Posts by ebethr

Energy comes from carbs so try increasing them.  Choose something healthy like whole grains or fresh fruit. 

Hi there!

While this site may be big, it's still possible to get to know others.  If you want to make a lifestyle change and not go on a diet, this could be a great site for you.  I started my lifestyle change two years ago and I've lost 70 pounds so far.  I couldn't have done that without this site.  I've learned a lot about nutrition, eating a balanced diet, and not giving up when I have a bad day.

Welcome here!  I'd love to support you on your journey.

If you don't like it why don't you just toss it and not purchase any more of it?  Consider it a lesson learned.

I consider peas a carb/starch and not a vegetable.  The same goes for corn, mixed vegetables, pumpkin and squash.  On the other hand, when I eat the peas AND the pods, they're a vegetable.

I also agree.  The new logging system is annoying.  I can't find anything about it that is an improvement from the old way. I hope 'they' get rid of it as soon as possible.

Hi gaylcaul

No, you're not the only one with a disability who wants to be fit.  13 years ago I was in a car accident and I became a paraplegic.  I'm completely paralyzed from about the armpits down.  In the last 2 years I've been able to lose 65 pounds through eating healthy and exercise. It IS possible to have a disability and get fit.

I count my calories almost daily.  Because I'm less mobile I need less calories than if I was able bodied.  I eat around 1200 to 1300 calories per day.  (A dietitian who specializes in people with spinal cord injuries recommended this amount.)

I also try to stretch each day.  This helps with range of motion and reduces pain and stiffness.

I like to lift weights a few times a week.  I started small and slowly worked my way to larger weights.  During the accident I also injured one shoulder so I reduce the amount of weight I use for certain exercises.  Many exercises can be modified for a person's ability. (try searching online for exercises for specific muscle groups.)

When the weather's nice I like to wheel around outside for cardio.  Some days I go further than others depending on how I'm feeling that day.

I understand a bit about having low energy.  I am not able to work full time because I get tired easily.  I do find though, that a little exercise each day helps me feeling better.  It actually gives me energy!

I really encourage you to search the internet for exercises that you can modify to your particular abilities.  Having a disability doesn't need to prevent us from being fit!

I can only talk about my own experience.  In my case, I overate and became obese because I was self-medicating with food.  When I look at photos of when I was so large I just feel sad - not because of my weight - but because of the hurt and pain it represented. 

People need love and compassion.  True love doesn't mean making obesity acceptable because this ignores the underlying problems.  Instead, when a person is ready to make healthy changes, we need to be there to encourage and help.

I'm in a similar situation - I'd rather eat my own healthy food instead of what other people make.

But the reality is that for the rest of my life there will be times when I will be eating other people's unhealthy food.  Since food goes along with social activities, I've realized that I can't avoid unhealthy food forever.  I have to learn how to deal with those situations because I don't want to live like a hermit, avoiding social situations that include food.

I think moderation is the key.  This is very difficult because it's so easy to slide into old, unhealthy eating patterns.  I work at trying to be very conscious of my serving sizes and only eating the foods that I truly like. 

Potlucks still really stress me out.  (I've been eating healthy for about 1 1/2 years.) Sometime I am successful with eating a reasonable amount, but there are times when I eat too much.

Eating socially is a skill that takes practice.  Bring something healthy but eat some of what others provide.

Original Post by armandounc:

Original Post by ebethr:

I talked to my dietitian about sugars in fruit.  She said that sugar is sugar regardless of where it comes from and your body processes all sugar the same way. 

 

Not even close.

 

Sugar is not just sugar. Different sugars are processed very differently by the body. Fructose, for example, is processed by the liver before it enters the bloodstream, whereas glucose enters the bloodstream w/o passing through the liver.

Actually, fructose (sugar from fruit) is digested and turned to glucose, which the body can then use.

Sucrose (table sugar) is made up of glucose and fructose.  The glucose doesn't need to be changed to be used by the body but the fructose is again digested to become glucose.  So in the end, it all ends up as glucose.  That's what I meant when I said 'sugar is sugar.'

The difference is in the Glycemic Index.  Because refined or table sugar is already partially glucose, it enters your bloodstream faster causing a spike in blood sugar levels. Sugar from fruit enters your bloodstream slower because it needs to be first changed to glucose.  In that way, yes, your body does process different types of sugar differently.

When I lose motivation to work out, I spend some time reminding myself of how good I feel after exercising.  I also think about how good it feels to realize that I can lift more, move faster, etc.  I also remind myself that exercise is a gift to my body.  Exercise makes me healthier and it's an investment into a better quality of life.  Yes, it takes discipline and it's not always fun, but the rewards are totally worth it. 

I'm definitely not perfect when it comes to working out.  Today I finally did some cardio after taking 9 days off.  I was surprised to notice how I got out of breath and my muscles burned more than they had in the past.  I am now more motivated to get out there and make exercise a priority again.

I find that there are two difficult things regarding exercise. First, getting started is difficult.  Once you get to the gym or once you start running, it's easier to keep going.

The second challenge is that as the weeks and months go on, it's easy to get bored.  For that reason it's important to try new things and change things up regularly. 

I encourage you to take the next step and get to the gym.  That's the biggest part of the battle.  Maybe you've been avoiding it because you were getting bored with your routine so shake things up and try something new.

Good Luck!