Sharing
I have always been overweight. As a girl, my mother had trouble finding clothes to fit--regular sizes were too small and the fat sizes were too big.
During my early teens I slimmed down quite a bit and wore regular sizes and had a nice figure. I gained weight after marriage -- lots of delicious meals and treats with my husband, and have been overweight ever since. I have vascillated between regular sizes (but big) and half sizes. I cannot even imagine a size ZERO The smallest I EVER wore was a size 9, and I was very thin at that time.
I have done lots and lots of dieting over the years, with yo-yo weight loss and gains. I went through lots of periods of eating right, exercising right and then slipping back to eating wrong and not exercising.
Sleep has always been a problem for me. I sleep like a brick -- nothing wakes me -- and I am NOT a morning person. I have a very hard time getting out of bed each morning and getting started with my day. If I could do as I pleased, I would go to bed at midnight and get up at noon. After I finally caught up on sleep I would go to bed at midnight and rise around 9 AM (I already know that 9 hours is my optimum).
I have not been at my optimal weight since the age of 21 regardless of diet, exercise, fasting, starvation, food shopping or any other contributors. I am hopeful that Enlita will change that.
I'm very confused on how to lose all the weight I need to lose. What exactly do I do? What do I eat? When do I eat? I want to lose weight again but.......How do I block out people when I lose weight and get more and more and more attention. I cant keep people away from me. I'm afraid I wont be able to deal with the attention again. It seems silly, but I am dead serious. I think I keep weight on to feel a little invisible. Any thoughts? Anyone?
Dawn wrote:
I am really excited about our upcoming farmer's market season, which starts June 11th here in Colorado Springs. Sounds like you are doing the same thing-good on you! It is a totally different perspective, isn't it? Ever read Barbara Kingsolver's "Animal, Vegetable, Miracle" or any of Michael Pollan's work?
Our CSA started 3 weeks ago and we're enjoying greens, brocolli, radishes, lettuce, onions, and strawberries. Our backyard garden has kale and peppers so far. I've read all of Pollan's work - love his style but he is not WAP - believes in eating very limited meat.
Do you ever follow Joel Salatin's work? We are trying to implement
some of his practices here, although the adaption of our high desert prairie climate to processes developed in a Shenandoah Valley one has been a challenge.
Salatin was the keynote speaker at the 2007 Georgia Organics conference! Two of the farmers we shop with have adopted his methods for poultry, beef, and pork. It is an awesome thing to see. The animals are happy and healthy and the meat is tasty and nutritious.
I am very interested in hearing more about your website! Will you send me the info please? How awesome is that! Podcasting to document your progress! I *love* it!
We will be working on the website this week and I will be sure to let you know when we are ready to roll.
Cathy
What foods did you find you were sensitive to on the elimination diet?
I was one of those people who was *certain* I had no problems with wheat. :wink: But wowsie, let me tell you there was NO DOUBT that I have a gluten intolerance. I even reacted to some non-gluten grains. Interestingly, I reacted to cooked eggs, but not raw, and also had a very strong reaction to vinegar.
I have a prior history of problems with coffee, legumes, and dairy.
I was enjoying a cup or two of coffee every day prior to Enlita, but could take it or leave it. My husband, OTOH, lived on the stuff. :shock: We have both switched completely over to green tea and, once DH got through the caffeine "detox" phase, neither of us miss it a bit. For me, I just needed the hot beverage. For DH, he was totally addicted to the caffeine and the "false energy". You are well on your way to weaning it from your diet by adding in the coconut milk and spices. Have you ever tried some of the coffee substitutes? Might be a helpful next step for you.
Speaking of favorites and hot beverages . . . One thing I was so glad to not have to give up was chai! (I used coconut milk until I could reintroduce dairy) I love the warming spices :D.
I do buy local, grass-fed, and organically gown. I do a CSA program and I help support several farms here locally through their CSA's, including a raw dairy farm. I am really excited about our upcoming farmer's market season, which starts June 11th here in Colorado Springs. Sounds like you are doing the same thing-good on you! It is a totally different perspective, isn't it? Ever read Barbara Kingsolver's "Animal, Vegetable, Miracle" or any of Michael Pollan's work?
Do you ever follow Joel Salatin's work? We are trying to implement some of his practices here, although the adaption of our high desert prairie climate to processes developed in a Shenandoah Valley one has been a challenge. :wink:
I am very interested in hearing more about your website! Will you send me the info please? How awesome is that! Podcasting to document your progress! I *love* it!
