Don't know how I missed it, but I've just discovered this thread. I was once a lifetime WWer, but I haven't officially joined in years, though lately I've been thinking about it. I think I need the discipline, but this forum might do.
I've never liked the meetings much except to weigh in and get new information. I might try the online version. One of my problems is that I can be good for a day or two and then I slip. I really need to start writing things down again and keep to a regimen. I also can gain and lose rather rapidly, so a loss of a pound or two doesn't mean much for me unless I can keep it up.
So - y'all can be my inspiration. I know what to do, it's just getting around to doing it. Should we act like a virtual meeting, or is that what's already been happening?
Carry on, all!
Ann
P.S. I was beginning to think that I was the only STer who had to be weight conscious, with all the descriptions of sumptious and fattening meals and recipes around the board.
I hope you don't mind me joining in on this discussion as a former 'Weight Watcher'. I have struggled with my weight since my university days.
WW really worked for me once, and I think I sat at my goal weight for all of 3 months.
I think dieting is like comfortable travel shoes. We each have to find the brand and style that fits our bodies, life-styles, etc.
My current approach is that I want to eat healthy and not have to think about it constantly. I sat down with the Canada Food Guide last April to refresh my memory, and then I stocked up on healthy food. I cut back my portions, and I stopped eating processed foods.
I never weigh myself, because my focus is on eating healthy for the rest of my life rather than losing weight, but I've gone from a Talbot's size W22 down to a 16 regular. (It was exciting to cross over to the other side of the store!!)
I'm not trying to convert anyone, just suggesting an alternative approach that is working for me.
Posts: 695 | Location: Toronto | Registered: 18 February 2006
Marge, that's fabulous. I'm doing exactly what you're doing but through WW - I just need to have the accountability that WW gives me; not enough self-discipline to do it on my own I guess. Plus, I like the women in my meeting and find I get some good ideas/support from them. I think that's why it bothers me (not in a I get angry way, but I feel bad way) when people complain that it's taking too long to lose weight. If you're committed to changing your lifestyle, it shouldn't matter how long it takes to drop the weight b/c there will be no other alternative when you're done (i.e., you keep having to do it whether you're losing or not).
There's nothing like crossing over that W line. I can remember when I did it; amazing. Sometimes I still take my medium tops out of the dryer and think, "Oh my, the dryer shrunk my clothes; there's no way this will fit." Yet it does.
If you're committed to changing your lifestyle, it shouldn't matter how long it takes to drop the weight b/c there will be no other alternative when you're done (i.e., you keep having to do it whether you're losing or not).
Exactly! I believe that is one of the reasons that I failed to keep the weight off. I let the number of pounds lost each week keep me going, and once that stopped, my motivation to stick with the program went out the window.
Posts: 695 | Location: Toronto | Registered: 18 February 2006
I am also one on of the ex-WWers... For me, (and that is me personally)...the program or at least the way that I worked it was not good for me. I saw myself as "winning" - which meant losing weight or "being a loser" because I didn't lose weight. It increased my sense of anxiety, fear, guilt and shame about eating and carrying extra weight. That is NOT the programs fault - but for some of us, it is what happens.
I was in WW several times and had an eating disorder for well over 20 years. The only way I could get over the eating disorder was to stop weighing myself and viewing myself as "good" or "bad" in relationship to food. Now - much like Marg up above, I am basing my choices entirely on what is fresh, what is tasty, what is healthy, what makes me feel strong...I need to plan - Planning is great - I need to practice stress reduction...and I need to have the foods that are good for me around me.
I only wanted to pipe in, however, because I hate to see people beating themselves up because they didn't lose the weight they wanted to. We are so much more than what we weigh - however, believe me I know it sometimes is hard to remember that. It is so easy to let that external pressure get to us. Even when we try and convince ourselves that its only because we want to be healthy.... well, really, we don't need to know how much we weigh to know if we are healthy or not! I am not refuting what anyone has said up above, I understand most of it, my head has been nodding away but I just needed to share a bit of my perspective.
I think whatever works for you - then that's great! Just make sure you protect yourself from the obsessive nature of weight loss programs and use them to empower yourself instead.
You raise some very important points. Another thing that bothers me is that "ideal" weight charts don't take age into account. I spent a good deal of time last evening trying to find one that did, but without success. They seem to treat us seniors the same way as 20-somethings despite contrary advice in the medical literature.
By the way, keep those great recipes coming. I certainly didn't bring this up to stop the dialogue - it's a great way to encourage each other to eat healthy and try new things!
By the way, I didn't bring this up to stop the dialogue. Keep those interesting recipes and sharing going - its great encouragement for those of us who are trying to be healthier!
Mix homemade applesauce with plain yoghurt (I use Astro Balkan Style) and put in a bit of vanilla to taste. For the applesauce, I use a MacIntosh apples, and I add plenty of cinnamon and some ginger. The proportions are about half and half.
I haven't tried it with low fat yoghurt, but I suspect that it wouldn't have the same creamy rich taste that you get with the Balkan style yoghurt. Since you aren't getting a huge amount of yoghurt in a serving, I feel it's worth it to go for the extra fat.
Posts: 695 | Location: Toronto | Registered: 18 February 2006
Another quick and low fat dessert idea - combine a serving of non-fat low cal vanilla yoghurt and about 1/2 - 1 cup of frozen blueberries (or berry of your choice) in a blender - mix until fruit is pureed, and you have a wonderful frozen yoghurt dish that is yummy and good for you (this is especially good with Trader Joe's frozen wild blueberries, which are only available occasionally - they are naturally sweeter than the big ones).
Posts: 2063 | Location: Berkeley, CA | Registered: 22 March 2005
I know we talked about this some time ago, but I why can't they make a low sugar yogurt? Why does it all have to have artificial stuff or gobs of sugar?
I know we talked about this some time ago, but I why can't they make a low sugar yogurt? Why does it all have to have artificial stuff or gobs of sugar?
Topic Closed
I looked at that guideline and it looks healthy and sensible. 
