you won’t gain it all back and then some.
Good luck! I know green smoothies will help you. Just stick with it.
I nice slow pace isn’t necessarily bad. It took about a year and a half once I started green smoothies to loose 25 lbs. I always loose way faster when I throw in just a little exercise. So, maybe try upping your exercise a bit and you might start loosing way faster.
I think that since you’re used to loosing weight in unhealthy ways you’re not use to the healthy snail pace of loosing weight. But slower is better, because if you can keep up a change in diet for a year or two it is far more likely to stay permanent and you can keep the weight off for good.
Everyone has great comments, and in looking for anythingt that could be added I think it might be worthwhile to consider detox as a goal. With years of dieting and potentially lots of accumulated toxins it might be challenging to lose weight without detox. The body stores toxins in fatty tisues so eliminating the toxins often frees the body to lose weight…also in this natural process weight loss is often suspended while the body reserves energy that will be needed to flush the toxins out, then in plateaus the weight comes down, step by step. Keeping this in mind a goal weight may take a long time to reach, especially in a society of vanity…don’t beat yourself up and keep health in mind as you move towards the weight loss.
Starving yourself works really fast and really well. That is until you start eating again. Instead of deprivation, I like the slow method of feeding my body properly. Weight loss is nice, but the real goal should be excellent health. You can’t get excellent health without mountains of raw veggies, moderate amounts of raw fruit, and small amounts of whole grains, nuts, and seeds. I like a very little bit of flesh now and then as well. If you want quicker results, you must get moving in addition to cutting calories. A pound every week or so is great.
I have been able to lose 37# and 48inches in the last 5 months. my husband is down 111# and 83″. I have had no time for exercise to help this along. We both have more energy and feel better than we have in over 15 years. If you would like to know more details on how we have accomplished this, you may email me at treasureyourhealthforlife@gmail.com
Don’t be discouraged, your weight loss is great! Your body knows what to do. Many times the body is so happy about the good solid real nutrition we are putting in that it uses all that energy to heal areas of our body, fat loss might not be a top priority. About 14 years ago, I had about 15 extra pounds. We switched to a whole foods vegan diet and 5 pounds came off over the next month or so. I did not change my diet to lose weight, although knowing that would eventually go with it. I changed my diet for health, for good, for a lifestyle. About 8 months later, the pounds just melted off. My body had other things to do with the great food I was putting in. Eventually, slowly, remember this is a lifestyle, not a quick fix, you will want to up the exercise, especially resistance type. Don’t be discouraged, rejoice in today.
You’ve been given lots of helpful suggestions here, including to congratulate yourself for the weight loss you have achieved and to trust your body. I hope you change your lifestyle for the long haul and ALL the health benefits of eating whole foods, not just to “diet.”
I want to mention one other thing that someone else suggested about the “full panel.” My thyroid more or less died quite a few years ago, and I didn’t know until I’d gained a bunch of weight. I’d had my thyroid tested with an Rx from an M.D. at a blood lab–read: T3 test taken–and I’d been told it was normal. But when I went to an actual hormone clinic (run by nurse practitioners, generally, not M.D.s), I had a full panel showing the interplay of a number of different hormones and indicators. They told me it was no wonder I could not lose weight based on those figures. At that time, not knowing better, I got on a synthetic hormone, Cytomel. I then lost the weight by eating right and exercising (even though I was doing that before and wasn’t able to shed the pounds).
Later, learning about the risks/damage from taking the drug, I got on bioidentical hormone, which I still take today. I have a feeling I could go off the hormone altogether now as long as I continue to nourish my thyroid with kelp and dulse. My thyroid measurements (T3, T4, etc.) have been perfect for years.
It may be worth the money to go to a specializing clinic and get the whole picture. A T3 test has a HUGE “normal” range, and doesn’t tell the whole story anyway, and many true thyroid problems fly under the radar because of that. Many of us are burning out our thyroids with the modern diet. One book I read on that subject said 25 percent of American women have low thyroid, and most of those are undiagnosed. This is a big issue with weight loss, since the thyroid governs metabolism.
Robyn
Robyn,
How much kelp and dulse, daily, is enough to nourish the thyroid adequately for those who might have thyroid issues?
I have been doing the green smoothies for about a month and I feel so much better. I drink a quart of green smoothie in the morning, have 2 fruits throughout the day, along with a bag of cut of veggies. For lunch I have lentils, squash, avocado and for dinner I have a big green salad, maybe some vegetable soup with veggies and brown rice. I have been wanting to get off animal protein for a long time and I feel so much better eating vegetables, fruits, etc. I was so happy to hear that we can get everything we need from eating the Green Smoothie way. But I, too, am having problems losing weight. In fact, I am gaining weight. I thought I had my thyroid checked and am on thyroid meds. I walk 1 hour a day, gallon of water a day. I am not eating much grains, nuts, etc and the weight just keeps coming on. Any ideas?
Dear Confused,
Congrats on doing so well thus far! Keep it up and you will eventually see the results you want. =o)
This formula helped motivate me to better understand how weight loss and weight control work through exercise and physical activity:
“Balancing the calories you use through physical activity with the calories you eat will help you achieve your desired weight”
You can find more good info here: http://www.nutristrategy.com/weightcontrol.htm
I am always gathering new info to help me as I learn more about fitness and nutrition and Robyn’s advice in the intro of her 12 Step program is the best I’ve seen yet (under “How Do I Know What’s True and What’s Not in Nutrition?).