Do you take your measurements since you don't have a scale? Checking waist, hips and thighs can be a great motivator that may be more revealing than the scale.
No, I am not taking measurements. Yet. I did take initial ones, but haven't felt motivated to take more since I am noticing no difference in my clothing. Once I conquer whatever it is that is holding me up, weight-loss wise, I will start taking note of inches lost to be sure!
Enjoy the sunshine!
Dawn
^^^^Colorado
Awesome progress, Tina! You should be very proud to have reached past the halfway mark. A pound a week average is great because you have the best chance to keep it off and stick with your new healthy habits.
My husband had a heart attack April 10 (mild, is doing well), so finally he is not fighting me when I don't want to bring bread into the house and is following the plan with me. We're on day 7. It agrees with our doctor's suggestions so that is great reinforcement, too. I am also on a protocol to eliminate yeast and other overgrowth in my gut, so may need to eliminate some things longer than Enlita advises.
I think community support is very important, so thank you for answering my post. Keep up the good work! You are a role model! Any before and after photos to share?
I don't know if people are shy, or what. It would be nice to see more discussion here.
It's great to hear how fast the weight is coming off for you at the start. That elimination phase is amazing, isn't it?
How am I doing? My weight has continued to drop pretty steadily--1 pound a week average.
In May I lost my motivation a little and had a lot of family gatherings to go to. Since I was feeling unmotivated, I didn't resist the foods I otherwise would have been able to. And a huge part of it for me--I stopped writing down everything I ate during that time. That immediate accountability to myself is something I need.
I gained a couple of pounds. BUT, I ordered the Enlita workout DVDs, which arrived almost two weeks ago. With something new to look forward to--instant motivation.
I've lost a total of 27 pounds so far. I'd like to lose another 23, so I'm past the half-way mark. Yippee!
My lapse came out of left field. I don't know what caused it. Up to that point I'd been thinking how easy Enlita was to stick with. And it is. Once I knew what foods I have to avoid, and got into the habit of eating more raw vegetables, I hardly had to think about my food choices. It came automatically.
But this has served as a reminder to be careful. To keep my goals in view so I don't lose focus. And to record everything I eat.
Hi, Dawn.
Thank you for the warm welcome! :D My son and his significant other love Colorado. What foods did you find you were sensitive to on the elimination diet? I have a prior history of problems with coffee, legumes, and dairy. That was 14 years ago during a time of great stress. The problem then and now is that the legumes and coffee are not eliminated in the elimination diet. I may have to work that in myself. Anyway, it's nice to keep a little coffee when other favorites are missing. I am using coconut milk to lighten it up, and adding a sprinkle of cinnamon.
Do you buy local and grass-fed? Raw dairy? Our lives have really changed since I attended a Sally Fallon lecture in 2005. At least half of our food and most of our calories come from local farmers that we know. I never would have believed that could be possible. Grocery stores actually make me a bit ill looking at all the processed foods. :cry:
My husband and I are working on a website with a weekly podcast to share our story of trying to live a more natural lifestyle. I think it will be fun and we'll learn a lot, too! Documenting our progress on the Enlita plan will definitely be part of what we'll share.
Do you take your measurements since you don't have a scale? Checking waist, hips and thighs can be a great motivator that may be more revealing than the scale.
Let me know how you're doing!
Cathy
Hi Cathy!
I am not shy :D! Welcome to the group! (...kicking tumbleweeds and brushing the cobwebs away...)
I went back to the elimination phase of the Enlita program (weeks 1-3), after making it to week 15, due to a very hectic family adgenda. My family (and especially ME) feels so much better sans common allergens, and so I know we have some more work to do there. I still have not lost any weight (although my family has commented that "my face is thinner") so it was really encouraging to read of your success! (I am measuring my weight loss by the way my clothes fit. I do not yet have a scale.)
We also follow the WP guidelines and Enlita compliments that really well. I really appreciate the support of the Enlita team. It is so helpful that when you have a question or a particular issue, you have someone you can ask.
Anyway, glad you are here! Hopefully the rest of the gang will chime in and we'll get this ball rolling again!
