General Weight Loss Support Thread

Pembily · 05-02-2013 10:33pm

I am trying to figure out macros and how much protein I should eat. I eat 1,500kcal a day. I read that my protein should be related to my weight but then they mentioned training after that.

What is a good amount of protein and fat to eat? I am trying to lose weight mostly.

boogle · 05-02-2013 11:23pm

Weighed in last night, lost two pounds this week. (Though I reckon this was time-of-the-month weight that I had on last week.) Anywho, a loss is a loss

On advice from StenchBlossoms and DocWhoGirl, I've upped my calories from 1300 to 1500 today with a view to going up to 1600 and seeing how that goes. I certainly enjoyed having extra food! Carbs coming in at 42% today. Do you reckon I should try to reduce this?

Orla K · 06-02-2013 12:12am

Pembily wrote: »

I am trying to figure out macros and how much protein I should eat. I eat 1,500kcal a day. I read that my protein should be related to my weight but then they mentioned training after that.

What is a good amount of protein and fat to eat? I am trying to lose weight mostly.

1g of protein per 1lb of bodyweight. I tend to let fat and carbs sort themselves out probably with a lean more towards fat.

Hermione* · 06-02-2013 12:17am

Dolbert wrote: »

Today I discovered Jamaican jerk houmous in Tesco, nyom! Eat all the carrot sticks :cool:

Is that the one with jalapeno pepper? I discovered it the other week. It's amazing!

Doctorwhogirl, I bought a cottage cheese tonight on your enthusiastic recommendations of it! Must try to get to Aldi soon to try theirs.

Stench Blossoms · 06-02-2013 8:40am

Been experimenting with ketois for the last week. Eating the same amount of calories just changing my macros and doing the same amount of exercise.

Lost 2.8lbs (3.6 in the last 2 weeks) in the last week. I made a face like this :eek:

misslt · 06-02-2013 8:52am

That's fantastic Stench Blossoms!

I was down 2.4lb, I actually did a happy dance on the scales

And I got a dress for the interview and it was an 18, I was terrified I'd have to get a 20! (When I started WW last time, about 2 years ago, I swore I'd never wear a 20 again).

So I'm happy out all round

Dolbert · 06-02-2013 11:29am

Hermione* wrote: »

Is that the one with jalapeno pepper? I discovered it the other week. It's amazing!

Yes indeed, it has quite a kick! It might have even surpassed their caramelised onion one for me...

Stench Blossoms wrote: »

Been experimenting with ketois for the last week. Eating the same amount of calories just changing my macros and doing the same amount of exercise.

Lost 2.8lbs (3.6 in the last 2 weeks) in the last week. I made a face like this :eek:

It's brilliant isn't it, gonna do it for a few weeks before the wedding for chiseled Zoolanderesque cheekbones*

*I'll settle for a slightly slimmer face though

Eabhabear · 06-02-2013 11:39am

Stench Blossoms wrote: »

Been experimenting with ketois for the last week. Eating the same amount of calories just changing my macros and doing the same amount of exercise.

Lost 2.8lbs (3.6 in the last 2 weeks) in the last week. I made a face like this :eek:

I have heard of ketois mentioned before but I don't really know much about it. How does it work exactly?

Gauge · 06-02-2013 11:41am

Hope nobody minds me dropping in

I have about a stone to lose between now and the end of May but I'll settle for 10lbs, as it would put me back at the lowest weight I've previously been as an adult (ironically, that was back when I was a sedentary college student who existed entirely on chocolate, crisps, bread, and pasta. Oh, to have that metabolism again). In 3 weeks I've lost 2.8lbs which is slow going but I'm aiming for a gradual downward trend so as long as it keeps heading in that direction I'll be happy! Stench Blossoms, your one week loss of the same amount is VERY impressive to me

I eat between 1400-1800 calories a day (usually at the higher end if I'm lifting weights or being exceptionally active, in the middle if I'm lightly active (e.g. horseriding or walking), and the lower end if it's a lazy day, which I try to avoid as much as possible). I've started tracking macros at 40/30/30 for carbs/protein/fat and I'm actually hitting them most days which is inspiring. It feels very counterintuitive like I'm cramming myself full of protein (and it's not even a lot by some people's standards I'd imagine!) and eating WAY too much fat but that's probably the years of being a big carb-lover talking.

