This is for the question about simple carbs.

Complex carbs are the healthy ones-fruit, vegetables, and WHOLE grains like brown rice, oatmeal, and WHOLE grain bread and cereals-like shredded wheat.
Simple carbs are the processed ones-white flour, white bread or any bread, even wheat, that is not "whole" grain. What this means, is that if it is not whole grain, then the grains have been overly processed-meaning not as much nutrition, fiber, etc. in them. Most popular cereals are also processed-Frosted Flakes, Corn Pops, and the like are so overly processed that they hold none of the nutrition of the natural grain. Sugar is also a simple carbohdrate. Fruit is a complex carb-but fruit JUICE is a simple carb-because all of the pulp, skin, and elements that contain the nutrients and fiber have been stripped away-leaving you with only the juice.
Donuts and pastries are the worst-because they are a double dose of simple carbs-the white flour and sugar combo.

Hi Pat! Yes, I exercise. I try to do at least 60 minutes of cardio and 10-15 minutes of strength training with weights 5 days a week. I also try to get in a bonus day, but I don't always do that.

I had knee surgery on each knee last year. I also have osteoarthritis in both knees very badly.

I don't go fast on the treadmill -- 2.8 mph is my normal speed. I also don't do a high incline, but I will do some. I've read several studies that say for people who have a lot of weight to lose, going slower and going longer is better.

My goal is to burn a minimum of 500 calories a day in exercise and I usually get close to 700.

Hi,Susan. I read your stats to Dh & he said "that is one determined lady".Did you decide to diet for health reasons or? Whatever....you're stats are amazing.
Slow is the only way I can do anything....moving easiest on my glider, can get up speed a bit.Walking has to be slow, as I have exercise asthma.....only acts up when I get out of breath from moving fast.Not sure slow helps....but have no choice.Not sure what calorie counts are for various exercises....thanks again.I enjoy learning & reading about weight,losing/gaining etc.Pat
<I don't go fast on the treadmill -- 2.8 mph is my normal speed. I also don't do a high incline, but I will do some. I've read several studies that say for people who have a lot of weight to lose, going slower and going longer is better.

My goal is to burn a minimum of 500 calories a day in exercise and I usually get close to 700>.

Pat, I first started losing weight when I came home from work one day to find that my first husband had packed up all his stuff and disappeared. No warning, no working it out, nothing. I figured once I got a divorce, if I was going to get a new husband, I'd better get busy. And I did get a new husband too.

I lost the first 100 lbs and then got lazy and stopped working on it. Then I tore my meniscus in each of my knees slipping on ice and doing the splits. My knee surgeon told me if I didn't get the next 100 lbs off, I wouldn't be walking without assistance in 10 years.

Does using an inhaler before, during and after exercise help you at all? The idea is to burn calories however it works for you. Richard Simmons apparently has an exercise book for people who are confined to a wheelchair or have other disabilities that do not allow them to walk - it might be something to check out for you.

Susan...I feel bad for asking a personal question...sorry! NOMB......Bet you're better off without hub no 1.....what a weak kneeded way to end a marriage.JMO
I have lots of probs using meds....so Dr says best for me is to just advoid fast movement/heavy exertion & so far....has worked fine.Think my slow loss is more due to age than slow movement....& that being the case, I can give it time,cause I don't ever intend to start eating like I used to. Healthy comes 1st...& that leaves almost no calories to waste on junk or pigging out. So far,so good. My goal date for losing next 20pds is 1/07.
Good luck with your journey.....I think you've got it licked & more power to you. Pat C

Pat, you've missed mine and Falon's whole discussion about fantasies of him spread-eagled in the parking lot with tire tracks running up the back of his head.

Don't worry -- you won't offend me by asking personal questions -- I'll tell you the answer no problem.

<--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

<Pat, you've missed mine and Falon's whole discussion about fantasies of him spread-eagled in the parking lot with tire tracks running up the back of his head.>
Sounds too good for him!!

advice 1
Caloric intake varies for each person based on age, gender, and activity level, but for the most part, women between 23 and 50 should eat about 2,200 calories per day to maintain their current weight, while older women need fewer calories. No one should consumer fewer than 1,500 calories, even in attempts to lose weight, according to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The FDA recommends that everyone maintain healthy levels of fat and fiber intake through out their adult lives
Cutting back to 1000-1200 calories a day is pretty drastic, and should only be used if you just want to lose a few pounds quickly, or feel the need to kick-start a longer term weight loss plan.
Even so, it's not a good idea to stick to such dramatic calorie restriction for more than a week. Not just because you'll be short of essential nutrients, but on a diet of just 1000-1200 calories a day - your body will be convinced it's in the middle of a famine if you keep it up for long.
This means it will slow down, in order to hold on to every calorie for as long as possible... not helpful when what you really want when you're trying to lose weight is a lively, active body burning up the calories as fast as possible.
pushing your body into starvation mode is counterproductive.


Did you know your body needs 1200 calories just to feed your organs!!!!
1000-1200 is unhealthy esp. if you're exercising try to up to 1300-1400 calories and stay there for a while...TRUST ME..it's for your own health a year at 1000-1200 you've screwed up your metabolism and your body...as a side note you might gain a couple of lbs at first mostly water weight but then your body will adjust UPPING WILL MAKE YOU LOSE WEIGHT