Healthy Eating / Healthy Living

[BarTopDancer]

There are at least 6 of us who are trying to improve our health by improving our eating habits/choices and also by moving more.

I think an all around general healthy living thread isn't a bad idea (and it'll either take off or crash in a fiery derail).

I am trying to improve my health by following GDs "patented eat less, move more" plan. We're starting a lunchtime walking group, where we either walk to a place to have lunch, or walk a mile at lunch. I am eating healthier by eating more veggies and moderating the amount of 'junk' I eat. I'll still eat it once in awhile - just a lot less than I was.

[Moonliner]

Funny you should ask (http://www.loungeoftomorrow.com/LoT/showpost.php?p=195957&postcount=18)....


I've just started building a Treadmill Desk (http://www.treadmill-desk.com/).

http://cache.gizmodo.com/assets/resources/2007/10/Walkstation_Press_Kit_photos%20001.jpg

It will allow me to walk up to as long as I work. It should be interesting....

[MouseWife]

Okay, is that for real? That is soooo seriously a good idea.

I second the walking at lunch plan. I only have lunch when I have full shifts and on those days the Hubster usually meets up with me and we walk to a taco stand in the strip mall behind the strip mall I work at {good walk, hills & and we walk fast since it is just a lunch break}.

I've put my recumbant bike back into an area where it is more of a reminder to be riden. :blush:

The best walking I do is out of the kitchen....:rolleyes: {and the most difficult!}

[wendybeth]

Is bacon still involved? Is so, I'm in.


Actually, I have been making a real effort to be more health-conscious in my food choices. We've been having less red meat, more fish and lots more fresh veggies around here. I've also gone off my bread ban and included small amounts of whole wheat in my diet. Btw, the Girl requested grilled salmon for dinner- whoohoo! She's really starting to branch out- last week she tried trout, although it was a major PITA to pick out the bones. (She's never tried fish before this year).

[MouseWife]

The damn bones!! My son also hadn't tried much fish before. But, he now loves salmon. But the bones!!! So, I don't buy it very fresh, unfortunately, and he loves it with white rice. He won't eat the brocolli {although I told him to please just eat one bite and he did, geesh, should have asked for two!} and I love that with it, rounds it out.

[Not Afraid]

I walk all day long. I've got the move more thing down. Now, if my feet could stop hurting......

As for eating, I've been cooking at least 5 times a week, eating breakfast every morning, staying away from fast food unless I'm about to faint - and then it's the smallest portion of food I can get.

Late night chocolate is NOT going to go away, but I've been trying to minimize the amounts.

I could probably make a more serious effort and take off the next 30 pounds that need to go. But, why? ;)

[Disneyphile]

I want to be able to walk freely for long periods when I'm older. I saw what immobilization and excessive weight did to my mom in her later years, and I don't want to go out like that.

I don't give a crap what I look like - I'm concerned with how I feel, and what my body needs. I want strength. I want endurance. I want good health.

[Strangler Lewis]

I walk all day long. I've got the move more thing down. Now, if my feet could stop hurting......

As for eating, I've been cooking at least 5 times a week, eating breakfast every morning, staying away from fast food unless I'm about to faint - and then it's the smallest portion of food I can get.

Late night chocolate is NOT going to go away, but I've been trying to minimize the amounts.

I could probably make a more serious effort and take off the next 30 pounds that need to go. But, why? ;)

Late night anything is the death of weight loss. As, for me, is chocolate. New chocolate place featuring Joseph Schmidt truffles opened in P-Town. Must avoid.

As a small-boned, I find that less weight=happier feet.

[Moonliner]

Okay, is that for real? That is soooo seriously a good idea.

Most definitely. Click on the link (http://www.treadmill-desk.com/)for all the details and a video from it's appearance on GMA.

The official model is a bit out of my price range ($4,000) but I can build one for under $1,000 including treadmill.

[Sohrshah]

I started my new job today, and with it, my re-newed commitment to my health. I will be going to the gym at least 3 times a week, plus walking in the evening with Goonie. I'm bringing healthy lunches and monitoring how much fluid I drink, plus cutting out alot of the junk.

I am considering following the Weight Watchers program, but on my own. Does anyone else do Weight Watchers?

