In Weight Loss, the Ongoing Battle I delved into a topic that almost every woman can can relate to. That post contained some general advice, but today I’ll share some personal experiences. It’s a longer post than usual; hopefully I broke it down well.
My weight gain pattern started 10-12 years ago. It was a puzzle. I watched what I ate within reason, exercised, but still found it so hard to shed the pounds. I could eat a high carb meal on the weekend and gain 3 pounds. Then it wouldn’t come off. I sought advice, but others were stumped as well.
In 2001 I saw a nutrition expert who mentioned the words INSULIN RESISTANT for the first time. My Dr. said: “you don’t have that!”
I sought advice from another Dr. She told me there was nothing wrong and suggested (Seriously) “Get more involved in you kids’ activities!” I gave up.
Years passed: more frustration. I worked with a trainer who was adamant about counting calories/fiber. After a few weeks, she was dumbfounded. I wasn’t dropping weight. It made no sense scientifically. I chose another Dr. whose kids had attended school with mine. I only knew her vaguely, but I knew she wouldn’t think I was some obsessed crazy woman about my weight. She “got it” and referred me to the PA in her office who specialized in the area of Type 2 Diabetes. Finally I had someone who would listen and understand!
After a four hour blood test where blood is drawn every hour, I was offically diagnosed Insulin Resistant in December of 2006. Now let me explain, I’m very “non-medical”. Scientific, medical terms were not a part of my background knowledge. Furthermore, I really have no interest in learning. It all sounded like a bunch of medical jargon to me. The most important point here? I was in denial. The seriousness of the matter did not sink in. I didn’t feel bad or have some of the symptoms others did. I brushed it under the table and went on with my life. It WAS reassuring to know there was something abnormal and this wasn’t all in my head. Sometimes I used it as an excuse for my weight. Most of the time others wouldn’t have any idea what I was talking about and gave me a blank look. I did a poor job of explaining it. What exactly is Insulin Resistance? The following diagram helped me:
In easy to understand terms: It’s as though I have locks on my cells and they cannot use the insulin properly. The pancreas continues to make more. I store this excess as weight–typically around the middle. Treatment: Proper low-carb diet, exercise and sometimes medication.
I read, researched and tried more diets. My biggest mistake during these last years was the fact that I didn’t understand that I would NOT have the same results as someone else. People who are not experienced in the medical field are quick to tell you that a diet plan will work for YOU because they had awesome results and they are now selling the product. I jump on the band wagon with all the rest. I’m happy for all those who have lost weight with various programs, yet I’m frustrated I can’t get the same results. Looking back, I completely understand now why certain programs worked for a time and others were a total disaster.
Bottom Line: I should only have 45-60 carbs a day. If you’ve ever counted carbs you know that is NOTHING! Most diet programs promote a balance between protein, fat, carbs. 90 carbs a day is pretty standard and that is too much for me. I will not lose weight on these type of plans.
Here is another problem. I look at sample meals and I kind of pull up my nose. I wouldn’t say I’m a picky eater, but looking at the acceptable vegetable list I admittedly am not a fan of turnips, eggplant and kale. I hate many of the vegetables on the list. I like salads but tire of them easily and prefer them in a restaurant vs home. I love bread, potatoes, and have a hard time staying away from sweets. I love to bake and rarely do it any more because I will eat it ALL.
We read and hear a great deal about emotional eating. Some of us eat out of boredom. One of my friends summed up her eating perfectly. I’m going to borrow her statement because it epitomizes my feelings: “I love food. I love the taste, the texture and the satisfaction of a good meal. Eating is very social for me. I love going out to eat! I want the bread basket, the extra helping of chips at the Mexican restaurant, the garlic mashed with my entree and not another helping of vegetables! I love desserts, enjoy a glass of wine or occasional cocktail.” I can’t have most of what I want. The world is a tempting place full of foods I love!
Each year since diagnosis, my blood sugar number gets worse. I have gained 20 pounds since that first appointment in ’06. When I went in this week, I told my Dr. she needed to be a little more firm with me and say. “If you don’t change your ways… this is what will happen.” DIABETES for real with daily shots!
Perhaps writing this article will help me face the facts. I’m not sure. I think I’ve been there before and then I go back to my old ways.
If you feel comfortable sharing, I would love to hear from you. In the next weeks I’ll be sharing some ways I HAVE changed my lifestyle. I will also “review” some of the diet programs I spoke of with “unbiased” opinions.
