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.

The Keto Diet, and How I Make it Work

I’ve been on the Keto diet for a while now and have learned several hints that can help you. I’ve done each of these and find that every one makes a difference in my losing weight.

Track Calories – with too many calories in your diet, your body gains weight. Period. So, even though you are watching carbs to get healthy and lose some fat, keep your calories in check. Here is a way to see how many calories you need per day to maintain your current weight. Just go below this number significantly each day to lose.

Step 1: Find your current body weight in kilograms (if you live in the US, just divide your current weight in pounds by 2.2 to get your weight in kilograms).

Step 2: Multiply your weight in kilograms by 0.9 if you are a woman or 1.0 if you are a man.

Step 3: Multiply by 24.

Eat Keto – Low carb – like 20 grams or fewer per day (I know, it’s a very low number, but it works). Aim for moderate protein and higher fat. See how to keep up with these numbers in the next paragraph.

Log Your Progress – Load the app on your phone called “Carb Manager.” It will tell you everything you need to know about starting this program. It also has a vast food log to choose from when you are logging. 😊

Get Sugar OUT of your diet – Low fiber and high sugar is a recipe for disaster! Try eating the opposite of this. Too high of sugar can also mess with your hormone levels and intestinal balance.

Drink More Water – try for at least 64 ounces per day. I’ve noticed time and again that sometimes I want a snack – bad. But if I drink some water, the “hunger” goes away. I was thirsty instead! It’s a strange phenomenon but it’s true. Thirst can mask itself as hunger.

Get Enough Electrolytes – When you eat Keto, especially in the beginning, you will lose a lot of water from your body. You’ll need to replace electrolytes you are losing. Add these (buy on Amazon) to your drinks once or twice a day, and you’ll not experience the headache, fatigue, and general “keto flu” you hear about when beginning this way of eating.

Start Lifting Light Weights – Strength training is very important for all around body health. At home, grab some light to moderate weights and just lift. Try this link to see how to lift properly: https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/health/fitness/a40035772/how-to-start-lifting-weights-for-beginners/

Get in Low Carb Veggies – Don’t ignore vegetables just because you are watching carb intake. There are plenty of low carb choices out there. Try this site for a few ideas: https://www.healthline.com/health/food-nutrition/low-carb-fruits-and-vegetables

Include good fats and remove others. Vegetable oil has been linked to inflammation in the body. So have corn, safflower, sunflower, and soy. Stay clear of these and choose either olive oil, avocado oil or coconut oil.

Getting healthier is a mind change. Unless you decide to really devote your energy to changing and improving your eating, this won’t “stick” with you. I know – from experience.

I’m making beef jerky today. I bought a food dehydrator and meat slicer (I didn’t have to have this part. LOL). Below is my recipe for marinade and making the jerky. It’s a good snack for those on a low carbohydrate eating plan. Don’t go crazy with it, though. Remember . . . moderation is the key.

Beef Jerky – Makes about a pound of jerky

Take 3 lbs. of eye of round (the leanest I could find) and remove the excess fat. Discard the fat. Freeze the beef for 1-2 hours to make it easier to slice. (If you have had the butcher slice your beef into 1/8- ¼ in slices, no need for this step). Tenderize meat with a mallet but not too much. You don’t want mush. Marinate in layers in a med/large bowl for 4-24 hours in the fridge. (Marinade ingredients below.) After this step, remove meat and lay it on paper towels to take away excess liquid. Shake some coarsely ground black pepper on the slices (if you want black pepper style jerky). Place beef in a pre-heated 160-degree dehydrator for 4-6 hours. Rotate trays if needed to evenly “cook” the jerky. Remove when the meat is to your liking. Don’t overcook or you’ll have shoe leather. 😉

Marinade –

½ cup soy sauce

4 Tbsp Worcestershire sauce

4 Tbsp brown sugar

4 tsp salt

2 tsp garlic powder

2 tsp onion powder

2 tsp smoked paprika

2 tsp black pepper

2 Tbsp liquid smoke

1 cup beef stock

What is Metabolic Syndrome? Insulin Resistance?