For me, the most important thing is to not get TOO strict, or go TOO overboard. I have significantly more than 30 pounds to lose (I should realistically lose 100-110 pounds. My insurance company would have me lose 140), and run the risk of getting burned out if I push the healthy eating too far for too long. That is why I failed to keep weight off in the first place. I really think that the moving bit of it is the best part for my goals.

I do care how I look, and want to lose weight and feel attractive again, but more importantly, I want to feel comfortable in my skin and be fit and healthy.

[lizziebith]

I'm doing WW and it's working quite well for me; I don't do well when I'm forbidden foods, so portion control makes me happy. I usually play games with a wireless controller when I'm on my treadmill -- it does take practice, though! So far, I'm 12 pounds down in about 6 weeks, YAY! And my goal is happier feet, too! :D

[Gemini Cricket]

I've been going to the gym.
I try to go every day and do at least cardio.
I've been bad the last couple of days though.
A hot personal trainer helps.
I did one of those free personal trainers for a day programs at Bally's. I had a trainer that looked like Colossus (Daniel Cudmore) from the 2nd and 3rd X-Men movies. I had no problem doing a 2 hour workout that day, I tell you. And when he told me his favorite singer was Dave Matthews, I just about jumped into his arms. (And, no, I didn't mention Dave first.)
There was one point where he spotted me on a weight bench. His... uh... Cudmore almost hit me in the nose. Hallelujah for Bally's, I tell you what.

http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b268/braddoc310/pic03.jpg

My advice: workout with Colossus.

[Sohrshah]

Congrats!

For me it's forbidden foods, but also being too good for too long. It becomes so tedious to have to look at the salads first in a restaurant ALL the time. What's worse is that when an opportunity arises to have rich foods, if I've been too strict, I'll just lose it and eat everything in sight.

That's a good idea- playing games while walking on the treadmill.

I used to work out 5-6 days a week, but I'm afraid I'll burn out goin that often, especially since my gym, as I learned for the first time today, is very crowded.

Does anyone else have issues with checking the scalle TOO often? I have to force myself to get on only once a week. I'm more likely to pay attention to overall behavior. If I get on every day, I tend to ignore a pound from day to day and not notice bad habits which are make that pound just stick around instead of being lost.

Sorry, I'm overposting! I'm gung ho right now because I've just started!

[MouseWife]

Ugh, no, my problem was with not weighing myself enough. I know that before when I lost weight, I would only enter one weight a week into my log, but, I would weigh myself often. It didn't count, really, but, it was just something to do to keep me in line.

So, since I hadn't weighed myself in about 2 years, I had a rude awakening when I did. I asked the nurse 'Is that metric?' :eek:

I do weigh myself daily now {not on WW or any really strict plan, I am just trying to stay alive right now...} because it slaps me back into reality...stay away from donuts and those potato chips!!! {and I love chocolate at night, too....}

Well Moonliner, even at that rate I am out of the running. But, it does make me really want to get the crap that is blocking my treadmill away from it.

I've been sick off and on since about August. I am really working on NOT getting sick again {not working much does keep my funds low but I am not as sick....} and hopefully I can get back on track with a good healthy workout.

DP~ I hear you. I want to be able to walk around anywhere I want when I am older.

Mmm...dinner is ready..okay, I won't over eat....promise...;)

[Moonliner]

Well Moonliner, even at that rate I am out of the running. But, it does make me really want to get the crap that is blocking my treadmill away from it.



Most of the price is for the Treadmill itself. If you already have the treadmill you can build the "desk" for less than $50 bucks, hell even for free if you get creative. An ironing board laid across the top of the treadmill can work. I just need something with a bit of spit and polish because I'm taking it into an office environment.

[Cadaverous Pallor]

I'm biking to work again, as of today. :)

[alphabassettgrrl]

I'd done pretty well getting a few pounds off, but I have stalled and I'm starting to pick them back up again.

Things that worked: portion control, splitting restaurant meals, staying away from fried food, and of course biking.

I weigh myself daily, at the same time of the morning, and use that as inspiration when it's going down, and a reminder to behave myself when it's going up.

I've noticed lately I don't want gooey fried stuff. I can't eat potato chips anymore. I still have cravings for meat and carbs; I'm trying to be better about having good meats and carbs. And adding veggies.

