Well, I hand slapped a bit yesterday. I had an appointment with the NP at my doctor's office which was good, because I've been having a bit of acid reflux - not bad, but enough that I knew it was time for an adjustment. I spent the most time with Jeannine (my NP) yesterday than I've spent since immediately post-surgery... About 20 minutes! Long story short, she took out a "smidge" of liquid (formal medical term you know) and I have immediate relief, but still have the right restriction. However, when we started talking about the fact that I've been stalled in the same 5 pound area for a few months, I realized just how poorly I've been eating, and that my choices have not been good ones. Without boring you, I've fallen into the easy choices with poor nutritional value, because they go down. And she reminded me that while, yes, protein is important, it is NOT the end-all-be-all. Fiber, fruits & veggies and limiting fat is also critical to continued success. As she said, "just having cheese and hot dogs and chicken is a sure-fire recipe for hard poops. And stalled weight loss." You have to make room for it all! So... she has set the expectation to see me back in 4 weeks BELOW 200 pounds (by their scale - theirs showed me fully clothed, mid-day at 204 yesterday)... and sticking to 1000 calories a day; 20 grams of fat tops; 60 grams of protein and as much natural fiber as I can get in... Even though I got a bit "fussed at" it was what I needed to really realize what I rut I'd fallen into! I'm looking forward to seeing where I get over the next month!
5.27.2010
A minor "dressing-down"...
Well, I hand slapped a bit yesterday. I had an appointment with the NP at my doctor's office which was good, because I've been having a bit of acid reflux - not bad, but enough that I knew it was time for an adjustment. I spent the most time with Jeannine (my NP) yesterday than I've spent since immediately post-surgery... About 20 minutes! Long story short, she took out a "smidge" of liquid (formal medical term you know) and I have immediate relief, but still have the right restriction. However, when we started talking about the fact that I've been stalled in the same 5 pound area for a few months, I realized just how poorly I've been eating, and that my choices have not been good ones. Without boring you, I've fallen into the easy choices with poor nutritional value, because they go down. And she reminded me that while, yes, protein is important, it is NOT the end-all-be-all. Fiber, fruits & veggies and limiting fat is also critical to continued success. As she said, "just having cheese and hot dogs and chicken is a sure-fire recipe for hard poops. And stalled weight loss." You have to make room for it all! So... she has set the expectation to see me back in 4 weeks BELOW 200 pounds (by their scale - theirs showed me fully clothed, mid-day at 204 yesterday)... and sticking to 1000 calories a day; 20 grams of fat tops; 60 grams of protein and as much natural fiber as I can get in... Even though I got a bit "fussed at" it was what I needed to really realize what I rut I'd fallen into! I'm looking forward to seeing where I get over the next month!
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A good source of protein AND fiber are beans - plus their low-fat. In a small can of beans the sodium is a bit high, but it is a great grab-n-go type of meal. Or you can take the time on the weekend to cook beans in a crockpot or pressure cooker then you'll have them for the week and know the sodium/nutritional levels for it.
As I sit here and eat my standard breakfast of CarbMaster Vanilla Yogurt with Kashi Go Lean cereal (this feels like one of those uncomfortable Biggest Loser ads already, huh?) I can attest to the more fiber thing. The cereal is great and on the weekends I'll mix it up by having scrambled eggs or cottage cheese, but for the most part, I stick to this for my morning meal because it's GREAT at filling me up (fiber will be) and keeping me from being hungry mid-mornings.
I said "ouch" out loud with the mid-afternoon, fully clothed weigh in. I know what you mean. My 200 is apparently 196ish because that's the lowest I've gotten down to with dieting since I started getting at my high weights and I've been here for about a week and a half, the scale taunting me with fractions of up and downs in that pound marker. I just want to see the 195 but I honestly have been doing too much "snacking" as meals and I have to be honest with myself about that, healthy snacks or not.
Instead of fretting about making sure your whole day, every day is perfect, why don't you concentrate on getting one of your daily meals perfected. Get comfortable with having that meal be the one you're nutritionally proud of and then once you've adjusted to how good that meal makes you feel, move on to improving the next daily meal. That way it won't seem like an insurmountable task.
I'm with Sally - beans are awesome. Black bean soup (I like Progresso) is sooo good, and it's a great source of protein and fiber.
GOOD LUCK. Sounds like you have a solid plan, so you're on your way.
For what it's worth, I think she gave you great guidance -- at least I subscribe to the same thoughts. ; ) While I didn't always see the best results on the scale (grrr!), what I did see were changes in my body. I fondly refer to it as shifting. For me another key was portion control (which has always been a struggle). I only eat the amount I am supposed to and if needed later have a snack. Somedays I need a snack and other days I don't. I just practice the "am I really hungry or is this my emotions/head?" Keep up the great work!
Sounds like a great visit, honestly.
My best source of fiber, I've found, is to drink a smoothie in the morning. Fruit is also a very easy way to get fiber - and then I take that up a notch by adding Metamucil. I also add protein so I get a pretty well-rounded "meal" out of my 6oz.
You just got me thinking...that is really the only meal where I "push" fiber and it is also the meal that holds me over the longest (4-5 hours til I'm hungry for lunch). So I guess I am guilty too - I think protein protein protein for lunch and dinner and that protein protein protein only keeps me satisfied for 2-3 hours. So I think I need more fiber myself!
Great post!!
Progresso Bean Soup sounds like a great thing to add to my grocery list for down the road (still on liquids). Your visit to the NP sounds like it was very beneficial. (Made me think of BENEFICIAL fiber...:)
I'm excited for you. I think you wanted a push in the right direction and sounds like you got it. I know you'll be below 200 in no time.
Can I just say how much I like your PA? She listens, she cares, she gives good advice and she wants to see you again! I won't go into details but my doctor's office pales in comparison. I actually had the P.A. tell me, today, that the Band isn't supposed to help you feel full faster. Um. Yeah. I'm glad you got time with such a good healthcare provider.
This is why its so important to keep in touch with our doc and nutritionist. I like you, have stalled and I think it might be for the same reason.. the easy way of eating sometimes. At least you got that motivation (read: kick up the bum lol) and have something new to aim for. AND you will get there. I have great faith in you Sarah. x
Have you tried the South Beach Diet bars? They have a peanut butter one that's higher protein, high fiber, and totally delicious. I've been having that for breakfast all week and I'm addicted!
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