Posts by japan_nz

Hi there,

 Just wanted to let you know my experiences, in hope of comforting you a little.

 Although I am female, my history sounds similar to your sons!

I was an extremely bright child, always top of the class, 95% or above on all tests, exams, assignments etc. (I remember one case I got 93% and was devestated!)

When I was around 14 everything changed - puberty, whatever, I rebelled big time! Decided that the teachers were annoying and couldn't teach me anything - I was finding class work exceptionally easy.

My mother (a single parent) was very frustrated, and couldn't understand why I chose to put zero effort in where I had previously taken such pride in my work.

To cut a long story short - there were two or three really bad years, then when I hit 17, I pulled my socks up, worked hard, graduated high school with great grades, go into my first chosen university and degree programme, and am now studying in japan with not one, not two, but three financial scholarships behind me.

So - yes, it is difficult and frustrating for you, but my advice would be to have faith in your son - you have obviously instilled the right values in him about hard work etc, so maybe just back off a bit... one thing I know for sure is when my mother harped on and on to me about school work, it just made me want to rebel even more!

And to all those people saying scholarships don't fall from the sky, lighten up! There are so many scholarships offereing rewards for so many different skills/attributes!  In my opinion if you want something, weather it's a scholarship for $1,000 or $10,000, all you have to do is work hard and be positive about the situation...

I hope everything works out for you!

Do you smoke or are you underweight?

 Smokers have notoriously bad circulation, ie cold hands and feet.  If you are underweight your extremities also remain cold because your body warmth is conserved by vital organs.

Just a couple of thoughts.

On the other hand, I don't smoke, and my hands are always freezing too, so maybe it's just one of those things, no reason behind it know what I mean? 

PS - come to Japan, the food is healthy and delicious, the people (in my experiance) are humble, welcoming, tolerant and as a foreigner you will be fussed over, and the shopping is out of this world!!!!!!!!!!!!! Also, most universities offer a large variety of classes in English, and as a native english speaker you will have no shortage of Japanese friends, as many students want to practise their English.

Hi there!

I cut out all refined white grains and sugar from my diet about two months ago, and I feel great.  Let me give you the following advice?

Don't cut out wholegrains, there is absolutely no need to. Carbs are really important in your diet, and wholegrains are awesome!

Also, allow yourself a small chocolate bar or small ice cream or something sweet once a week or so... the fact is we live in a society full of junk food, and in my experience to deny myself these foods altogether often leads to binging. So, tell yourself you are allowed to eat those foods, but only very occassionally, and in very small amounts.

In a typical day, my diet is as follows:

Breakfast - Oats with hunny and raisins and cinammon, or wholegrain bread with peanut butter and a banana.

Morning snack - a piece of fruit/10 natural almonds/yoghurt

Lunch - wholegrain spaghetti with a sauce of onion, garlic, yellow or red pepper cooked in olive oil, with tinned tomatoes and zuchinni

Afternoon snack - 5 prunes/fruit/edamame (soybeans)

Dinner - brown rice w steamed vegies or stirfried beef or salmon

After dinner snack - mandarin oranges or persimmon

If you are going to go ahead with this, good for you! The first few days will be the hardest as your body may be used to quick sugar highs. After a couple of weeks though most of your cravings will probably disappear and you should feel great!

One last thing - I really reccommend the 3 small meals and 3 small snacks approach. It keeps you full, keeps your blood sugar levels steady so you don't reach for sugary crap, and keeps your metabolism fired up!

Good luck!

Hmmm I wouldn't add it to chocolate milk, or orange juice for that matter!

 I love green tea (but I live in Japan so I may be biased).

Just try it - you might surprise yourself!

Although I have never seen or heard of "green tea drops", I would drink it nice and hot, and if the flavour is too strong, just make it weaker.

And as for the smell - green tea does have quite a strong smell, but the flavour is quite different, and not as potent.

Enjoy!

Original Post by udokier:

 

Turkey is a rare and somewhat expensive treat in Japan, so I am in no hurry to gobble it all up.  I have to special order it from Kobe.

are you talking about the FBC udokier? I discovered that place online and I am thrilled! I placed a huge order including Quaker Oats and I CAN'T wait for them to arrive! Since Friday is a public holiday here though will the package take longer to arrive do you think?