Metabolic Syndrome is a grouping of conditions that can wreak havoc on your health. It can raise your risk of heart disease, stroke, and diabetes.

Look for symptoms like these:

• An apple shaped body (belly fat)
• High blood pressure
• High levels of glucose (sugar) on your blood
• Low l levels of HDL (good cholesterol) in your blood
• Skin tags
• Darkening of skin around neck and elbows
• High blood triglycerides

1/3 of Americans have Metabolic Syndrome! Many have no idea they have it. Being overweight (especially in the belly area) is a huge cause of this syndrome. This obesity causes chemicals and hormones to affect your blood sugar so it responds poorly to insulin that your body makes when you eat sugars or carbs.

Women get this syndrome more often than men, and as we age, the risk gets even higher.

How to “fix” this and overcome Metabolic Syndrome? Lifestyle changes. Sorry. I know you have heard this before, but changing the way you eat and walking a bit more can do wonders for your body and mind. In addition, don’t drink a lot of alcohol or smoke. Get plenty of sleep, as well (7-9 hours a night).

Medicines can help get you in better condition to help you make life changes. Meds to lower blood sugar, blood pressure, and bad cholesterol are available.

All in all, though, proper eating and a bit of body movement will make huge differences in your life and extend your life. It’s tough because this syndrome can make losing weight a struggle, and yet you need to lose weight to get rid of Insulin Resistance. Catch 22!

This can be accomplished. I’m in the process of doing it, so I know of what I speak. 😉

Do it with me ~

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!

Weight Loss “Meds” – Which Work? Do Any?

1. Alli is the brand name for the drug orlistat. It is a very popular weight loss pills.

Orlistat is available as a prescription drug and also sold over the counter. It works by preventing the body from breaking down of some of the fat you eat eat. The intestines absorb less fat, so weight loss may be the outcome.

Studies indicate that orlistat might increase weight loss a little bit. The review found that those who took orlistat lost an average of 2.9 percent more weight than those who did not take the drug.

Orlistat may cause a change in bowel habits. People taking it may experience side effects, such as diarrhea, stomach pain, and difficulty controlling bowel movements.

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2. Caffeine is a stimulant found in coffee, tea, soft drinks, and chocolate. It is also often added to diet pills and supplements.

According to a study of 76 obese adults, people who had high caffeine intake saw a greater reduction in fat mass, weight circumference, and overall weight compared to those who had a low caffeine intake.

Side effects of caffeine include jitteriness, increased heart rate, and trouble sleeping.

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3. Garcinia Cambogia is a fruit that contains hydroxycitric acid, which is thought to help weight loss.

Garcinia cambogia extract contains the juices from this small fruit and is available as a weight loss pill. Garcinia cambogia may inhibit or prevent a fat-producing enzyme called citric acid lyase.

There is little scientific evidence to support the use of this extract to help with weight loss. A report shows the effectiveness of the extract in long-term clinical trials and large-scale studies has not been proven.

Although garcinia cambogia extract may not aid in weight loss, it does not appear to cause many side effects when taken in reasonable doses. The report above also indicated that adverse effects did not occur with a dietary dosage of up to 2,800 milligrams (mg) per day.

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4.Green Tea – Many diet pills contain green tea because it may increase the body’s ability to burn fat, and especially fat in the stomach area.

Although more evidence is needed, some research indicates that drinks containing green tea extract may promote the loss of fat around the stomach area. The increase in fat loss may also result in modest weight loss.

Although green tea extract is usually well tolerated, it can cause stomach pain, constipation, and nausea.

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5. Hydroxycut is a popular dietary supplement. There are different Hydroxycut products which contain various ingredients. These products typically contain plant extracts and caffeine, although caffeine-free versions of the supplement are also available.

There are no studies that review Hydroxycut specifically. Caffeine, which has been studied, may contribute to small amounts of weight loss.