Warm regards,
Dawn
^^^^^Colorado
Tina, I am wondering how you have done since January, after the holidays. I eat patterned after Weston A Price guidelines, so this is the perfect diet for me. I had a very stressful year in 2007 and got way out of whack. As a teacher, I am sometimes tempted when stressed with the sugar-filled and processed foods teachers leave in the break room where I am eating my healthy lunch. Then there are wedding and baby showers at 4 PM when my blood sugar is low... My husband had a cardiac incident during my spring break in April so it was much easier to support him and eliminate bread from our diet. I started exercising more and limited carbs to one serving a day. I lost 1/2 pound a week doing that, but waited until school got out to start the elimination diet. Interestingly enough, on day one I visited a new doctor about inflammation and gut issues and the first thing she recommended was an elimination diet! That was great reinforcement, and my husband started with me so there is not temptation in the cupboard. Well, I am extremely happy because I am losing .4-.8 pounds per day and am down 11 pounds in 7 weeks, with 2 of those from this week. I am losing a small amount of muscle with the fat and so am slightly "fatter" than I started, but my husband is getting leaner. I need to bump up my strength training. I'm a bit disappointed that I don't see a lot of recent posts on the discussion groups. Are people just shy?
Cathy in Johns Creek, GA :?
Eating this way, I"ve already dropped weight in the first week. So for those who don't think that this stuff impacts weight loss, I'm living proof! It took me years to get the adrenals normalized because I wasn't eating as healthy as I am now, but perserverance pays off. Tammy
Tammy-Even though I am not seeing weight loss, my whole family (myself included) are feeling so much better! I am certain once I get the adrenal/estrogen/thyroid issues stabilized, my weight will normalize! We were eating great before, but the allergy elimination has opened our minds just a little further, and for the better I think. I love what I am learning here! I will be just totally ecstatic once the weight starts coming off! Thanks for being so encouraging!
Dawn
^^^^^Colorado
This is so exciting! My cortisol levels are back up to a normal range (the last time they were tested was in 2004--it was so low it didn't register for the afternoon test--less than 1!)
In 2004 I had also tried weight watchers and couldn't lose any weight even though I followed the points system faithfully. I also found myself addicted to the WW fudge bars--not good! I was literally eating a box a day and buying another box so my husband wouldn't know. A true addiction! I came clean and went 'cold turkey.' It wasn't easy (I don't know if this sugar caused the adrenal issue, or if I turned to sugar because of the adrenal issue). Oh-the ALCAT showed a sensitivity to EVERY type of sweeteer they tested. After 6 months, most of the sensitivities disappeared.
Eating this way, I"ve already dropped weight in the first week. So for those who don't think that this stuff impacts weight loss, I'm living proof! It took me years to get the adrenals normalized because I wasn't eating as healthy as I am now, but perserverance pays off.
:!: Don't give up!
Tammy
I can totally relate to all of these stories. I was chubby since I was a child and only was "average" sized when I was in my 20s and was a smoker. But having lost and gained weight many times, I finally in 2004 began with Weight Watchers. I didn't really believe it would work but went with my friend for support. Over 2 years I lost 65 lbs and was at my goal weight. For me it was 160 lb at 5'7" (I am 56 yrs old now). I stayed that way and weighed in every month for 18 months. Each month it got harder and harder to stay at goal weight but I did. I don't know if it was the diet or my body adjusting that made it so difficult. I began dating someone during this last year and also got a very stressful job. Over Thanksgiving and through Christmas there was lots of stress and I very quickly put on 8 lbs. I am at the place where I need to take drastic action to get back on track. I'm having a hard time getting started with Enlita even though it is very closely aligned with what I believe. (natural) I thought maybe it would help to write about the emotional aspects of weight gain for me in the hopes that I can get back on track. Somehow I translated my personal problems into weight gain. Sometimes I just feel like I'm always starting over and I know that sugar and wheat are the offenders. Once I get off those, life is good and I immediately lose that bloat. I have started ice skating and doing leg exercises to build more muscle. Thanks for any feedback. This is a good place to share. Patti :lol:
tina, i am glad to hear of your success! i have been on programs like this before and it's wonderful for a little while but once you start to slow down you do lose sight of why you're doing it.
my son's health has REALLY taken over the last 6 years. every time he has to go to the hospital or has a psychology appt (he has Hirschspung's disease and Asperger's syndrome) our schedule gets thrown off and we are eating at odd hours and, like you said, EVERYTHING in a restauarant comes with bread! i have gained 10 lbs since november because of our son's issues that had to be dealt with over the holidays. and it's been like this since he was born. before he was born i was thin. he is such a ray of sunshine and a real blessing, though, so i am NOT blaming him. it's just life for us.
so anyway, enough of my rambling. i am really happy for you that things seem to be picking up for you. looking forward to hearing about more progress! :)
I answered two days too soon. As of this morning, my weight is back down to the lowest point since starting this program. (Just over 8 pounds lost total.) I've been watching what I eat for 7 weeks now. My goal is to lose a pound a week, but I lost sight of that fact and got discouraged.