Good luck!
Great comments and suggestions everyone! I totally agree with Lori-An. I would read about insulin resistance to see if you fit the profile. If you have been under a lot of stress, your adrenals might be struggling and that can raise your cortisol levels. When that happens, your body’s ability to digest properly is compromised and your body stores fats. I see that happening with so many women either approaching or in full blown menopause. Supporting your adrenal glands would be advised.
There are many great adrenal supplements on the market today. But if you don’t have a holistic practitioner that can give you advice, you can call Santa Monica Homeopathic Pharmacy. They are the oldest and most respected holistic pharmacy in the country. Their staff is VERY knowledgeable and they can give you some solid advice. 310-395-1131.
Also, I would suggest doing some weekly colonics or buy yourself a colema board (a home colonic). When we start to change our diet and drink these marvelous green smoothies, our body starts to dump tons of stored toxins that have been trapped in our elimination organs, glands, tissues, adipose tissue, etc. Our elimination organs become overwhelmed (there is no way they can keep up with the toxic on slot) and our body is not able to achieve the balance that we had anticipated.
Natalia Rose, in her book, “The Raw Detox Diet” has an excellent article at the back of her book by colon therapist expert Gil Jacobs. He describes in detail how vitally important it is to do weekly colonics or use a colema board as we change our diet.
He says that trapped toxins can stop our progress towards improved health. As a result, folks become discouraged, thinking that their efforts are not being rewarded. His insights may prove very helpful. Natalia’s book is worth reading and Gil’s article is very edifying and encouraging.
But be encouraged that you ARE losing weight. After 50, I have experienced a slowing down in my ability to lose extra poundage. It has taken more time, but it is worth the wait…no pun intended. So keep going and enjoy these great smoothies.
The only way I can lose weight is with low carb foods,,, I still drink green-smoothies in the morning but I had to eliminate the bananas and other fruits and replace them with some low-carb vegs ,,, I know everyone is different but you may want to try and cut back on some of the fruits for a while,,,
Once I get to my goal weight, I will go still go very lightly on the fruits,,
I’m middle-aged but have always had to stay away from starches and sugar,,
thanks
I have a great Naturopathic doctor which I just started going to. She told me to limit my grains to 1 a day regardless of weather they are whole grain or not. It is working. I am losing about 5 lbs a month.
If you are on thyroid medication find a doctor that will prescribe the Armour Thyroid Therapy, not Synthroid synthetic medication. I gained on Synthroid but am losing on Armour. My doctor refused as many will to prescribe Armour so I switched to a Naturopathic doctor. So glad I did.
congrats on those 5 pounds! and on taking such incredible strides in imporving your health and wellness!
you asked about the best way to lose weight. in my experience (lost 60 pounds healthily and maintained) and in working with many clients towards weight loss, i find low-carb eating to be EXTREMELY effective. it doesn’t have to be an extreme atkins-type version. greens obviously have carbohydrates in them, but they are minimal and super-nurtitious. other carbs, like rice, grains, etc. even excess fruits often keep weight from moving. i know many of the people on greensmoothiegirl are vegetarian, but if you are not, i have found that lots of veggies and high quality animal protein and fats to be very effective in weight loss. incidentally, i have found that calories do not matter much. i myself eat pretty high calorie, but maintain my weight around 110 pounds.
i and many of my clients eat buffalo, grass-fed beef, pastured poultry and eggs, and fats like grass-fed raw butter, coconut oil, flaxseed oil, olive oil. they keep starches, however, to a minimum. they drop lots of weight and usually very quickly, and add foods back slowly. this is a very personal decision. some people find they were overweight and struggling with weight loss for so many years because they are so carb-sensitive – they choose to limit grains even after they’ve reached and maintained their target weight. they say they feel much better eating veggies and meats. i know people who haven’t eaten grains in decades and are incredibly vibrant and healthy. remember mankind only started eating grains 10,000 years ago – a relatively short time.
again, if you are not comfortable eating animals obviously this would not be a good idea for you…! but in my experience people lose and maintain great weight losses eating low carb.
good luck! and best in health!
love,
heather
Read “Eat to Live” by Joel Fuhrman, M.D.
You will never be confused about weight loss or nutrition again
Read “Eat to Live” by Joel Fuhrman, M.D.
You will never be confused about weight loss or nutrition again.
And, you will never, EVER have to count calories or worry about portion control again
I am 64 and lost easily after 5 pregnancies; however I gained under stress about 65 lbs, but following Dr. Joel Fuhrman, “Eat to Live” turned that around. I was eating all I could–huge meals–and losing 8 lbs a month.
During the two years I had some kind of break down from too much stress–quit work–in bed–gained back 30 lbs. I’m now doing the green smoothies–and I am losing but very, very slowly.
I need to lose faster because the weight is affecting my heart–so I may combine the two. Dr. Fuhrman encourages vegetable smoothies–but they don’t replace regular meals.
I also have had the same problem. I lost 7 lbs in the first couple weeks, but im thinking that was just extra intestinal stuff! After that the weight loss just stopped. I was doing it for 2 months. That was with 2 green smoothies b/fast and lunch and a vegitarian meal at night. I only drink water! Im guessing though that my thyroid has something to do with it, I am on meds for it, and trying to add dulse to my diet whenever I can. Although now that ive added dulse, it seems my thyroid is slowing down more again! What the heck!
low carb weight loss…
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