Tip of the Week

So many folks come to this forum, especially on Mondays, freaking out because they’ve gained weight and they’re looking for real help.

I’m the kind of person that has to be told the basic steps to take... take 2 steps, stop, turn the handle to the door, pu**** open, enter room... and I think that is what most folks are looking for, precise things to do. So, I was wondering what you guys thought about starting a thread on Mondays, maybe entitle it "Tip of the Week". In this tread we can offer things we do, or don’t do, to help keep us in line.

To those that might read this thread in order to get ideas I need to say this. If there are 7 responses to this thread, Do Not Try To Incorporate All Seven Of The Suggestions! Take one, maybe 2, that you KNOW you can do, that you KNOW you can incorporate into your real life, and that might help. Example: If someone posts that waking up at 3:30 a.m. every morning and going for a 20 mile run helps keep them in line, I say more power to ya, cuz I sure ain’t gunna do it! Or if someone says that drinking a quart of vinegar a day helps... I don’t think that’s my cup of tea, either... See what I mean? Why tell myself that I’ll do something, knowing that I can’t and won’t, and thus setting myself up for more failure.

Also, be sure to remember that some of the suggestions might go against your doctor/nut’s advice. Another example: I know that many find that using protein shakes/bars helps them, but my doctor does not allow their use. I know that all of us are individuals and we need to do what works best for us and most of these instructions from the docs/nuts are cookie-cutter in natural, but also remember that all surgeons perform their procedures different from each other and there might be a very good reason for some of their rules that relate to how your surgery was done... just something to keep in mind.

My "Tip of the Week" is this - I eat off a salad plate instead of a full size plate. Now, don’t get me wrong, there are times that it’s really piled up there, baby, but I really try to limit myself to what will fit on the plate and not go back for seconds (this does not include the salad that I usually eat with almost every lunch and dinner).

Okay guys, what do you think? Anyone else want to play? I know that I could use a few new ideas to shake things up in my world.

Becky

I also eat off salad plates.  In fact, that is all the plates I have.  Helping my family by purchasing smaller plates.  I also read ( in a magazine from my weight loss support group) that eating off blue plates tells your brain (the color blue) to not eat so much.  So I have blue plates. Blessings, Tami

Ok, I'll add something~ Dedicate yourself to getting 30 minutes of exercise at least 5 days per week. I don't care what kind of exercise it is~walking, biking, swimming, dvd's, weightlifting, etc.......just promise to break a sweat for 30min 5x's per week. I usually end up doing more than this, but in my mind I always figure "I can do just 30min" and then I end up walking farther than I thought I could~its just the getting started that's hard sometimes but once you're moving it doesn't seem so bad!

I like this idea. I plan on getting blue plates too lol. My tip for the day would be to plan your meals for the day. The best you can anyway. And have something good for a snack if the snack monster comes to visit. I know we can't always plan but if we at least get an idea in our heads of what we are going to eat that day if would help.  Brenda

I did not know that about blue plates, but I bet there will be a rush on blue plates at all the Wal-Marts. I'd always heard never to paint your kitchen red because red makes you eat more, so I tore down my red-and-white gingham curtains and now there's white lace ones on the windows. I do have red pots & pans but they're almost new and I hate to get rid of them yet. (My next ones will be blue.)

My biggest tip right now is to buy Stock in the company that makes blue salad plates, cause everyone here is going to be out buying them. Brenda I also believe in your tip - Plan your meals, when I was doing the 5 day test I planned my meals for the day - even snacks and this really kept me on track. Also what really help   - here is my tip   do NOT   drink any fluids 30-40 mins before and after eating. Laura

This is a great idea!  I just found this board today.  I'm 16 months out from a Lap RNY.  I've lost 140 lbs and then stalled.  I've been stalled for several months now.  I'm definitely going to try the 5 day pouch test.  I have a consult with a plastic surgeon in about an hour for a panniculectomy (sp).  The extra skin I have reallyimpedes my exercise program so I hope having it removed will make it easier for me.  Thanks for all y'all's great ideas. Dollie

Hi Becky: My tip for the day is not to eat anything 3 hours before bedtime.  I finish all my dinner and/or snacks by 7:00 pm.  I go to bed by 10:00 pm.  I still drink my liquids but I am finished with food for the day.  I know if I do this then usually I can maintain my weight for the day.  If I have cut back on my calories then I will show a loss in a day or two.  If I eat late at night, then the scale will haunt me in the morning.  Don't know why, it just does. Darlene

This is the one I keep working on! I saw a program on the Discovery Channel which pointed out that sumo wrestlers eat a huge meal just before bed time and most of those calories are converted to fat. Not what I want. Have a great day Rich