Bipolar, Age, and Weight Loss

I’ve been on a weight loss program for weeks and came to the conclusion that my bipolar meds might be a hindrance to me.

I did some research and saw that I was correct. The Abilify I take is known for weight gain. Ugh! I also take Prozac with it. That hasn’t helped me any, either.

So, I deal with a sluggish metabolism and insulin resistance and try not to eat too much each day, so I won’t gain weight. I tend to gain weight if I eat “what everyone else eats.” So, I limit my calories and try to stay away from sweets and empty carbs. This has proven to be more difficult than I expected. I’ve increased my protein intake a bit, so it might help me keep some muscle. I also do some strength training at home.

In my 30s and 40s, I could lose pounds by simply eating less and moving more. That did work for me. Now, in my 50s, it’s a completely different situation. Not sure, but I think it’s a mixture of the insulin resistance and slower metabolism and inability to exercise much because I’ve gotten too heavy and uncomfortable to do much. Strength training helps more than anything. Use stretchy bands or just lift soup cans.

I now walk, slowly. Very slowly. It’s frustrating but it’s all I can seem to scrape up. My mother told me to get my weight in line before I hit my 50s. I didn’t listen. I have a great treadmill and it’s my favorite (?) method of exercise.

Back to the meds for bipolar and how they affect my body. I’ve read a lot on the subject and learned that Abilify, a mood stabilizer, is likely part of what keeps me heavy. However, I can’t stop taking it or just switch. It’s not that simple. This med works well for me. I won’t give up my mental health for weight loss – although both are affecting my health.

Prozac has differing research. It can cause weight gain with long term use and can increase carb cravings, it seems. The fact that 1 in every 10 Americans take an antidepressant means a lot of us are dealing with this.

For now, I’m journaling my eating each day and trying to move more. I didn’t realize how difficult this journey would be until just lately. I’m hanging in there, though. I’m still down 6 pounds but it’s been a few weeks now. I did go off my planned eating several times, so that it likely why I don’t see changes more quickly. Hey, it’s hard to change your lifestyle. 😉

My doctor actually doubled my Prozac two days ago. I was having some depression, fatigue, and lack of interest in daily things. So, I’ll see if this affects my weight loss at all. It’s always SOMETHING, huh?

I hope you are having success with your health and in your weight loss efforts. I’m still here and fighting this uphill battle with you.

Non-scale victories this past week – learned to make better beef jerky at home. LOL. Also, just the fact that I will NOT give up on this goal is a victory for me. In addition, I am eating less in the evenings and at bedtime. I’m sleeping enough, too.

Whether you take mental health meds or other meds that may affect your weight and general health, stick with improving yourself. You are worth it. So am I. Love y’all.

Weight Loss – Get Honest or Get Fatter!

I never thought of myself as a perfectionist or a liar . . . but I was. I was usually an all or nothing type of person. I couldn’t stay perfect on my diets, so I’d give up until I could start over the next day, the next Monday, or the next month. It was like I was on a stationary bike, riding hard but going nowhere. Plus, I was frustrated and angry most of the time. I felt like a big fat failure.

One day, I saw my actions for what they were – human nature. I never lived up to the standards I made for myself. It was exhausting. So, I re-thought my path to reach the goals I set. No more being down on myself for natural falls or not being 100% all the time. It’s such a pleasant change to just give myself a break – to say, “It’s ok. I stumbled but will keep at it.”

However, actually doing this mental decision in my daily life was and is tough. Yesterday, I ate 220 calories over my goal because I chose chocolate candy after lunch. It still bothers me that I ate a sugary, unhealthful snack and also threw a wrench in my calorie allotment for the day, but I’m not quitting my eating-healthfully program. I’m not bingeing like I once would. So, I stumbled. I’m moving on. I’m getting a bit used to this imperfection stuff. It feels pretty good, too. I’m still down 6 pounds, and it’s slow going, but I’m learning.

My non-scale victories for the week were not berating myself and not giving up on my goal. I also took a multivitamin each day.