[MouseWife]

Most of the price is for the Treadmill itself. If you already have the treadmill you can build the "desk" for less than $50 bucks, hell even for free if you get creative. An ironing board laid across the top of the treadmill can work. I just need something with a bit of spit and polish because I'm taking it into an office environment.

Oh...I see.

Well, sitting here thinking about it, I barely can keep on the treadmill without falling to the left or right....probably smarter to just pay attention. :blush:

Chips, I eat Lays' Baked chips as well as some pepper chips that are Vegan. Don't know if that makes them any better but damn, they are addictive.

I do try to eat fruit more than anything else.

[Ghoulish Delight]

I want to be able to walk freely for long periods when I'm older. I saw what immobilization and excessive weight did to my mom in her later years, and I don't want to go out like that.My dad nearly dying due to complications from (previously unattended to) diabetes followed by a stroke did the trick for me. Couldn't have been a clearer demonstration of exactly what was at stake if I didn't start thinking about it now.

Of course, it then took me another 18 months for that to sink in, but that's another story.

So for two months I've been very consistent about keeping food intake down. My main focus is on calories, with the side benefit that finding lower calorie foods that actually fill me up means tending to less processed stuff and foods with less fat, sugar, carbs, etc.

As for move more, I lost at least 15 lbs. playing Wii boxing every day for 30 minutes. Damn, maybe I should have waited until I was as fat as Jared from Subway to start this. I could have been the Jared of the Wii!

And now I'm rollerblading 4 days a week, playing soccer.

So yeah, this feels like a pretty major lifestyle change for me. It's definitely the longest I've committed myself, and it's getting easier to maintain as I go. Hope that lasts.

[BarTopDancer]

I am considering following the Weight Watchers program, but on my own. Does anyone else do Weight Watchers?

Look into sparkpeople.com - it's a free WW type program.

I'm so excited that there are so many of us who want to improve our health.

Rheumatoid arthritis runs in my family. So far I've been very lucky and have not been effected by it. But it really hit my mom in her mid 30s... and exercise is supposed to help the offset of it. So, off to exercise I go. I should start playing my Wii again. It's just sitting there, collecting dust.

[Stan4dSteph]

I did Weight Watchers. It worked well, and helped me lose a good amount of weight. I was stalled out for a while, and with my marathon training I found it too hard to count the points and still get the right kind of foods I needed for training.

I'm off it for now while I'm in France, but they have it over here too. There are the frozen meals in the grocery cases. I did the online without any meetings and it worked, but it's definitely a help to have other people to connect with. They have message boards there, but I didn't really like them.

[3894]

I really like the Turbo Jam series. Does anyone else do those?

[Snowflake]

Count me in as one who is working on improving my health in 2008, for the long run. As for diet, I've removed red meat totally, still eating bacon, however. Added much more fish and am trying to really green up the diet with way more veggies and using meat protein almost as a condiment rather than the larger portion of a meal.

My big bugaboo is getting out and exercising. Happily, where I am currently working, we have a great space to walk. Now that the weather is not raining, I'm going out for 30 minutes to walk to get myself going. I will extend it longer and longer. But one must start somewhere. It's the hill climbing at home I really need to do.

Everyone here is so inspiring and my hat is off to you all! :snap:

[LSPoorEeyorick]

I want to be able to walk freely for long periods when I'm older. I saw what immobilization and excessive weight did to my mom in her later years, and I don't want to go out like that.

I don't give a crap what I look like - I'm concerned with how I feel, and what my body needs. I want strength. I want endurance. I want good health.

Ditto, ditto, ditto, on all counts.

[lizziebith]

I did Weight Watchers.
<snip>
I did the online without any meetings and it worked, but it's definitely a help to have other people to connect with. They have message boards there, but I didn't really like them.

I'm doing the online program too...I like being able to just enter a food and have the points pop up! I keep the books in my car, which proved helpful the one time I was out doing errands and got hungry. I don't like the meetings because they seem to foster competition, are shame-based, and, although they encourage attendance after the weight is lost, people give you the fish-eye if you do. And I agree the online WW boards are terrible. I hang out at "3fatchicks.com" where there is a wonderfully diverse group of men and women, and support for most healthy eating plans.

And the scale? I avoided it while putting the weight ON, so now I force myself to check fairly frequently. Not really daily, but certainly more than weekly, just to pace myself. And I take an evening "off" the program once a week, to combat that drudgery of being good all the time! :evil: Hey, that's what those flex points are for, eh!?