I LOVE HUMMUS. I was obsessed with the Peri Peri hummus from Tesco but I've actually eaten it so often I'm sick of it now

I haven't tried the jalapeño or onion flavour though. I love making my own but it tends to end up super garlicky so probably not the best for bringing into the office for lunch!

Stench Blossoms · 06-02-2013 1:05pm

Eabhabear wrote: »

I have heard of ketois mentioned before but I don't really know much about it. How does it work exactly?

I'm eating less than 20g of carbs a day or 5%

65% fats and 30% protein.

I'm not really hugely happy with the big loss. I don't think losing that much in a short space of time is healthy. I'm a .5lb a week kinda gal

06-02-2013 2:34pm

Stench Blossoms wrote: »

Been experimenting with ketois for the last week. Eating the same amount of calories just changing my macros and doing the same amount of exercise.

Lost 2.8lbs (3.6 in the last 2 weeks) in the last week. I made a face like this :eek:

careful, an awful awful awful lot of that will be water.

You need to ensure you are well hydrated in ketosis, as you need to give your liver and kidneys plenty of 'flush'.

Stench Blossoms · 06-02-2013 2:36pm

Deleted User wrote: »

careful, an awful awful awful lot of that will be water.

You need to ensure you are well hydrated in ketosis, as you need to give your liver and kidneys plenty of 'flush'.

Yeh I'm actually hoping its mainly water. I don't like to see the scale go down that much.

I drink about 4 litres of water a day.

06-02-2013 2:37pm

Up your salts too?

Stench Blossoms · 06-02-2013 3:21pm

I never really watch that. Only other thing I look at other than pfc is fibre.

Hardonraging · 06-02-2013 3:38pm

Deleted User wrote: »

careful, an awful awful awful lot of that will be water.

You need to ensure you are well hydrated in ketosis, as you need to give your liver and kidneys plenty of 'flush'.

Very important tip there for low carbs / Ketosis .. but at least SB has a good understanding that the fat's she consuming is being burned as energy, as opposed to stored .

I was toying with the idea of low carb high fat also, but i'm happy with a balance right about now, it's more sustainable, for every day eating..

boogle · 06-02-2013 6:21pm

Jaysus, I'd say keeping carbs under 20g is a bit of a pain in the arse! Are you even limiting veg?

Stench Blossoms · 06-02-2013 6:23pm

boogle wrote: »

Jaysus, I'd say keeping carbs under 20g is a bit of a pain in the arse! Are you even limiting veg?

This is a typical day

Bacon and eggs
Chicken cheese casserole
Nuts
chicken cheese and jalapenos wrapped in bacon
Nuts
Greek yogurt and strawberries.

Sephya · 06-02-2013 7:07pm

Stench Blossoms wrote: »

This is a typical day

Bacon and eggs
Chicken cheese casserole
Nuts
chicken cheese and jalapenos wrapped in bacon
Nuts
Greek yogurt and strawberries.

i have to ask.... how regular are you with a diet like that?

Stench Blossoms · 06-02-2013 7:09pm

Sephya wrote: »

i have to ask.... how regular are you with a diet like that?

As in how often do I go to the jacks or do I stick to the diet much?

Sephya · 06-02-2013 7:21pm

Stench Blossoms wrote: »

As in how often do I go to the jacks or do I stick to the diet much?

yes... how often you have a bowel movement!

Stench Blossoms · 06-02-2013 7:23pm

Sephya wrote: »

yes... how often you have a bowel movement!

Everyday.

Psyllium husk are my best friend.

That's just one day.

Another day could be:
Bacon and eggs
Almond chicken with broccoli, carrots, cauliflower.
Prawn salad
Nuts

So I do get some veg in there.

boogle · 06-02-2013 11:03pm

Stench Blossoms wrote: »

This is a typical day

Bacon and eggs
Chicken cheese casserole
Nuts
chicken cheese and jalapenos wrapped in bacon
Nuts
Greek yogurt and strawberries.

Doesn't sound too bad. Grocery bill taking a hit I'll bet!

Stench Blossoms · 06-02-2013 11:09pm

Nah not really. Buy my chicken fillets in my local wholesale butchers. Eggs, bacon, cheese, spinach, veg, fruit, nuts in Lidl.