I’ve had a rough day today, so far. Mentally, I want to eat for some reason, but I haven’t had anything but coffee because I’m not physically hungry. It’s a very strange combination. I am being honest with myself, though, and not trying to hide my actions. This keeps me from the binges and most of the poor choices in meals.

I’ve realized that this issue with food will be a lifetime struggle. I’m in my fifties, short, not super active, and have had a hysterectomy, so my metabolism is sluggish. I don’t exercise per se because I’m still too large and get out of breath too easily (I also have asthma). So, for now, I just get as much physical exercise as I can doing housework and running errands.

It’s almost summer. That reminds me of my past and drinking a large Sonic slush each afternoon because it was cold and kept the hundred degree days at bay. I looked up the calorie amount in a large slush. It’s 470! That is a third of my daily allowance.

So, my imperfections are something I need to accept and the fact that I need to log my intake of foods and beverages daily is obvious.

It’s time to be real about my problem with food and tackle it the best I can. It’s time to get honest or get fatter.

7 Helps to Lose Weight!

According to the CDC, over 73% of American adults are overweight or obese. Being overweight is linked to diabetes, cancer, and heart disease.

Try to lose weight slowly because fast losses can cause issues like gallstones and even existing muscle loss. You also need to avoid quick weight loss because you likely won’t get the nutritional needs your body requires. So, you would be deficient and lacking energy, as well. Nevermind that your mood will also be affected adversely.

An average female uses about 1200 calories just to maintain her bodily functions, so increase this calorie number by a few hundred, at least, to see losses in fat but to remain healthy.

Don’t forget to get some good sleep each night, too. That is when your body is repairing itself.

1. Add fiber to your daily intake. Fiber helps you have a faster metabolism, so goodbye extra weight. Choose vegetables for this, if possible, because they also contain iron.
2. Eat some protein at each meal. It will keep you full longer, and it boosts your metabolism so you will lost the weight more quickly.
3. If you must have a snack in the afternoon, choose a protein with the snack. Watch the amount of food you choose for your snack. It’s not a meal.
4. Don’t eat after dinner. You want your body to recover and repair itself while you sleep – not to have to digest food you just ate.
5. Journal your eating habits. Include your beverages and snacks. I use the Loseit! app. It’s a calorie counter. Myfitnesspal is also a helpful app.
6. Move your body each day. Do as much as you are able. Walk – it’s easy for most people. If you are bored, walk at a shopping mall or Walmart. Just don’t stop a lot to shop. Walk and look at the same time.
7. Strength train! This keeps your muscles from wasting or your body from using your existing muscle as energy.

Remember, just START. Don’t put off your health. Take it one day at a time. Take it an hour at a time if you need to. You can do this! Lose the extra weight!

THAT’S my Size? No Way!

 

I hadn’t bought a blazer in almost six years. So, when it fit into the size 3X, I almost cried right in the store.

I had noticed that fitting into restaurant booths had gotten tricky and tight but a 3X?

Theater seats were crowding around my hips and bottom but a 3X?!

These limitations try to over shadow my recent weight loss of six lbs. I had to work for a month and a half to lose those six lbs.

Then, I saw something on my coffee table. It was a little glass canning jar that said Happy Jar on the side.

 

It was decorated with colorful butterflies and flowers. My friend, Ginger, had made each of us one. At the end of each day, we wrote on a small slip of paper what we were happy about on that particular day. Some days, I would have to really get down to basics to find happiness.

I decided that black, 3X blazer would definitely be one of my “Before” memories  . . . and soon!

I never knew how hard it would be to actually lose this weight when I was “ready.” I always had been able to shed pounds fairly easily in my younger years. Now, exercise is tough because of bad knees, and my age (slower metabolism) and meds try to keep me fat. They have been doing a successful job thus far, too.

I feel defeated each time I don’t lose at least one pound in a week or am not a measly inch less around my frame. I stick with it, though. I hang in there. I have to. I may have to eventually cut even more calories and exercise despite the pain, but I will lose this fat..

