Monday I was at the doctors office and am having some high blood pressure problems. I also have to go to the gastroenterologist (sp) to check if my chronic cough is from GERD, etc... I really need to lose weight and if that will help my bp and my GERD, etc... I'm determined to do it. So far this week I have mall walked each day and have averaged around 1400 calories a day. I would LOVE to stick with this and lose one pound a week. I have lots of different little low calorie meals and snacks and it actually hasn't been bad so far. I even made it work out so I could have a Hersheys candy bar today! There will even be some carryout meals I can do that will fit my plan. For example, The Olive Garden cheese ravioli with marinara sauce has around 680 calories for the whole plateful. I can divide that between lunch and dinner if I need to and supplement it with veggies, etc...I sure hope this works!!!!! My dads side of the family has all the heart problems and blood pressure problems, etc... so I really need to do this. Keep me in your prayers that I am successful!!! I sure would like my old figure back and most importantly my health!

Good for you Kathy! I think counting calories is the best "diet". You can plan your day and if you have to have that Hershey bar, you can work it in. One day I had 6 - 45 calorie fudgesicles! And I didn't feel a bit guilty because I didn't go over my calorie limit. One day I HAD to have mexican food and ate a 152 calorie bowl of bran flakes w/ .5 cup skim milk in the am, a bowl of broccoli at lunch and then went to Taco Cabana for a their 2 taco dinner plate at 685 calories. (It was the 1st time I'd had Mexican food since I started.)

I think you need to be able to treat yourself to something special once in awhile to avoid the binge eating.

Since Jan 3rd I've been on a 1000 calorie a day diet with 30-45 mins pilates and treadmill a day and have lost 23 pounds. That's about 1.5 lbs a week. I'm thrilled. Slowly-but-surely, I'm getting there and you will too!

Keep up the good work!

PS - I don't recommend a 1000 calorie a day diet, you should have a minimum of 1200-1400. But I feel great and it works for me.

Here is a great FREE site that makes it easy to count calories, exercise and general progress.

http://www.my-calorie-counter.com/

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Mary

It sounds like you know what you need to do and that you are determined. I agree with some of the other posters about allowing yourself a treat once in a while. One thing that helps me is to keep a bag of mini candy bars. That way when I have a chocolate craving, I can eat ONE, and not have to eat an entire full size bar. I also found that I love the Fiber One chocolate granola bars. They are about 140 calories. I cut one in half and eat half in the morning and half at night. Its another great chocolate treat. Lots of water, and hot tea are also helpful. I feel that no matter what direction you take with a diet, exercise is the ultimate key to success. You don't have to run a marathon, walking is great. I also think for women over 40, weight lifting is very important. It helps boost your metabolism. For years I focused only on the aerobic part of exercise, and I now know that is only part of the equation. I try to equal out my workouts to include both! Good Luck and keep us updated on your progress. I would like to take off another 5 pounds, perhaps I will step up my diet/workout with you!

You WILL be successful. It's all about retraining yourself to eat correctly and in the right portion sizes. It becomes second nature after a while.

You MUST allow yourself once in a while. I am down over 50 lbs in a year and I make every Friday FatAss Friday and eat whatever I want in reasonable amounts.

Exercise will become your saving grace. After all this is a time to be alone with your thoughts and to become intimate with your own body. I agree with the "weight lifting". It creates muscle from fat and muscle is very efficient at burning calories.

If you need any help try www.thedailyplate.com they have a calorie counter, helpful tips and an online community of support.

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The political system is broke and it's a joke.

Wow annadrose that site is great. I love how you can create meals and it will save them if it is something you do often. Very good incentive to watch your calories and water intake. I love it.
To the OP, here's to you. It isn't easy but it's worth it.

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Life isn't about waiting for the storm to pass
It's about learning to dance in the rain.

Thanks folks! I did find the dailyplate website and I have it bookmarked. I HATE exercise so if I can just do the walking and not concentrate on weights yet maybe I can add that later. I love the FatAss Friday idea. I was thinking down the road I might try something like that. It's important to be able to eat some of your favorite foods occassionally.

It's kind of an "80/20" rule. If you are careful/good 80% of the time, you can let go, within reason, 20% of the time.

As far as excersise, you might want to try a light yoga routine to get you into "wanting" to do more. I'm a big ol' gal and I love how I feel after doing yoga. It makes me want to get on the eliptical or pick up the weights. Just a thought.

Also I really believe in the old Flylady trick of tying on a pair of shoes first thing in the morning. It really does make you more active.

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Life isn't about waiting for the storm to pass
It's about learning to dance in the rain.

Gee, I have a chronic cough, too, but have never heard of GERD. Do you happen to know what other symptoms GERD causes?

Thanks.

Please take care of yourself, kathy. As I'm sure you know, chronic GERD can have even more dangerous effects. Have you been examined for esophogeal damage?

I agree with cashchik.....do something for exercise....a little bit can light a spark. Perhaps some very vigorous shopping?

cj/

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I was walking home one night and a guy hammering on a roof called me a paranoid little weirdo. In morse code. -Emo Phillips

I don't actually notice much GERD but I know it can be happening when you don't even feel it. My ex husbands cousin had esophogeal cancer in her late 40's so that's always in the back of my mind. She had none of the risk factors (except maybe being a bit overweight and eating fast food often). I will probably be getting a test after my consult with the gastro people in May.
I do vigorous shopping! I have just been eating too much. In fact people have told me that they have noticed me in the mall but didn't try to catch my attention because I looked like I was on a mission and they didn't want to interrupt me! lol

GERD is acid reflux and it can even cause asthma. If you have heartburn often you might have it and it can cause a chronic cough.

ONE of my ex's - lets don't go there - has acid reflux and has to have a scope run down his throat - I think it was monthly - to make sure it doesn't develop into cancer.

I LOVE the " FatAss Friday" idea, I will have to make mine FatASS Monday, as Lil Ceasars has buy a large pizza and get free bread sticks on Monday. I LOVE pizza

Thanks ladies, I have noticed I have put on at LEAST 10 pounds over the winter and reading your posts have helped me get back inspired to get rid of them before I find more.

I bet your ex has Barretts Syndrome. What were his symptoms if I may ask.
Sorry to hear you put on 10 pounds, I know the feeling! I'm sure mine are going to be alot harder to take off than they were to put on!

Kathy I hope and pray you will continue with your diet and feel better soon much luck and healthy wishes.. Peace. Catherine

Honestly I don't know what his symptoms were, this all came up AFTER the divorce. My daughter was telling me about it the other day. Fortunately, she is old enough now that I don't have to have any contact with him, but no I wouldn't wish health problems off on my worst enemy. He is VERY peculiar about discussing even with his family his health problems, and I gave up years ago banging my head against that wall.

I know that wall banging syndrome!!! Good thing you gave it up!