Help for my Mum
 

Hi guys,

I am asking this question on behalf of my Mum. Over the last month we have both been making an effort to eat better, I have managed to lose weight and keep on losing but she has only lost a couple of kgs and has plateaued already. She has more to lose than me, around 15 - 20kgs. She has cut bread, potatoes, sweets and is basically eating more vege, fruit, eggs, protein but still not losing. She is finding it very frustrating and is at the point she wants to give up.

She has had her thyroid removed about 30 years ago and I know this can affect metabolism so this could be it?

Anyway I was hoping for some suggestions and guidance as to what she can do now? We are thinking of maybe cutting out diary since milk contains lactose.

Thanks

She might need to add some exercise even if it is just something like taking a daily walk.

Thanks, I was just about to add in that she exercises everyday, either cycling or walking and walks up hills every weekend.

I think the exercise is great and so is giving up the sweets, but even though she is making other healthy food changes that doesn't necessarily equal weight loss. I would suggest tracking calories for a few days to see how many she is eating and then try to reduce food intake by 500 calories/day (assuming she is really not losing weight on her current calorie level).

Hmm, those things sound great, but you didn't mention how much of the stuff she eats. Even if it's healthy food, eat too much of it and it's not so healthy. Also, what does she drink? Tea? Soda? Water? Smooze?

Thanks... um she doesn't eat a lot everyday but I have suggested a food diary and keeping count of her calories. She drinks tea and water mostly (although probably not enough water). She rarely drinks soda but would have a glass of wine maybe twice a week.

I definitely think it would benefit her to count calories, at least temporarily. Often times people are consuming more than they believe. Chances are she is naturally eating at maintenance, which is great, but not for weight loss of course.

I am assuming she is on thyroid medication now, if it was removed? Maybe she needs to be tested to make sure the dosage is correct.

I would also suggest to weigh/measure and track food. It sounds like both of you are eating very healthy foods now, but unless you eat fewer calories than you burn, and if so, you won't lose weight, even when they are healthy calories.

Yes she is on medication, has been since is was 21 (is 50 now). Thanks for the tips guys, will pass along the information :)

Maybe she could keep a food journal for a week & you could
see exactly what & how much she is having. Lots of times we
forget exactly what we do have