A 3X? I can’t believe it.

Fat Acceptance? Not Me!

 

I need to lose about 100 pounds. So, I am unhappily among those “fats” who are so loudly proclaiming (in my name) that FAT ACCEPTANCE is a must for society. I don’t agree with them. I do think everyone should be respected for who they are, yes. Treat everyone with kindness. However, obesity should not be deemed as “normal” just because half of our population is overweight now.

Obesity causes premature death. In fact the WHO says, “At least 28 million die each year as a result of being obese.” I go by scientific facts and see the cause and effect of being obese.

My being fifty-five years old doesn’t help in my work toward weight loss but I’m still working at it . . . still aiming at good health. I have high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and am pre-diabetic. I get out of breath walking at a quick pace. I have no energy because I carry around so much fat on my small 5’2 frame. Some of my meds might encourage fat storage BUT I gained this weight by eating too much food.

I do think society definitely promotes too-thin frames on models – who have also been airbrushed on magazine covers. However, poor health can be a part of too-thin people, as well. Either end of the spectrum has concerns.

We should try to love our neighbors no matter what their size but when I see so many obese people recently promoting being fat as being normal, I cringe. Being a “Fat Activist” isn’t a role I’ll ever play because I don’t agree that it is a healthful manner of existing. Also, If I, a fat person, can’t speak my mind, then this isn’t a fair argument in the first place.

Take a look at the fat acceptance movement on YouTube. It’s a highly debated topic there.

While you’re there, check out MY weight-loss channel. I’m on WW ( Weight Watchers ), and it’s going very well. I just started and am down 4 pounds in just a few days. Lea James

Question: where do YOU stand on this subject and why? Please share in comments.

I wish all of my subscribers good health and a happy life.

Love y’all,

Lea

 

This blog is a personal outlet for my opinions and should therefore be seen as such.

Weight Loss on Weight Watchers at Menopause.

Are you between 40 and 60 and finding it hard to shed unwanted pounds? You are not alone! I’ve fought through every fad diet and yo yoing eating plan out there, I think. NOTHING kept the weight off. I might lose 20 lbs but it all came back once the diet was over. I had learned nothing except how to deprive myself.

I joined WW (Weight Watchers) 2020 and am super happy with the plan and my results so far. This is an eating plan based on a points system. WAIT! Don’t let me lose you because of that. It’s easy! Not much to learn. AND there are hundreds of zero-point foods like chicken, veggies, fish, fruit, and eggs. 

I can sustain this lifestyle change from now on, too! If you are interested in my videos concerning being a newbie on WW or what restaurants are WW friendly, go to Lea James  It’s a newer channel and has some fun tips. I’ll be posting every week between Sunday and Wednesday sometime.

Join me, and let’s have some fun together on this plan. You’ll not regret being a part of it. OR just watch the videos for info on weight loss at menopause and yummy new products I’ve tried.

Love you guys!

Lea

Weight Loss and How to Stick With It!

This doesn’t look like a “diet” plate of food, does it? Well, guess what? It is. I’ve been fighting the bulge battle for 30 years and have lost every go round. Not lost weight but lost the diet game. I’d lose a few pounds and then gain back that amount plus a few more. I did that EVERY time I dieted.

I have tried multiple diet plans, too. Expensive ones where the food comes to me in the mail, Low Carb, Low Fat, Richard Simmons’ Deal a Meal, Cabbage Soup, Counting Calories, TOPS, Weight Watchers, etc.

I came to realize that it wasn’t the actual diet, per se (some were odd), but the fact that I didn’t stick with the plan long term. Well, who could stick with eating NO bread for the rest of her life? Not me. I chose a long term eating plan that I could stick with this time. Weight Watchers has always been suggested by my doctors, and I always enjoyed the freedom with that way of eating, so I began WW (their new way of referring to themselves) last week.