[Disneyphile]

www.extrapounds.com is another really good site. They have tools to help you track weight and inches, with handy graphs to see your progress and problem areas. They also have blogs.

[Snowflake]

I gave blood this morning and my BP was higher than it ever has been. The nurse said it was elevated, but for me, this was radically higher than what I normally see. 150/90 :eek: and my normal is around 124/70.

Ergo, now looking seriously at my salt intake and increasing my walking regimen (read this to me stop being such a lazy a$$). I've got no excuse not to get my tennis shoes or walking shoes on at work, we have lagoons and ponds and ducks and loads of pretty areas to walk amogst the buildings. Plus, I live in a walking city, I have a gorgeous park 1 block from my place (up a semi steep hill) and do I walk up that hill to tour the park, nope.

Waving bye bye to sea salt at the table, and bacon as well kalamata olives (in extreme moderation).

Just the kick start I need to get me moving.

[Morrigoon]

As far as goals, I have a few myself. I'm not trying to be a model, or even look good in a swimsuit, but I'd like to be healthier.

Mostly, I want to get sick less often with my stomach issues. So that means less grease, less soda.

As an aside, I'm also trying to reduce heavily processed foods and eat more "real" food, stuff that's closer to its source. So real butter, more "fresh" bread and less preservative-filled bread, more items that still retain their original shape (chicken comes to mind).

One major exception to that is Splenda, which I'm actually trying to sub in once in a while as a way to reduce my sugar intake. I'm not comfortable with subbing it in 100% (see above paragraph), but I find that if I put 3 sugars in a coffee, I can easily put in 2 sugars and one Splenda, reducing my sugar by 1/3, and still not feel like I'm bombarding myself with over-processed food.

[Ghoulish Delight]

I am SO thankful that I like my coffee and tea black, no sugar. Makes dieting far more bearable to be able to reach for those whenever I want (we'll ignore the problem of caffeine addiction).

I won't lie. While wanting to avoid the health issues my dad has was the final motivating factor, vanity definitely plays a part. I don't expect to end up with washboard abs, but it'd be nice to see these love handles go away.

[Disneyphile]

I don't expect to end up with washboard abs, but it'd be nice to see these love handles go away.I totally know what you mean. As a secondary "side effect", it will be nice to have a lot more clothing options available for me.

My big thing is removing more cholesterol and fats from my daily intake, so that when I do want to gob out on "bacon fest", it won't have a lasting impact on my body. So, I want to balance it so I can still enjoy it, without having to cut it completely out later on due to irreversible or long-term risk.

[BarTopDancer]

C - try to get yourself to like coffee and tea without any sweetner at all. The fake stuff is starting to be shown to cause weight gain and not promote weight loss.

[Snowflake]

One major exception to that is Splenda, which I'm actually trying to sub in once in a while as a way to reduce my sugar intake. I'm not comfortable with subbing it in 100% (see above paragraph), but I find that if I put 3 sugars in a coffee, I can easily put in 2 sugars and one Splenda, reducing my sugar by 1/3, and still not feel like I'm bombarding myself with over-processed food.

Goonie, you may want to switch to agave sweetener, it's natural and ridiculously sweet for coffeee and such. It is liquid (like honey) I've given up all the other sweeteners like spenda because I just do not know how they will be for me. Splenda gives me a headache, and I used to use Equal by the ton.

[Morrigoon]

Yeah, you don't wanna end up like me, and have to wave goodbye to "bacon fest".

I learned at this last NYE that no matter how much I want to, my grease tolerance simply won't allow for stuffing my face on bacony goodness. A few slices, maybe, but in moderation.

[LSPoorEeyorick]

As an aside, I'm also trying to reduce heavily processed foods and eat more "real" food, stuff that's closer to its source. So real butter, more "fresh" bread and less preservative-filled bread, more items that still retain their original shape (chicken comes to mind).

I know that the processed foods is your personal soap-box the way vegetarianism is mine - and I agree that natural foods are best. Still, there are some things that are processed that are healthier than their unprocessed counterparts. (Earth Balance v. butter comes to mind, in terms of cholesterol. ETA - but then, it's not really soooo processed. It's pressed natural oil.)

