[Ann1231]

I was very successful at losing weight with calorie counting, then had a baby and of course gained a lot of weight..

I then was diagnosed with hypoglycemia and dr. told me to low carb. I did well and got very slim but couldn't keep eating that way. I don't like meat that much to start with and I started hurting so badly. Turns out I have rheumatoid arthritis and the meats weren't helping me any. Plus if I'm 'told' I can't have a certain food, guess what I binge on!

I am so heavy now. My family took pictures this morning and I'm appalled at just how big I am!

It seems that to stay on a plan and to feel better, I'm going to have to figure out how many calories and what foods to eat to help both my blood sugar AND my joints!

Anyway, I've already blown today but have a journal out and ready to start counting tomorrow.

Hope to 'meet' you all on here and be a success too.

Ann

[bargoo]

Welcome and good luck ! I find that calorie counting works best for me.

[Ottoette]

Try good carbs and slow carbs instead of low carb. Meaning complex carbs - whole grains and veggies. Never eat carbs alone, always with some protein. South Beach recipes and foods will work well with hypoglycemia and calorie counting.
Good luck!

[Ann1231]

thank you both.

yeah, I could NEVER eat carbs alone or I'm on the ceiling one minute and flat out on the floor the next. I have to eat adequate protein but it's hard when you don't like meat very much.

[coldbrightday]

Eating healthy fats with your carbs is helpful too. Protein helps avoid the sugar crash by making sure you've got the energy from the protein by the time the carbs are burned off. Fat does that too, but the presense of fat in the duodenum (the part of the small intestine that is right after the stomach) also signals your stomach to empty slower... meaning those carbs and whatever else you ate actually get absorbed more slowly, which takes the edge of the peak-and-crash we all know so well.

That why I like my fruit with peanut butter.

[lorilove]

Welcome back - you have been successful in the past so there is no reason to think you won't be successful again.

Lori

[Ann1231]

Thanks for the fat and protein tips and for the encouragement!

I know I can do this. I just have to DO it, you know?! This morning is my fresh start. I took pictures of the family yesterday to send to Mom's for Mother's Day. I was so embarrassed. My dh and ds are very tall and slim and I'm short and big. I look like I don't fit in there at all. That gave me motivation to get started and stop messing around with different plans. I know I have to watch my carbs due to blood sugar issues but I can do that and still keep track of calories.

Have a good day everyone!
Ann

[Beverlyjoy]

Hi! Welcome! I agree that calories counting is a wonderful way to eat healthfully. It's worked so well for me. Just try and get in all the food groups everyday.

You can do this!!!

[PrettyPaula]

hey ann!!

ive been the same as you pretty much, i now dont eat any white goods.. the carbs i eat are whole grain cereals, granary bread, wholewheat pasta or brown rice... also veggies and fruits but i avoid bananas and corn...

pm me if you want a buddy

[yoyoma]

I need to log & count calories in order to lose weight. I pay attention to energy density and I emphasize whole foods. These approaches work well together. Less refined, higher volume foods keep me full longer so it is less difficult to stay within a calorie budget. But just eating healthy foods doesn't work for me -- I still need to track those calories.

[dgramie]

nits are a good source of protien if you dont like meat.My daughter is hypoglycemic also and she eats string cheese also. Weight watchers has one for 50 calories.

[nursechic]

Hi Ann,

I have just started back, also. Seeing a picture of myself was another turning point to get me back on track. So far I have lost 6-lbs!! Counting calories, hight protein and high fiber has been the key for me.

[bumblebee27]

Calorie counting is definitely the way to go - it's just science. To lose weight, you have to burn more calories than you consume - it's as simple as that. So congrats on starting again, welcome and good luck!