So far, so good but I’m having trouble with one area. The fact that I get “too” much freedom is a bit of a hindrance, believe it or not. The current plan has 200 FREE foods, meaning they have a zero Smart Points count (I get 28 points per day to spend on food. The bacon and eggs above equal 6 Points). On this list is white meat chicken, fruits, veggies, seafood, and other goodies. They assume the average dieter (which is not me) won’t overeat on eggs or beans, etc. They’re wrong.

My new antidepressant makes me hungry, so I find myself eating these free foods in quantities that aren’t diet-friendly. Example: I had a can of beans for lunch. A whole can.  Weird stuff.

Anyway, I thought I’d let my readers know that this plan really does work if YOU work it like you’re supposed to. With a few exceptions, I’ve stayed on plan and eaten very tasty meals. I drink water, iced tea, Coke Zero, and coffee mostly. I try to stay hydrated, though.

Oh, and I usually hated going to weekly meetings. I didn’t like having to take the time out of my day to do one more thing. However, my friends, I see now that these meetings are quite helpful. It’s not the weighing in for me, it’s the information from the other members and my fantastic leader (her name is Candy. LOL) and the camaraderie. It really does help me realize I’m not eating like this alone. I get some great ideas from the meetings.

So, I urge you, if you need to lose pounds – seriously – check into a plan that you know you will be able to LIVE with, and then take it head on!

I am sipping iced green tea with Stevia while I type. It’s refreshing and reminds me that spring is on the way!

Good luck, dears ~

 

Weight Loss and Yo-Yo Dieting! Help?!

January is cold, windy, and it gets dark early. January means putting away holiday ornaments and decorations. This month also promises that February will sprout forth crocus and daffodils to remind us that spring is coming in March and April.

Nature’s cycles remind me that I, too, have cycles – but they have not been so “natural” for me. I yo-yo diet. I hate it but it’s true. Last year at this time, I was 25 lbs lighter than this year. The meds I take for ADHD and Bipolar probably have a bit to do with the weight gain but the rest is my hand-to-mouth mistakes and lack of moving my body.

I’m thinking about spring approaching soon, and I can’t take another summer of being fat. It’s so uncomfortable, and the clothes I have are ugly and too snug.

I’ve been trying to diet and lose about 120 lbs since just after Christmas but to no avail. I lost 10 and gained it right back. Grrrr!

I can’t let meds’ side effects and low willpower keep me from my goals!

I have ideas.

1. Exercise even when I feel fatigued (it’s the meds and extra weight making me tired)
2. Journal EVERYthing I eat. Even one Hershey’s Kiss makes a difference.
3. Plan ahead for meals so I’m not stuck only poor choices at meal times.
4. Stay busy (busy mind and hands don’t snack)

Do you guys have any other suggestions? I’d love to hear them.

Now, to DO these four things on a constant basis until they are habitual . . .

 

Recipe for Easy Weight Watchers Zucchini Chips –

Oven Baked Zucchini Chips

Yields: 4 servings | Calories: 99 | Total Fat: 3 g | Saturated Fat: 2 g | Trans Fat: 0 g | Cholesterol: 13 | Carbohydrates: 12 g | Sodium: 241 mg | Dietary Fiber: 2 g | Sugars: 2 g | Protein: 6 g | SmartPoints (Freestyle): 2 |

Ingredients-

• 1 (large) zucchini, cut into 1/8″ – 1/4″ slices
• 1/3 cup whole grain breadcrumbs, optional Panko
• 1/4 cup finely grated Parmesan cheese, reduced fat
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• Kosher or sea salt to taste
• 1/8 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 3 tablespoons low-fat milk

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 425 degrees.
2. Combine in a small mixing bowl, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, black pepper, salt, garlic powder, and cayenne pepper. Dip zucchini slices into milk and dredge into bread crumbs to coat both sides. Note: It may be necessary to press crumbs onto zucchini slices to ensure the crumbs stick.
3. Arrange zucchini on a non-stick cookie sheet and lightly mist with a non-stick cooking spray.
4. If using a rack, place rack on a cookie sheet. Bake 15 minutes, turn over and continue baking until golden, approximately 10-15 minutes (being careful not to burn). Allow to cool to room temperature before storing in an airtight container.
5. TIP: Zucchini Chips will continue to get crispier while cooling.
6. NOTE: For gluten free chips, use gluten-free bread crumbs.