I'd say I'm doing pretty good. :)
What I didn't tell you in that last post was that Christmas was too much of a temptation to me. We spent the Christmas Eve with my mom, who is a wonderful baker. Her house was filled with goodies. I told myself one day wouldn't hurt. So I gave myself permission to indulge. One day turned into two. So I did an unintentional sugar test.
I gained 3 pounds in those two days. Now I know I didn't consume that many extra calories. I'm sensitive to sugar and wheat, and that's why I gained so much. Probably mostly water weight. What a wake up! I got a new resolve.
Then on December 30th, my father-in-law had emergency surgery and I was with the family at the hospital all day. We went out for supper once we knew he was in recovery and things had gone well. I didn't have a choice of where we ate, and everything came with bread. I thought I'd leave the bread alone, but I was too hungry and I can't turn down what's right in front of me. So another minor set-back.
But I've been faithful since then and my weight is a smidgen lower than it was before this mess started. I'm glad the holidays are over!
I'm convinced this is the best program available. The changes I'm making are permanent this time, I'm already certain.
Not so good. I'm struggling.
As of Dec 18, I had lost another 3 pounds. Since then, I've stayed the same, or even gone up a little. I'm trying to figure out what's going on. I'm doing the Enlita workout, so I'm gaining muscle. That alone could stall the weight loss. But I'm not losing much for inches, either.
I guess the fast weight loss happened before I started the actual menu here. Nothing significant for the first two weeks of the elimination diet. I realized later that I had a cold at the time I wrote that post, and had been avoiding dairy for about 10 days before I started the elimination diet.
That tells me I might be sensitive to pasteurized dairy at least. During dairy testing week, I wasn't able to test raw dairy. The farm I was buying raw milk from sold their cows. So disappointing.
I bought the three pack of Whey Healthier, but I must be sensitive to that because it makes me feel sick. Malaise is the word, I guess.
Sorry I don't have an encouraging post for you. I think a good detox would do wonders for me. I don't know when that comes into play. But my body is not wanting to let go of the fat!
tina, how has your weight loss gone?
I don't mean to hijack someone else's thread, but this seems like a good place to share. I saw no need to start a new thread that's all about ME.
Unlike Alice, I was thin as a child. It wasn't until I was about 16 that I started gaining weight. That's when I started having problems with my blood sugar (I should say insulin), but I couldn't identify the problem at the time. Looking back I can't believe I survived on Lucky Charms for breakfast and a Coke at lunch every day. Even then I was never more than 10-15 pounds above my ideal during high school.
Then I got married, recognized my sensitivity to sugar, and did all the wrong things. I gained around 40 pounds over a few years. Back in 2000, I started a new way of eating that allowed me to lose 40 of the 50 I needed to lose, in 9 months. But since the focus of that program was wrong and I wasn't eating whole foods, I could never lose that last 10. I finally gave up. Didn't make a point to exercise. I knew I was addicted to sugar, but didn't do anything about it.
Fast forward to today, having regained all 40 pounds over 4 years. I decided recently to get serious and joined Enlita. But I joined the week before Thanksgiving. Knowing it started with an elimination diet, I thought, why do that to myself over Thanksgiving?
But I was more conscious of what I ate, simply knowing I was going to change my eating. I lost 2 pounds that week. Then I started exercising again.
I started week one of the Enlita menu Sunday, November 25. I weighed myself this morning. I lost another 3 pounds. That's only 2 days of following the menu, but 2 weeks after I first joined Enlita.
Thank you so much, Kendra and the rest of the staff. Simply absorbing as much information on this site as I could, and getting into the right mindset, has already reaped huge benefits for me.
Can't wait to see what the next 2 weeks bring!
Tina
Learn how to shed 1-2 pounds
of fat per week with The 7 Secrets To
Permanent Weight Loss.
This e-book is free when
you sign up for the Enlita
Life Coaching Newsletter
today.
Recommended Products:
Upcoming Webinars:
| Enlita.com's mission is to teach one million people how to achieve their ideal weight, optimal health, and life success. If you want these goals for yourself, sign up for one of our webinars. |
Thanks for sharing! This is a common story.
Childhood obesity can be due to lifestyle, genetic or hormonal reasons. I wonder if you have an idea which of those many have contributed.
It is more difficult to lose weight when the weight gain begins in childhood.
But you are making wonderful progress on the program so far.