Eabhabear · 07-02-2013 5:18pm

I think here might be a good place to ask these questions. As well as following Weight Watchers, I am trying to make changes for the better. One of these changes is switching to wholewheat/brown pasta, rice and wraps. When I looked up the nutritional value for brown rice, I found that it has less fibre than normal white rice. Would this be correct? The whole reason for changing is to up my fibre intake. I guess I'm asking which is better for you?

Also I take fish oil tablets but someone told me I should only take them for a few months at a time as my body will become immune to this. Is this true or should I take them everyday?

banquet · 07-02-2013 5:33pm

Eabhabear wrote: »

I think here might be a good place to ask these questions. As well as following Weight Watchers, I am trying to make changes for the better. One of these changes is switching to wholewheat/brown pasta, rice and wraps. When I looked up the nutritional value for brown rice, I found that it has less fibre than normal white rice. Would this be correct? The whole reason for changing is to up my fibre intake. I guess I'm asking which is better for you?

Also I take fish oil tablets but someone told me I should only take them for a few months at a time as my body will become immune to this. Is this true or should I take them everyday?

The human body doesn't become "immune" to food.

Stench Blossoms · 07-02-2013 6:38pm

Eabhabear wrote: »

I think here might be a good place to ask these questions. As well as following Weight Watchers, I am trying to make changes for the better. One of these changes is switching to wholewheat/brown pasta, rice and wraps. When I looked up the nutritional value for brown rice, I found that it has less fibre than normal white rice. Would this be correct? The whole reason for changing is to up my fibre intake. I guess I'm asking which is better for you?

Marketing nowadays would have you believe the brown version is the healthier version but in reality there isn't a huge amount of difference between them.

If you want to increase fibre intake increase I suggest eating more green vegetables.

doctorwhogirl · 07-02-2013 11:16pm

I must buy frozen spinach again. Love the stuff but always forget. Got plenty of brocolli in this week though and cabbage. Yum.

Hoping for a STS this week I think

Not because I went off plan, was on plan as normal but just feel like I'm bigger or more bloated or something. Hate when my body does this! Just when I feel I'm making progress!

Scales at weekend will tell but if I STS I'll be happy it's not a gain, but annoyed because I put in the effort for even a small loss.

As someone was chanting, and I chanted it today, in the fitness logs

progress is not linear

Need to keep this in mind

April O Neill · 07-02-2013 11:43pm

doctorwhogirl wrote: »

progress is not linear

Need to keep this in mind

Exactly, a downward trend over time is the important thing. We're not robots.

Gauge · 08-02-2013 12:28am

I'm all about the downward trend. I've fallen off the wagon before over small gains and stalls. It's what I want to avoid this time round. "progress is not linear"- I like that!

That said, I always skip a weigh in during my time of the month, so no weigh in for me this week. I bloat like a pufferfish and don't need the demotivation of what could be up to a 5lb gain, even if I know it's only temporary!

boogle · 08-02-2013 12:35am

Yeah, I wish I has the restraint to just weight in once a month! Maybe I'd stop beating myself up over the little bumps

doctorwhogirl · 08-02-2013 1:37am

Gauge wrote: »

I'm all about the downward trend. I've fallen off the wagon before over small gains and stalls. It's what I want to avoid this time round. "progress is not linear"- I like that!

That said, I always skip a weigh in during my time of the month, so no weigh in for me this week. I bloat like a pufferfish and don't need the demotivation of what could be up to a 5lb gain, even if I know it's only temporary!

Hormones are a b*tch. And mine are always all over the shop!

misslt · 08-02-2013 8:46am

I got my TOTM a week early this month (which was very odd - im wondering is it down to the change in my diet?) so I had it on Wednesday for WI, now while it's too early to pick out a trend on the scales, I think from I started taking evening primrose oil I don't be *nearly* as bloated as I used to be. I was also down this week, when I was doing WW no matter how well I ate or how much exercise I did the best I could hope for was a STS when it was in town.

April O Neill · 08-02-2013 9:53am

boogle wrote: »

Yeah, I wish I has the restraint to just weight in once a month! Maybe I'd stop beating myself up over the little bumps

I used to weigh myself every day. Now my weighing scales batteries are sitting in my desk at work, and I bring them home every six weeks or so. :cool: TBH, I don't want to have to do that forever, I'm just trying to "train" myself not to do it every day, as I think that can lead to obsessiveness.