 

Why must getting healthy and trim be so dang difficult?!

Happy January, friends, and have an even better February!

Reasons I Can’t Lose Weight, and I Need to Lose 120 lbs!

 

I’ve heard it several times but never applied it to my own situation. Antidepressants can cause cause weight gain. I wondered why I’ve lost weight in the past but always gained it back.

It hit me yesterday; my doctor changed my antidepressant, and I read the enclosed paper about possible side effects. Issues with increased appetite (sometimes I just graze all day) and subsequent weight gain, there it was in black and white.

 

My age also contributes to natural weight gain. I’ll be 55 in two months. As we age, our metabolism slows. Yet another strike against my attempts at getting thinner and healthier.

Will I let it stop me from shedding this massive amount of weight? You bet your first child it won’t’!

My mantra for today is this: “Stay on track and see results.”

I’m off to exercise. Ugh. Yes, it is only the first part of my new exercise plan, and I still hate doing it. I can hardly wait until the day I look forward to the activity – and I know I will. I’ve been there before.

Love you guys! Here’s to a healthy 2019! Stick with your goals!

 

Motion Creates More Motion. My Weight Loss Strategy.

 

 

Here I am on New Year’s Eve. I visited with friends and learned a line dance called Rockin Cha. It would have been much more fun had my hips not been hurting from the activity. I’m in bad shape . . . like, having had zero exercise in a long time. So, any form of exertion really gets me winded and hurting. I hate this about myself. I’m glad I’m changing it!

I’ve realized something else; as long as I am inactive, I don’t have any motivation to “do” anything, much less move for an extended length of time. I’ve started using one spurt of energy to just stand up and stretch. Then, once I’m up, I focus on the reason I am making this life change. I want to be less limited in my every day life. I want to fit into restaurant booths again. I’d like to go to the movies and not have to hold my arms on my chest so I don’t take up mine AND my neighbor’s spaces on the arm rests. I don’t want my pre-diabetes to become diabetes. I have many, many reasons I want to get healthy). ANYway, while I stretch, I take deep breaths and keep my mind on what my plan is. The plan that will get me where I need and want to be, health wise. I don’t whine about it, I just walk to the elliptical machine – sometimes I’m even barefoot – and slip my earbuds into my phone an let the iTunes begin. I step on the machine and push Start. I go for at least ten minutes but aim for even one more minute than I did the day before (IF I exercised then). Once I’m in motion, I feel full of oxygen and enjoy the music. I feel productive and proud of myself.

So, my dear friends, it’s about making that first move UP and off the couch!

When I get on my elliptical machine, which is my favorite form of exercise, I have no stamina. I only last ten minutes! There was a time I spent an hour on that machine. I get frustrated easily but I know it”s normal and to be expected for the level of fitness at which I’m starting out. I try to give myself a break as I would for anyone else. I have a cute exercise shirt I’m dying to wear but it’s just too small  (it’s a small-fitting 2x) 😦  Fitting into that shirt is one of my beginning goals. See it below:

 

I wonder if you have noticed that I haven’t told you my actual weight. I’m being honest with you guys but I can’t bring myself to quote how large I’ve gotten. One day soon, I will have the strength to share that number with you. I’m 5’2, so even a little weight feels like a lot but as I’ve said, I have 120 lbs to lose! I chose the Weight Watchers Online eating plan to help me control the quantity and quality of foods I eat.

I hope to be a contact of sorts with other women or men in cyber land – to show you it CAN be done. You have heard it many times before but I mean to show you – If I can do this, so can you!

Join me if you need to lose some significant weight. Let’s do this together. Feel free to comment and let me know what’s on your mind or what subject you might like me to cover here.

I’m off to grab some lunch. Tuna with crunchy veggies sounds good. Y’all have a great day! Lea