Since the ingredients of Hydroxycut vary, it is difficult to state the possible side effects. Hydroxycut supplements that contain caffeine may cause nervousness and increased heart rate.

Hydroxycut is considered a supplement and does not go through the same rigorous testing as drugs to determine its safety.

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6. Prescription Weight Loss Pills – (ex: Phentermine) Certain weight loss pills are only available through a doctor’s prescription. Although there are various pills on the market, most weight loss medications work by making it harder to absorb dietary fat or by suppressing the appetite.

Prescription pills may lead to some weight loss, but they can have strong side effects. Depending on the prescription, side effects of weight loss pills can include stomach pain, dry mouth, racing heart, increased energy, and diarrhea.

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A Takeaway from this is this:

When it comes to the best weight loss pills, it appears there is no magic bullet. Although some of the diet pills and supplements mentioned above may contribute to weight loss, the amounts are usually small and not really worth trying – especially long term.

Caffeine, green tea extract, and orlistat appear to have the most research to back up their claims.

Before taking any supplement for weight loss, it is best to talk with a doctor or other healthcare professional.

The best bet for people trying to lose weight is to reduce portion size, eat lean protein, fruits and veggies, and get regular exercise.

(Thanks for medical news today for information!)

What is Noom?

Noom is the weight loss plan I am following. It works when I work it – much like most plans out there. However, I enjoy Noom because of its daily lessons and periodic, short quizzes and online food journal that tells me how healthful the foods are that I am consuming. It also offers a personal coach and group support.

Click on the Noom link at the beginning of this blog to see an in-depth article about it. Best one I’ve seen yet.

Today, I begin my day with a fruit yogurt and coffee. I’m satiated and ready to start this Monday ahead of me.

I work online as a counselor of sorts and in between my calls, I research certain items of interest. I strongly suggest, if you have weight to lose, no matter how little or how great the amount, check out Noom to see if it suits your needs.

I’ll check back in with you in a few days. I’m eating well and feeling good!

Lea

New Diet – One Week In

Well, it’s been one week since I began this new way of eating (Noom.com). Actually, it’s been longer but it’s been a week since I dedicated myself to journaling and keeping it real.

I’m up two pounds! I’ve only exercised once. However, I see what my downfalls were. I didn’t count everything I ate in my journal – is one major thing. I was snowed in for five days. That was tough on the eating. There were chocolate candies here that my daughter had brought over. Needless to say, I did partake of them more than I should have.

As far as exercising, I only made it to the treadmill once. The other days, I let outside activities (my online job) keep me from walking. Tsk, tsk, tsk.

So, I have new goals for this second week. I will journal every single thing I eat, and I will exercise at least every other day.

Why is this so difficult for me? I know I feel better when I’m healthier and smaller in size. Yet, I continue to graze and snack and sit on the sofa – using my work as an excuse. I can take a half hour away to do the elliptical machine!

Stick with me, friends. Seeing your Likes and getting more and more followers does encourage me. I want to help and not be another person who “wants to lose” but doesn’t get her crap together to do so.

Today, is a grandson’s birthday party. No cake or punch for me. No chips. I will take some celery and a crunchy apple with me. I will like those just as much as a sugary piece of cake. I WILL be a success this week and lose at least 3 lbs. Join me in my Noom.com weight loss? Facebook has some great Noom support groups, as well.

Love,

Lea

Here Goes . . . My Final Diet

Today is the first day of my resolve to count daily calories NO MATTER WHAT. I’ve been semi-doing the Noom.com diet and think it is a great tool to help me shed the pounds (and I have a lot to shed). However, no eating plan will work for me until I stick with it. I’m down 5 lbs today but have been on this plan for over a month.

It’s a new day and a new chance to get healthy and slim. It’s pretty exciting, actually. Take a look at Noom if you have weight to lose. I find it simple and doable so far.

I’ll be back after a week on the plan to tell you how it is going. Hang tight!

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.