What are some of the things you are doing to lose weight?

United States
October 13, 2008 2:44pm CST
I've been trying to lose weight for as long as I can remember. Thanks to hypothyroidism coupled with fibromyalgia, it's been a long road. I've cut back on eating, started eating the right foods & walk almost an hour a day. I can tell that I'm firming up but the scale seems stuck. I was wondering what my fellow mylotters out there do to lose weight. I've pretty much come to the conclusion that I need to change my mindset. Instead of focusing on losing weight, I'm focusing on getting healthy. Maybe if I don't concentrate on it so much, the weight will come off in time. Perhaps I'm being impatient!
2 people like this
12 responses
@wolfie34 (26771)
• United Kingdom
13 Oct 08
I have a thyroid problem too have had it more or less since birth and weight has always been a problem for me, being bullied at school because of it, I found that diets don't work for me, I love my food too much and I would diet, binge, diet that old cycle, the only thing that works for me is exercise, I go to the gym regularly and train by jogging on the treadmill, I went from 16 stone to 14 so I was really pleased with my efforts, it means I don't have to diet but I still have to watch what I eat so I cut out all the fatty foods but still enjoy a few treats, it's getting the balance right and also losing weight in small amounts then it stays off, I wish you every success
• United States
14 Oct 08
Thanks, wolfie34. Isn't it fun having thyroid problems? I've tried going to the gym but I just wasn't happy doing it. I like being outside walking. We have a puppy who needs two walks a day or she goes crazy. This has really helped me get off my duff & go because I know she needs it. My husband sees the difference in my body but I'm really not seeing it on the scale. I'm throwing that thing away!
@wolfie34 (26771)
• United Kingdom
14 Oct 08
Yes having thyroid problems makes it easy on the docs as well cos every time I have a problem they always blame it on the thyroid! Cop out or what! Everything is to do with the thyroid grrrrrr! I once went to get private healthcare but because I had thyroid problems they didn't want to know!!!! People who don't have thyroid problems don't realize just what fun it is to have the problem LOL! (sarcasm definitely added here!)
• United States
15 Oct 08
That's true - everything is the thyroid's fault! Meanwhile you have some rare disease... I've also found that some docs think that once you are on Synthroid (or whatever treatment works best for you) that you are asymptomatic. Guess what, the symptoms are still there just maybe not as bad as if you weren't taking the meds. It is a big time bummer to deal with. I hope I don't pass it on to my daughters. Hang in there!
@stylioJ (403)
• United States
14 Oct 08
It is important to not just cut calories, but to eat the right kinds of foods. Eating minimal amounts of simple carbohydrates, like white bread, white rice, and potatoes can keep your blood sugar from spiking. Also, eating leaner meats is good. If you cut out too many calories, your body actually suffers. Your metabolism will actually slow down, which will keep you from losing more weight. I agree that the most important thing is to focus on health, not weight. Finding activities that you enjoy, like walking, can also help you to be more active and physically fit. You may not lose weight, but you will gain lean muscle, which is very important to your health. Good luck!
• United States
14 Oct 08
Yes, I agree - I think that gaining lean muscle is important. I think that may be happening with me as my husband comments on how I don't jiggle as much! I suppose I should just be happy with that.
@stylioJ (403)
• United States
28 Oct 08
Good for you! It sounds like you're doing great!
@di1159 (1580)
• United States
14 Oct 08
Your mind and attitude is in the right place! The scale is just a reference point. You might look good at a certain weight that someone else might not as it depends on your body type and bone structure. Focusing on getting healthy is the best thing you can do and your frame of mind is the right one for success. Good luck on your endeavor!
• United States
15 Oct 08
Thanks, di1159! I'll just keep on going & hope for the best. Healthy is more important than skinny!
@TessWhite (3146)
• United States
14 Oct 08
Hi collieluv28 - I also have hypothyroidism and Fibro. As well as diabetes and other health issues. Its hard when you struggle with illness and try to lose weight. A couple of things I'd suggest is to increase your water. By drinking enough water you flush your system and keep you full longer. Another is to check out SparkPeople.com. I've been a on again off again member there for a couple of years now. Its a great website - if you use it. LOL My problem is being motivated. Good luck!
• United States
14 Oct 08
Thanks, TessWhite. I'll check out the website you mention. I do drink quite a bit of water. It is tough with the health issues thrown into the mix. Somehow we muddle through it.