08-02-2013 10:06am

My weight can fluctuate from 76.5 to 79.5kg over the course of a week. I only bought a scales recently to keep track half-heartedly.

I can't imagine the pain that someone who's obsessed with the scales must feel when they see a gain of 4/5 lbs on a week where they've done little 'wrong'.

My advice. Forget the scales and take some photos. Or just concentrate on the difference in your jeans fitting better, or your t shirt sitting better on your chest, or you feeling better at the top of the stairs in work, or your 'old clothes' coming back out of the wardrobe.

Check in on the scales every now and again to validate yourself, by all means. But obsessing over the figure is only ever going to beat you up. Don't forget, you're not really interested in Weight Loss, that's a goal that is correlated with what you are doing, and can be an indicator of progress but isn't always.

You are trying to become a healthier version of yourself. You are aiming to be a different shape, a different body composition, a different type of person. The scales are indicators, not the overall judges!

Pembily · 08-02-2013 10:06am

I was down 2lb this week and I feel slim with is great

April O Neill · 08-02-2013 10:24am

Deleted User wrote: »

My weight can fluctuate from 76.5 to 79.5kg over the course of a week. I only bought a scales recently to keep track half-heartedly.

I can't imagine the pain that someone who's obsessed with the scales must feel when they see a gain of 4/5 lbs on a week where they've done little 'wrong'.

My advice. Forget the scales and take some photos. Or just concentrate on the difference in your jeans fitting better, or your t shirt sitting better on your chest, or you feeling better at the top of the stairs in work, or your 'old clothes' coming back out of the wardrobe.

Check in on the scales every now and again to validate yourself, by all means. But obsessing over the figure is only ever going to beat you up. Don't forget, you're not really interested in Weight Loss, that's a goal that is correlated with what you are doing, and can be an indicator of progress but isn't always.

You are trying to become a healthier version of yourself. You are aiming to be a different shape, a different body composition, a different type of person. The scales are indicators, not the overall judges!

I'm a big fan of taking photos. I don't like to do that too often either though. :P

El_Dangeroso · 08-02-2013 4:49pm

misslt wrote: »

I got my TOTM a week early this month (which was very odd - im wondering is it down to the change in my diet?)

Yes, definitely, the reason is that women store estrogen in fat cells, this gets released in a whoosh and causes hormones to go a bit whackadoo, usually an early period. Settles down pretty quickly after that though.

Gauge · 08-02-2013 5:44pm

doctorwhogirl wrote: »

Hormones are a b*tch. And mine are always all over the shop!

Tell me about it, on top of feeling puffy I'm craving carbs and sugar like a crazy person for the past few days. Thankfully I feel a bit calmer today. But yesterday I would have gnawed my arm off for some chocolate.

I have no before/after photos. I keep saying I'm going to take some but I always chicken out- I hate photos of myself at the best of times! But I think I'll do that this weekend.

doctorwhogirl · 08-02-2013 7:06pm

El_Dangeroso wrote: »

Yes, definitely, the reason is that women store estrogen in fat cells, this gets released in a whoosh and causes hormones to go a bit whackadoo, usually an early period. Settles down pretty quickly after that though.

Not me, mine became really irregular and more or less stopped when I lost the weight.

:(

Gyno who investigated, and I quote, said it was my "brain", that everything else was fine.

I think problem with me though was that I was only 2 years having cycles when I really started packing on weight so that was normal for me. Being at a healthier weight is abnormal. That coinciding with fairly low calorie intake didn't help I reckon. Pill regulated them then but I'm off that now.

I'm curious to see if having upped calories will help get me back on the road!

In other news! Victory over temptation for me!
In Tesco getting my food shop for next week and they were giving out mini pancakes smothered in chocolate philadelphia.

I walked past people. I WALKED RIGHT PAST! :cool:

Now eating a sexy homemade sweet and sour chicken with cauliflower rice. Hairy Dieters' cookbook was the best thing I have ever bought!

misslt · 08-02-2013 7:53pm

doctorwhogirl wrote: »

Not me, mine became really irregular and more or less stopped when I lost the weight. :(

Gyno who investigated, and I quote, said it was my "brain", that everything else was fine.

