Regular readers would know that after a lifetime of yo-yoing weight I decided early this year to stop ‘dieting’. In all honesty, I felt exhausted from 30 years of obsessing over my weight, food and exercise.
I lost 20+kg last year before my weight loss efforts fell into a big heap. I was happy with the loss and my renewed commitment to exercise and being healthier BUT, the cold hard fact was that I still had another 20kg to lose to get to my own goal weight.
As my frustration grew so did my re-reliance on binge eating and overeating.
I felt like I’d tried everything EXCEPT not-dieting.
Not-dieting, mindful eating and intuitive eating are the raison d’etre amongst many of those I follow and admire in the blogosphere. As an experienced and unsuccessful ‘dieter’ I certainly lean towards the self-acceptance and ‘health at any size’ bandwagon rather than the currently-popular paleolithic diet / sugar-is-evil trains of thought.
Indeed, the sane part of my brain (which reflects how I view those other than myself) recognises that one doesn’t have to be at their ‘ideal’ weight to be healthy and happy with their life.
But, I’ve talked here about the challenge of not-dieting while still being overweight; being zen about my weight and food and so forth while still trying to LOSE weight. I’ve been struggling to reconcile all of this.
The exercise side of things is going well. Sometimes I only do 4 gym classes a week rather than 5, but I’m okay with that. But… I know I know I need to make better food choices.
As things have become a bit more stressful in recent times I’ve been reaching out to old familiar friends for comfort. I’ve thought about lying (here) by omission and not confessing to corn chip or chocolate binges. I know that by admitting to waywardness I’m opening myself up to judgement, but there’s no point in my taking the time to share my words if they’re big fat lies.
Jules from Big Girl Bombshell recently started Weight Watchers despite being a proponent of intuitive eating. I particularly enjoyed her post outlining WHY she was making the call to join a weight loss program which – in some ways – went against what she promoted.
Her post was timely because, as it happens, I’m doing the same thing.
A few weeks ago I received an offer to trial IsoWhey Complete® – a weight loss program based around a high protein shake. Initially I balked. “God!” I thought, “meal replacement shakes, of ALL things! How unsustainable is that?!”
However, as my life has unravelled a little over recent weeks I’ve realised I need to rein in my behaviour. I need to simplify parts of my life to cope with the changes before me. I’m tired of feeling blah! I’ve been feeling bloated and uncomfortable for a few weeks. My carbohydrate intake has skyrocketed. My meals are way too big. I had 2 bags of corn chips (with dip!) on Saturday morning for breakfast (FFS!). That is not a good thing.
After pondering on it for a while I decided to accept the offer and I’ve been gifted a 21 day supply IsoWhey Complete® along with some hot chocolate and snack bars.
I’ve tried ‘shakes’ previously but as I’m coeliac finding meal replacement options which are gluten-free can be a challenge. Apparently whey protein is a high quality, low allergenic and easily digested protein and most of IsoWhey’s products are gluten-free which is a huge bonus for me.
I started Monday. My initial plan was to undertake the 7-day Fast Track program in an attempt to break some of the unhealthy patterns I’ve developed, although I’m now thinking of doing the 21-day Break the Habit program which will see me through my final weeks at work and the transition into whatever comes next.
I’ve downloaded the very-straightforward booklet with some meal suggestions, but it’s not rocket science. I just need to replace two meals a day with IsoWhey shakes and stick to low/no carbohydrate options for my other meal and snacks.
Evening meals are my danger time, but mostly protein options with some veges is very doable for me and I’m keen to try some of the suggested recipes. I’ll miss my mounds of potato, but I’ve been feeling so crappy lately that the change in menu is probably a good thing.
I’m now over 2 days into the program and so far so good. I must confess that I’ve been continuing to have some diet coke (eek!) and I did have a couple of glasses of wine last night, while staying within the calorie limit suggested. However because I’m trying to be such a zen and laid-back kinda chick I’m not actually officially counting calories. Each of my shakes is about 200 calories (110 calories for the protein mixture and 90 for 200ml of skim milk!) and I’m vaguely monitoring the rest of my food consumption.
I’m not fooling myself that this will be the panacea which changes everything for me, but it gives me an opportunity to keep working on the mindset stuff while addressing my behaviour before it spirals WAY out of control over coming weeks. Oh… and a bit of weight loss would be a good thing as well!
I daren’t ask my readers if you approve of my decision… but wonder if you can understand it?
September 12, 2012
Yep. As you know, I’m writing a book about how astrology can help with the mindset stuff- that I struggle deeply with. I do know what I’m talking about, but putting what I know into practice for myself- getting over all the emotional crud is a challenge.
