Posts by suzzenn

Glad to hear your parents are involved and concerned about your health.

You are battling a disease that really needs outside medical assistance before it gets more out of control. Could you talk to your parents and ask to see a nutritionist or a therapist on an outpatient basis? It sounds to me like they'd be happy to help esp. if they were so worried about you that they wanted to send you away for medical intervention. They would probably be relieved that you want the help even as an outpatient. That is, if you really do want help which I hope you do.

It sounds like you are having difficulty battling this alone. Get it under control with professional help before it totally wrecks your life. There are lots of people here that will tell you this from experience.

No one should have to live like this and you deserve a better life.

Gotta agree. I have been a big exerciser for many years now. Always thought, "As long as I exercise and eat pretty healthy, that will take care of things." Well, it wasn't until I really buckled down this year and watched the calories that these final 8 pounds or so are finally coming off. Been trying to get rid of them for years.  

Don't get me wrong, exercise is still important. I credit it with keeping my weight stable for many years even now into my forties. But it's amazing how many calories you can eat (even if it is healthly - or sometimes not) without  realizing it.  

Congrats and keep up the good work!

I've tried many different types of whey protein and most of them were not very pleasant tasting. Usually had to hold my nose to get it down and I could always detect it in my smoothies.

Someone here recommended Optimum Nutrition's chocolate (I think it was you dm84!) It really does taste good for whey protein. No horrible lingering after taste like others I've tried. I can even easily drink it mixed with water which is saying alot for me and whey protein. Tastes even better with skim milk.

Ditto here on the chocolate thing. I thought I could never give up milk chocolate but like many others here, have switched to other alternatives like the dark chocolate. I buy Ghiradelli 60% cacao squares (55 calories per square.) Remember, cocoa is an antioxident so it's good for you (and, in my book, it's a vegetable because it comes from a "bean" - LOL) I also buy the no sugar added fudgsicles (40 calories for one) and the diet hot cocoa. I, too, use chocolate protein powder for my protein shakes which helps, also.

Now I just have to keep myself away from all that darn Easter candy I have hidden in the house which will be stuffed into those plastic eggs. So far so good!

First congrats on that weight loss! 

I use The Firm workouts alot and I just love them. Not sure which videos you're using (I probably have just about all of them - lol) Some are cardio with light weights which it sounds like you're using but they also make some that are more circuit training with heavier weights with cardio intervals incorporated into them. I like Total Muscle Shaping.

Your cardio program looks great... Just a few suggestions, though: If you're really interested in toning, you'll need to do more strength training work with heavier weights (4 pounds just won't cut it for toning in the long run.) Don't worry - you won't "bulk up" (women just aren't built to get that way unless you're on steroids - lol) Also, to build muscle, make sure you're eating enough protein for muscle repair and growth.

I was a cardio junkie for years and as I aged (now 44) I couldn't figure out why I just couldn't drop those extra pounds and was actually gaining. I thought I'd never do weights but once I did it really helped. Muscle will make you more toned and is metabolically more active and will help burn more calories naturally thoughout the day.

I also thought I had terrible knees and never thought I could do all those lunges, squats, etc but once I started working with weights esp on the hamstrings, it really helped to balance and support the quads I had over used so much over the years during my beloved step aerobics. Now my knees rarely bother me unless I've done something very high impact.

I'm in a similar boat, at least with age and calories. 5'3" age 44 small frame wanting to get to about 112 to 115. Just weighed this morning and am at 118.5 to 119 (depending on how I step on the scale - LOL - probably need a better scale!)

After eating anywhere from 1200 to 1500 cals a day depending on my exercise, I'm finally seeing the scale move after a month. I am overall "averaging" maybe a pound a week but it didn't just magically reflect that perfect pound after each week. I've noticed my pants getting looser, though.

The 40 something really makes it tough, doesn't it? Coupled with the fact that we are both very close to goal. 

How long have you been trying at 1200 cals? You may need to give it more time. Do you exercise alot? If so, increasing those cals might be needed.

Good luck! 

Thanks, everyone, for your suggestions. I haven't tried any of those brands so maybe there's still hope of finding a whey protein I can live with. I'm going to start experimenting with those. 

stilltryin...None of those are dumb questions. Personally, I use protein powder, (that is, when I'm not gagging on it ), as a supplement post workouts esp after weight lifting. You need enough protein in your diet to help repair & build muscle which is metabolically more active. I'm certainly not a body builder or looking to "bulk" up, but just be more toned. I usually buy protein in 5 lb containers.

I agree with dm84 that lean foods are your best protein sources. You can still make a good, quick meal replacement packed with nutrients using protein powder, fruit, milk, yogurt etc. and putting it in a blender (smoothies). Better than donuts like dm84 said and also better than skipping a meal altogether. Or you can sprinkle it in yogurt or in oatmeal, etc., to help increase your protein intake.