@Chevee (5905)
• United States
14 Oct 08
I cut back on eating and watch what I eat. I eat smaller amounts of food (portions). I exercise, walk. If you are doing these things it doesn't seem like the pounds are coming off, but they will eventually. Stop watching the scales for one thing because it is giving you those doubts that you are not and that you are not doing it right. Trust me keep on doing what you are and the weight will come off.
• United States
14 Oct 08
I think I'll just throw that scale away!!
@my2boys (821)
• United States
14 Oct 08
I try to walk everyday and do a few other light exercises. I know it seems like when you are trying to lose weight it takes forever. But at least by eating right and exercising you are becoming healthier whether you are losing weight or not. Just try and think of it that way.
• United States
14 Oct 08
You are absolutely right. I need to focus on getting healthier instead of losing weight.
@eaforeman6 (8979)
• United States
13 Oct 08
Salads, gum, more salads, and lots of water.Fresh fruits and veggies. Dont wait too long to eat because then you are too hungry. Eat mini meals if you need too. I take vitamins and make sure that you get excercise every day of some kind. Low fat cereals are good to snack on, shredded wheats, cherios,instead of sweets.I use this motto , if you dont want to burn it off, do not put it in your mouth. you have to eat less or excercise more....and keep lots of healthy snacks. I like pop corn without all the additives.
• United States
14 Oct 08
Some good information - thanks! I know I don't eat enough fruits & veggies. I certainly don't wait too long to eat because then I will seriously pig out.
@eagle_f15 (1827)
• Malaysia
14 Oct 08
Well, my husband and I used to eat rice with dishes 2 meals a day. And that caused us to put on weight because too much carbs. Now we eat rice with dishes for lunch only unless there's family dinners with parents or in laws. For dinner my husband will eat digestive biscuits/biscuits with milk. I will drink my lactofiber drink mix with protein powder. That's all and we have been on this for already 1/2 a year and we manage to maintain our weight. Oh and plus getting enough sleep every day and exercise by climbing our apartment staircase from ground to 9th floor (our unit level). Sometimes I do eat vermicelli with soup for dinner. That's okay cos not much carbs in there.
• United States
14 Oct 08
I guess too much white rice is a big no-no. I don't eat too much of that but I do enjoy it when we eat at Asian restaurants. I love their sticky rice! Ninth floor - man, what a workout!!
@mimico (3617)
• Philippines
14 Oct 08
Right now, I go to the gym 5-6 times a week. I try to burn an average of 700 calories a day and it's been working so far. I started out burning 300 calories a day and increased it gradually. Aside from exercising, I've also been avoiding meat for the past month. It's a little difficult especially if I see a very delicious lamb chop or something on the dinner table but I'm managing it very well.
• United States
14 Oct 08
No meat! That's tough although I don't think I'm a big meat eater. Then I try to think of something to cook that doesn't have meat in it & I have a hard time thinking of something!
• Philippines
14 Oct 08
I made it my goal this year to lose some of my excess fats. Haha. What I've been doing to achieve that is regular exercises, 3-6 times a week for 30 minutes. I also cut down my sugar intake. I use to eat dessert every after meals but now I resolved to stop the habit. I also regulate my drinking of sodas and colas. They are loaded with lots of sugar and calories. I really hope I can achieve my goal this year. ;D
• United States
14 Oct 08
I really don't drink too many sodas. I've cut way back on sweets - I used to love sweet stuff & now it doesn't taste as good anymore. Good luck with reaching your goal!
@rrowenaa (834)
• Philippines
14 Oct 08
with my kind of work, i'm stuck on my chair the entire day. and i dont have much time for exercise. so for me, green tea, less rice and smile a lot! *hehe*
• United States
14 Oct 08
I've heard that green tea is so good for everything! I really should drink more of the stuff but I just don't like it very much. I need to find a brand that I truly enjoy. Smiling really doesn't hurt & it may help!
@jesssp (2712)
• Canada
14 Oct 08
I feel for ya, I have a thyroid problem too. While it hasn't caused me too gain weight, the scale definitely isn't budging and getting motivated is a huge problem. My only suggestions would be to incorporate some light jogging or aerobics if you can and limit portions, drink tons of water and make sure you're getting all your vitamins and minerals. Plus eat lots of fruits and veggies (green leafy stuff especially). Oh, and stay away from soy - it's a big hypothyroid no no!
• United States
14 Oct 08
No soy for me! I've read about that too. That thyroid is such a pain in the...well, you know. I do drink lots of water & take a vitamin every day. Eating fruits & veggies I need to work on... Motivation is a tough one. I'll just keep going at it.