My holiday goals...

I have just over four weeks to go until my wonderful boyfriend comes to meet me in Tokyo.

I *will* be at my target weight when he walks through that arrival gate!

After that we have two weeks in Tokyo over Christmas/New Years.

I plan to enjoy all the culinary delights alongside him - but moderation will remain the key - I fully intend to keep losing!

Good luck to everyone!

Hmmm I have to disagree with LoriK.

Although ultimately calories in < calories out SHOULD result in weight loss, there is some quite convincing research that suggests SUGAR (meaning any foods containing sugar, and refined carbs e.g. white bread white rice white pasta etc) DOES promote weight gain.

If you are interested in the topic, I suggest you do some reading: Sugar Blues, Sugar Shock, Good Calories/Bad Calories etc.  Good Calories/bad Calories would be a good place to start.  The book basically explains that the medical industries focus on cholestarol/fats leading to heart disease and obesity is over emphasised. The author argues that sugars and refined carbohydrates are fuelling obesity, heart disease and type two diabetes.

There are hundreds of reasons why you should avoid sugar.  It wrecks havoc on your blood sugar levels (obviously) and the resulting hormonal fluctuations (involving insulin) can lead to weight gain, as well as a host of other conditions.

As well as this, sugar is terrible for your skin. It ages you more than smoking or UV rays. 

Plus it is nutrition/vitamin EMPTY.

I avoid refined sugar at all costs.

Thanks for all your replies!

I'm living in a small city called Hirosaki -way up north in the Aomori prefecture, so it is pretttty cold - no snow yet though.

After reading your posts I'm actually quite excited - it will be lovely in this chilly autumn weather.

Red herring - yes I am a westerner. 

Another reason why I initially had reservations - considering the amount of attention I get on the street (being blonde and blue eyed) I can't quite imagine what it will be like when Im naked!

I don't usually respond to threads, but I can't close this window without saying something.

 Kumi - you are beautiful.  It is really sad that so many young women are made to feel that our bodies are inedaquate. Have you read "the beauty myth" by naomi wolf?  It is very comforting and enlightening...

And Ignoranceandwant - Have you ever heard of the principle of the law of attraction? There is a very simple, short book around called "the secret".. If you have a spare hour, I suggest you read it!

Basically - your thoughts create your life.  If you continue to think of yourself as unattractive, miserable and unfortunate, that is the reality you are going to create for yourself!

Peace.

Breakfast: Special K with yoghurt

Lunch: crackers with cheese and tomato

Dinner: brown rice with shrimp, egg, carrot, corn, peas, sesame dressing, soy sauce

Snacks: prunes, almonds, persimmon, green tea

I recently bought a book called Sugar Shock from Amazon, and am about half way through.  If you are concerned about the effects of consuming sugar and refined carbs on a daily basis, I would recommend you read the book.

Some authentic studies have shown that regular consumption of sugar and refined carbs (white rice, white bread, pasta etc) can hinder weight loss, and cause your body to store more fat... as well as increase the effects (and early onset) of aging, increase your liklihood of suffering from type 2 diabetes, alchzeimers, parkinsons as well as cause many other health conditions.

After reading the first 2 chapters I decided that I did not need sugar in my life!

I have taken Yasmin for a year, and have never had any problems.  It is a very "low dose" pill - compared to Diane/Estelle etc which contain very high levels of eostrogen (sp?) and can have negative health effects - including weight gain!  I put on almost 20 lbs when I was taking Estelle!

My sister and best friend also take Yasmin, neither of them have suffered any negative side effects.

Thanks for all your support everyone!

I am living in Hirosaki - a tiny city in the far north - so the supermarkets tend to have a smaller range.

I now have fresh motivation from all your advice! 

Coincidentally a fellow foreigner mentioned a fruit and vege market about a 30minute walk away - so I will get excercise, and fresh fruit and vegetables

Aspara ~ you are so right, and will be pleased to know I have sworn of haagen dazs ~