So, I’ve also joined weight watchers (online) & the Michelle Bridges thing. The former because I like the philosophy & the flexibility and the latter because the meal plans help take some of the excuse work out for me- although I abhor some of the celebrity bandwagon guru stuff that goes on. Yes, that came out loud. My issue is focus, mindfulness & boundaries. Typical Pisces stuff. I have to have something to count or be aware of or I simply forget what I’m supposed to be doing. Anything that helps with that habit is a good one.
September 12, 2012
Jo, I don’t think I knew the subject of your book. I like your comment about focus. I tend to be a bit obsessive, but don’t quite feel like that on the shakes – I don’t need to think about it much… so perhaps for a change can be focused but not obsessed!
PS. Am completely ignorant about astrology (don’t know if I’ve ever told you that). I’m a Capricorn. Am I very Capricorn-y I wonder?!
Deb
September 12, 2012
Ummmm from what I’ve read? Not too much. The thing that gets most Caps going, though is a solid goal, a step by step, brick by brick thing. What you’re doing now would absolutely send most Caps into a state of abject panic. Email me your birth details & I’ll tell you jotracey@bigpond.net.au
September 12, 2012
I had a dietician put me on meal replacements some years ago and it was the best advice ever … it totally broke the frustrating, why can’t I lose weight cycle I was on, re-set the system and was motivating as I did lose weight. When finished I stuck with my normal healthy eating plus the odd treat and it worked. Good luck!
September 12, 2012
Thanks Nikki. I am seeing it as a ‘breaking the cycle’ option. And something I need now as things change. I’m prone to give myself any excuse to eat crap / overeat etc… so a bit of ‘focus’ as Jo puts it (above) it probably a good thing!
Fingers crossed!
September 12, 2012
I know (through my nurse sister) of a lot of bariatric surgeons who use meal replacements to give their patients a kick-start into losing weight so it can’t be too bad surely.
I’ve had my own battles with weight many years ago – binge eating and bulimia while I was in university – and I’ve had to come to terms with my own psychology. I can not be on a rigid diet plan because I WILL fail and it will usually be a spectacular fail. For me it’s all about the exercise. (and you’re doing a great job there) I found something that I absolutely love to do and my attitude now is that I fuel to run. I try to give my body what it needs so I can run better. And I don’t flog myself the way I used to if I fall down.
We’re all a work in progress.
September 12, 2012
To date rigid diets haven’t really worked for me either (well, they’ve worked but I’ve gained more back).
It’s true what you say, Char, we are works in progress! I’m hoping exercise will help me maintain weight once I get to something vaguely normal (way off that yet) so am keen to keep that up.
Deb
September 12, 2012
oh i can absolutely understand it – my GP and nutritionist put me on shakes for a few weeks last year for exactly the same reason – i needed to stop my mind and sort it out before anything else could follow. For me, knowing it was only for a set period of time helped to make it sustainable as well.
Good luck – let us know how you go x
September 12, 2012
Oh Lyndal, thanks so much for your comment – it sounds as if you were exactly in the same headspace. I’m also hoping that the shakes help me get my portion sizes under control again as well, as that’s blown out BIG TIME!
Deb
September 12, 2012
I completely understand and think it’s a great idea. Takes the thinking out of what to eat and will curb your appetite in the process AND will give you the nutrition you need whilst helping to lose weight. Great that they also provide recipe ideas for the one meal you do have to make each day. How do they taste Deb? I might consider this myself to help get me back on track.
September 12, 2012
I like the shakes Min. I have them with Physical skim milk, but they suggest smoothies etc and I could use yoghurt as well. I’ve only tried one of the recipes so far (adapted the salmon recipe as I already had some other fish out) but like the look of a few others.
I’ll talk more in future posts (today’s was just to admit that I’d started the shakes) but there are four flavours of shakes but when I was approached I only requested two (Vanilla and Chocolate). I don’t mind Strawberry but thought these would be nicer. There’s also banana but I don’t eat bananas (though I used to eat the lolly kind – dipped in melted chocolate… hmmmm…).
Deb
September 12, 2012
Deb, I’ve never taken a replacement shake and I’m in the same boat as Char on this one – however, if you feel it might be an avenue that helps you, then it’s worth exploring. We’re all our own best experiment, remember?
September 12, 2012
Very true Liz. And I’m feeling kinda motivated which is a good thing!
Deb
September 12, 2012
You know how I feel about these things but you have to do what is right for you, it’s a short term solution, you know long term it will make things worse, just remember it. I’ve been in a place like you so many times before so I understand the rationale. Good luck x
September 12, 2012
Thanks Rebecca!
September 12, 2012
I understand you wanting to try. If it feels right for you in this period of your life, then go with that feeling. A kick start might just be the way to go right now… Good luck!
September 12, 2012
I think that’s it Lou Lou. IT’s the kick-start I need. I’ve gotten nowhere this year and have gained a bit of weight lately. Need to nip that in the bud!
