Intuitive Eating

On the recommendation of Angel Schroeder, I have been reading Intuitive Eating, and making a point to eat when I am genuinely hungry.

Have not finished the book but so far it seems to be in line with what I know about nutrition, metabolism and weight gain/loss.

Today I ate when I felt I needed it, which seemed like I snacked too much, however when I tallied my calories at the end of the day was still within my target.

The Bet

I have been toying with the idea of a motivational bet, to keep me on track, since just knowing I need to lose weight and get fit has done dinkus for me over the past 10 years.

On my FB page I suggested donating money to a charity, but as that's a win/win, I'm not sure its the best idea, and we already do that anyway.

A psychologist friend suggested writing a check to an organization I hate and having someone mail it if I fail, but I am torn about that idea as well.

So I have decided that since I hate being out in a swimsuit in public at my current weight, that I will post a full body shot of myself on my public FB page if my goal of 1 lb/week is not met by June 1, which would be a goal weight of just under 230.

If I meet that, I will renew the bet for the next quarter or so.

Since neither I nor my viewers want that to happen, I think I will get the encouragement I need!

What do you think?

Exercise & appetite

Recent studies have shown that very vigorous exercise may actually interfere with weight loss due to disinhibiting hunger control, i.e., when you work out hard and burn off stored sugar from the liver, your resulting hunger may cause you to consume more calories than burned. Net effect - no weight loss, and even minor weight gain.

I have heard this complaint over and over again from patients who have joined a gym, and have not lost the weight they hoped.

I am therefore trying to keep my workouts light for starters, with heart rates maxing in the low 140s, which my trainer apparently agrees with. Right now its 3 times a week at the gym, but plan on 5-6 when the initial soreness improves.

Yesterday was a good meal day with calories not exceeding my goal, though it took some discipline between 8 and midnight, my danger zone.

Getting back on the wagon

So work and life have gotten in the way of my own health in the past year, which is the same story I have heard from hundreds of patients.

My goal however is to join my family which have all taken up speed skating, a sport which I once enjoyed but now find painful due to my weight and lack of fitness.

To kick things off, I have enlisted a trainer at our hospital fitness center, with 2 meetings a week to make sure that I show up. We are starting slowly to avoid injury, but it feels great to be in a gym again.

Secondly, I am trying to get group support from my Facebook friends on my Henry Dorn MD page, which like Weight Watchers seems to be an effective way of staying on track.

I am also considering a wager too in order to keep me focused. Amber Kelly, a great local counsellor & friend, suggested that I write a check to an organization which I dislike, which will be cashed if I fail to meet my goal. Like McDonalds.

Anyway, I need to watch the calories and bump up the fitness.

At least being on the skates makes me PAINFULLY aware of where I am and where I need to be.

Goal is one pound per week until July 1 for starters. Wish me luck!