One month ago Larry and I decided we needed to start a diet. Together. From time to time one or the other of us has tried to lose weight, but not both at the same time. This time we realized that we needed to make a change and that the best way to make it work was to do it together.
I don't guess it's really a diet, since we're not starving and not doing anything like the Adkins diet or any kind of program like that. Our rules are pretty simple:
1. Cut back the breads. We were eating toast for breakfast, sandwich for lunch. Now it's toast only on the weekends.
2. Eat oatmeal for breakfast, save the eggs for the weekend breakfasts.
3. Few sweets. Except for honey in my tea, and jam for the toast on weekend, the sweetener in oatmeal, that's about it. We can break loose a little on weekends, but that's all.
4. More salads, soups and vegetable. With the freezer and cellar full, veggies are easy.
5. Less salt. My blood pressure was higher than it's ever been when I was at the doctor at the beginning of the month--I don't want it to get any worse. And Larry's is an issue too. I don't have to take meds yet, and I don't want to start if I can avoid it.
6. And because of the same reason, decaff coffee. I have never been able to tell the difference anyway.
7. Keep dinners light. Salad or soup, usually. This week we're splurging a little with quiche. I cook on the weekends so dinners are easy to prepare. That stops the "just-grab-something-quick" syndrome.
8. Chamomile tea in the evenings is a new addition, and we like it. It's relaxing and is supposed to help us sleep better. I don't worry about that, but I do like its flavor.
After one month, Larry has lost 20 pounds. I've lost 8. His bp and sugar levels are perfect now that his medications can work like they should because he's eating right. My bp is usually fine, occasionally still skimming that line so I have more work to do. But already we both feel much better and have more energy.
This coming month I don't expect such wonderful results and will be happy with losing another pound or two. I am having fun experimenting with different recipes, and we're saving money because we're eating less and using more from the freezer and cellar.
Anyone else on a diet? How is your going?
We're total converts to making our daily oatmeal using steel-cut oats in our rice cooker. Couldn't be easier! Night before, just dump oats, water and dried fruit into the steamer. If you have one with a "brain" you can set it to start in the morning. We just hit the button when we get up and 30 minutes later when we come in from chores, breakfast is hot and ready.
ReplyDeleteI wish I had your willpower and determination.
ReplyDeleteI wouldn't say I'm dieting but just trying to cut back a little and exercise more.
It's hard when you still have to cook for the rest of the family. Just because I'm on a "diet" doesn't mean everyone else is so it means 2 meals to make instead of 1. :o(
Granny Sue
ReplyDeleteSlow and steady wins the race. I have lost 90 pounds in last year and a half. Just eating a more balanced diet and exercising. It's a lifestyle change not a diet! I use a site called Sparkpeople.com. It is an amazing site and completely free. Here's to feeling better!
Dianna Waite
Way to go you two! That's remarkable (still irritating that a man can lose so much faster than a woman tho! :) I try to eat healthy. I think back to what my ancestors at the turn of the century would have eaten. They lived the healthiest and the longest. But I need to get back on the oatmeal breakfast . . . I would so much rather have my eggs and rye or wheat toast.
ReplyDeleteI'm always trying to lose a little weight, sometimes I try harder than others. I'm only about 10 pounds too heavy but it makes a lot of difference to the way I feel and my energy levels. If I can lose another 5 or 6 pounds I'll be about right. You and Larry have done really well.
ReplyDeleteWith cholesterol at 283 and the beginnings of hypertension - I can say Yes! I am being more careful. I don't mind cutting out some things. If it had been triglyceride levels that were high - it would have been so much easier. I don't like the food that are high in triglycerides but since those levels were below normal, and its my LDL's instead - I've had to cut back on the dairies. I love fish and chicken, so cutting out red meats is nothing. But my cheese? Man-o-man!
ReplyDeleteWay to go Sue! Give Larry a high-five from me as well! It is so hard to change old habits...even when we know we will feel better. Keep up the good work. Love you both
ReplyDeleteBlueGate, I have a rice cooker but never thought about using it to cook oats. Something to try out--thank you for the suggestion!
ReplyDeleteJessica, we tried one time or another to diet individually, but it just doesn't work. And truthfully, a good diet is good for everyone. Larry is diabetic and if sweets were in the house, he'd eat them. I resisted having to go on his diet, but really it's healthier for me and easier for him if we just eat the same stuff.
Way to go, Dianna! My gosh, you've lost a whole person ;) I would love to be that successful, but I'll be happy with 20 or 30 pounds, although Lord knows I could lose more. I will check out that website. Thanks!
Nance, I feel your pain. I truly miss my eggs, and once we've gotten off more of this weight, we might add eggs back to at least a couple mornings a week. The doc said my cholesterol was a little high, not much and it was the HDL, but still, at my age I need to pay attention to such things. So oats it is.
ReplyDeleteJaime, you're smart to tackle it now. Yours is hereditary, I'm sure because you've always eaten well. I hope you can get it under control quickly.
Energy is one of my goals, Rowan--I'm too heavy and get tired too quickly. little exertions make me out of breath. I. Hate. It. So, when retirement comes, walking daily is on my to-do list. Getting back in shape will take a while, but I'm willing to take the time to do it.
Thanks, Theresa! Slow and steady, ya know :)
ReplyDeleteGranny Sue -- If only I had started last month I could have had the same loss as you. I need to lose some winter additions for the spring so your post is a good incentive to begin NOW! Men always lose faster than women which can cause women to think they aren't trying hard enough. Not true -- its just the physical makeup of women.
ReplyDeleteMaybe we should start a monthly check-in, Barbara--just to keep us all on track. It's hard to keep motivated when you do it all alone.
ReplyDeleteI hope you get off to a good start with yours!
You know, Larry's weight loss has more to do with the fact that now he's eating right (and leaving beer alone!) his diabetes medication can actually work like it's supposed to. He lost a lot of fluid--and he's walking about 2 miles a day too, so he has the edge on me there.
Congrats on the weight loss, very impressive for just one month!
ReplyDeleteLast year I was on the "suddenly start chasing a three-year-old around" diet and lost 15 pounds, but about 5 of those have slipped back on since the holidays. You've inspired me to cut back on sweets so I can get rid of them now!
Nothing like a 3-yr-old to push off the pounds! I hope you have goos results, Liz.
ReplyDeleteDoesn't that just stink that men can lose weight more easily than women? Actually, it's because they carry more muscle and it takes more energy to support the muscle. They burn more calories sitting still than women do in a 15 minute walk! Anyone, congrats on the weight loss to both of you. Keep up the good work.
ReplyDeletethat is great, Susanna! I have been trying to get the will power to lose weight, but instead I have gained a lb or 2. My cholesterol is high and I am now on a small dose of blood pressure medicine. I only need to lose 10 lbs and I would be happy. My problem is sweets! You have inspired me too, maybe I will try it. I guess I won't count that Cadbury egg I just ate a few minutes ago. And, yes men do lose weight quicker!
ReplyDeleteSo nice to hear! Eating simple, good nutrition is what it is all about. Good for you and the hubs!
ReplyDelete@bluegate: Wife & I love oatmeal and I'm trying to cut cholesterol. Usually too rushed in the morning. Will try your method tomorrow. Thanks for the tip.
ReplyDeleteRe Reducing BP: Beet juice is as good as most meds. Wife was 140-150/80-85 even on meds. Now med-free & 125/75. Warning: you need a heavy duty juicer - raw beets are pretty hard.
Beet juice? I've never heard that, SW, but it's worth looking into. Thanks for the tip!
ReplyDelete