I think problem with me though was that I was only 2 years having cycles when I really started packing on weight so that was normal for me. Being at a healthier weight is abnormal. That coinciding with fairly low calorie intake didn't help I reckon. Pill regulated them then but I'm off that now.

I'm curious to see if having upped calories will help get me back on the road!

In other news! Victory over temptation for me!
In Tesco getting my food shop for next week and they were giving out mini pancakes smothered in chocolate philadelphia.

I walked past people. I WALKED RIGHT PAST! :cool:

Now eating a sexy homemade sweet and sour chicken with cauliflower rice. Hairy Dieters' cookbook was the best thing I have ever bought!

See I was really confused cos I'm on the pill now (really shouldn't be technically but I've talked to my doctor about it) so thats why I found it so odd. When I'm not on it I'm all over the shop and wouldn't have thought twice.

Well done you, I'd have caved

Where did you get this wonderful cookbook you speak of? I've heard great things!

doctorwhogirl · 08-02-2013 11:21pm

Got it in Easons for about 15euro! It's the Hairy Dieter's cookbook! I'm obsessed with it. I've made, so far

mince pies
sweet and sour chicken
chicken korma
skinny lasagne (uses leeks)
cottage pie
prawn and cod gratin
peppered steak

And I'm in love with every dish!

Chicken jalfrezi next week I think!:cool:

Dolbert · 09-02-2013 1:17pm

Another 2lb gone, very unexpected as I've been a bit more relaxed with food this week! Must be the IF working its magic

lemon_sherbert · 09-02-2013 1:58pm

Down 1.5 kg this week (about 3lb:eek:) haven't had a loss this big since I was way heavier, over a year ago, I'm delighted! Been working hard at the exercise, sticking at my calorie goal, getting there at last. Only 3kg away from a 'normal' BMI. I know it's not the best tool, but I do really want to hit that target.

doctorwhogirl · 09-02-2013 7:36pm

Amazing losses everyone!!!

Munstermad · 09-02-2013 10:45pm

Got the Hairy Bikers Diet book too, is fab... My Dad nicked to though, but he's trying out all the recipies on me.

How bad!!

doctorwhogirl · 10-02-2013 12:08pm

STS this week. Actually tiny gain of like 0.2 or somethings.

Not going to lie, of course I'm not happy but at least it isn't a gain.

I had a solid week food wise but I know the sedation on Tuesday and subsequent dosing myself with painkillers for a day/2 (dentist) probably didn't help.
This coinciding with the fact I've lost a good chunk (for me) lately and my body has a tendency to balance itself out.

I also know that the above reasons don't really matter overall. a good week's effort won't go away unless I ruin it myself.

"progress isn't linear!!!!!"

I think I've lost another half inch off my waist and a bit around my hips so that's all progress.

April O Neill · 10-02-2013 12:26pm

I'm toying with the idea of given up stuff for Lent for the first time since I was about 12.

I'm not religious - but I think it's good to challenge oneself every now and then. No junk for 46 days - with maybe the odd bit of wholemeal bread. (which I realise some would classify as junk, but let's not get into that

)

My sister is for some reason very resistant to the idea of me doing it.

Her: "A little of what you fancy is fine"
Me: "Yes, but a challenge is a good thing too"

and back and forth ad nauseum.

Anyone else going to do it?

Pembily · 10-02-2013 1:59pm

I'm giving up chocolate for lent. Less religious more for self control and breaking a habit.

Gauge · 10-02-2013 2:02pm

I'm totally non religious and I still give things up for Lent. It is a good time to challenge yourself and break habits.

I usually give up sweets/chocolate/junk/etc. Really though I should be giving up alcohol

April O Neill · 10-02-2013 2:39pm

Gauge wrote: »

I usually give up sweets/chocolate/junk/etc. Really though I should be giving up alcohol

See, I WISH I had the self-control towards junk food that I have towards alcohol. Haven't drank since New Year's Eve, and didn't miss it. In fact, I can't believe it's been nearly six weeks! :eek: That's very normal for me though, I can go months without drinking. Alcohol makes me depressed and has a knock-on effect on my diet, so I find it very easy to excise from my life. Going out for dinner for my BF's birthday next weekend. That'll probably be my first drink since NYE.

Sugar on the other hand...

General Weight Loss Support Thread

Comments