Deb
September 12, 2012
Deb I do understand (I think) where you are at. But I have to say, my attitude with these things is – If you can’t do what your doing every day for the rest of your life, then it’s not going to be sustainable weight loss.
But having said that, sometimes these kinda things can be the kick start you need! So keep reporting progress. I look forward to hearing how you go.
September 12, 2012
Neen, I do agree it’s the kick-start I need. Will report back in a couple of days. Did weigh myself before but want to make it about more than the weight (or even measurements). Already I feel less bloated!
Deb
September 12, 2012
Deb – I just caught up on my blog reading – you have so much going on! I love your new life plan, and am excited to hear about life after Brisbane.
As far as the diet goes, sometimes all we need is a little encouragement. If you do well on the plan and you feel motivated to keep going, then that’s fantastic!
September 12, 2012
Thanks Julia. I put my Brissy place BACK on the market again tonight and am looking at some places at Hervey Bay on Saturday. It’s all happening I guess. AND… the last couple of days have been a bit stressful. I possibly would have bought some junk tonight if I hadn’t been making a concerted effort!
Deb
September 12, 2012
I’m not a fan of protein shake diets. I don’t think they are sustainable for long term weight loss. I think you can guess my recommendation! Lapband or the gastric sleeve is by far the best option in my opinion for people with long term weight issues (especially yo-yos like me!), when they’ve tried everything else and failed.
I was quite low bmi (32.1) when I got my lapband and have been able to maintain 15 of the 20kg I lost with it. I’m going in for a tune up tomorrow to lose the 5kg I’ve put on since having my band loosened. A friend of mine who had gastric sleeve surgery has the weight dropping off in kegs.
Read this American girl’s blog. She has been hugely successful with the adjustable: http://lapbandgalsjourney.blogspot.com.au/
Also, Tully, who is from Melbourne, has had massive success with a lapband. It is not easy. There is still a lot of commitment required. Check out her blog (she is my favourite Aussie bandit. So honest and inspiring!) : http://prettyif.blogspot.com.au/
The data is out there but basically most people who use commercial diets like this shake one, or even Weight Watches, put the weight back on. Weight Loss Surgery is the most successful route to go, going by what I’ve read anyway.
Regarding the comment above, re WLS surgeons putting pre surgery patients on shakes, they do that so that the obese person can lose some fat around their livers and stomachs so the surgeon can better see inside to perform the surgery. Thankfully I didn’t need to do that!
Look, I know it is not for everyone, but I cannot recommend having an adjustable lapband enough. And although mine drives me nuts sometimes, I love it, because it keeps the weight off without having to really diet, if I don’t want to. I forces me to eat smaller portions and pretty much eliminate starchy carbs. And the best thing is, it is adjustable!
From reading your blog, I know you really want to lose the weight so good luck!.
V.
PS. I’m gonna do as I say now I’ve just written this little lecture that I should so be sponsored by lapband company for! I might have to chuck out the remainder of my $50 Darrell Lea stash but I’m going to follow your words and do as I say and get this weight loss wagon going again!
September 13, 2012
Hi Vanessa
I thought about lapbanding early last year – felt like a last resort, but had one last attempt to lose weight myself and thankfully that ended up working (to an extent anyway). I’d also read about surgeons putting people on shakes to lose weight around their organs before surgery.
So far so good on the shakes for me and I’m enjoying not having to think about what I’m having for breakfast and lunch etc.
Deb
September 13, 2012
The moment I stopped dieting was the moment that I actually started losing weight. But, everyone is different and you have to find what works for you!
September 13, 2012
I have to admit Dannii, I’d also hoped that not-dieting would work for me but I just haven’t been able to settle into healthy eating patterns yet (and my weight is increasing again).
Hopefully this will nip that in the bud and I can focus on my mindset for a bit.
Deb
September 13, 2012
No one has to approve of your choices but you!
September 13, 2012
True, thanks Karen.
September 13, 2012
heck yes I can understand it!!
it is all about finding what works for us and that is soooo fluid too.
especially here.
changes with life circumstances.
xo
September 13, 2012
Thanks for the encouragement Miz!
x
September 16, 2012
I understand what you are trying to do and I think you are doing it for the right reasons. Especially as you said it will not be a long term thing. Do what works for you and change as your circumstances allow.
September 17, 2012
I have to say Vicki, had I not committed to the program I might have been quite ‘naughty’ in terms of my food choices while at my mother’s. Even now, I’ve just arrived back in Brisbane and because I’ve got the day off (out of habit) my mind went straight to the notion of going to the store to buy some evil goodies to indulge in.
I’m not planning on doing that – having decided I’d head in to Zumba at lunch and perhaps treat myself with a nanna nap and reading in the bath after that to whittle away the afternoon. (Though I also have a lot of blog-reading to catch up on!)
Deb