Though I'm confused about the question of retaining original shape. Is that more of a... cooking process thing?

[Disneyphile]

SF - I've never heard of agave sweetener. That sounds really interesting!

[Morrigoon]

I'll be honest, I can't take my coffee or tea without scads of milk and sugar. With tea, one can use honey, it's true, but not so much with coffee. I've found that vanilla lattes and getting my lattes medium with only one espresso shot make it so I can use less sugar (actually, with vanilla ones, all the sweetener is in the flavoring, I add nothing else).

I believe someone here said that Peet's Vanilla syrup is sugar based, not HFCS, so that's helpful. I'm not *as* concerned about the sugar thing as everything else, because in cutting down on the amount of soda I drink, I'm automatically cutting huge amounts of sugar out.

Oh, has anyone else discovered Fresca? I've had that the last few nights instead of Coke with my dinner.

[Morrigoon]

I know that the processed foods is your personal soap-box the way vegetarianism is mine - and I agree that natural foods are best. Still, there are some things that are processed that are healthier than their unprocessed counterparts. (Earth Balance v. butter comes to mind, in terms of cholesterol. ETA - but then, it's not really soooo processed. It's pressed natural oil.)

Though I'm confused about the question of retaining original shape. Is that more of a... cooking process thing?
It's the difference between getting a chicken breast or a chicken nugget.

If I have a choice between a sandwich of turkey pieces in odd shapes because they were sliced right off the bird, or deli slices in perfect ovals, I'm going to prefer the odd shapes because direct off the bird is probably processed less. And the overall sandwich usually tastes better.

Also, to be fair, I'm not a hardliner about this, at all. I eat plenty of processed foods. But I'm trying to eat more of the "real" stuff and less of the processed.

One side effect I'm finding is that somehow my decision to prefer "real" food is aiding me in preferring sandwich shops over burgers, even though the difference in processing is probably minimal. I'd actually say the effect is as strong as my fear of getting sick in terms of helping to discourage me from getting burgers. Somehow my mind is convinced that the stuff in sandwiches is closer to the source. (they're certainly less greasy) Weird, but hey, if it works...

[Snowflake]

SF - I've never heard of agave sweetener. That sounds really interesting!

Trader Joe's is now carrying an organic agave (currently until they discontinue it) $2.25 for an 11oz squeeze bottle.

It's a 100% natural product and is super sweet. I use it in my tea, on fruit & yogurt, just about any place I'd use sugar. I do not know if it can be or is proceesed to a form like crystals. It tastes great and I do not know all the benefits, all I know is that I like it and it has replaced white death in my household. I do use turbanado sugar for baking and stuff like that.

[blueerica]

Yes, Peet's uses Monin, which I know is made with pure cane sugar. You can also reduce the amount of syrup in the drinks. Ex. A medium vanilla latte is made with three pumps of vanilla, you could reduce it to any amount. The least I've seen someone ask for is 1/2 a pump, and it's not an issue for the barista, nor is it an issue for the person taking the order. You could incrementally reduce how much syrup you use.

As far as my health routine, I've been trying to eat one salad a day for a meal. I take it easy on any condiments and try to have a variety of veggies and include fresh fruit if possible. Makes dressing less necessary. I also like to put a little lowfat cottage cheese on top, which pretty much makes dressing unnecessary.

I also am trying to drink more water. I find that I am less tired with plenty o' H2O and tend to eat less. Even if I get an iced tea or other drink at dinner, downing a glass of water for every other beverage I have prevents me from drinking too much if the other drink has sugar.

Also, I think I have mentioned it elsewhere, but not having a gym any longer has really dampered my desire to go work out. I have the dinky thing here, but I really don't enjoy it like I did before. I would love to have some workout equipment around here, and really think finding a Wii would be great. I think we will try to order one somehow, even if delayed, since shipments in Utah seem to clear out within an hour or so, and we're never there on the right days. Bleh.

[Stan4dSteph]

For those looking to reduce sugar in tea, I strongly recommend Good Earth tea. You can get both caffeinated and decaffeinated varieties. It's a spiced tea, and I drink it without any added sugar or milk, whereas I drink regular brewed tea with both milk and sweetener.

I also love Republic of Tea wild blueberry tea, but it's probably harder to find in CA, or even at the current time of year. No sweetener needed.

[Disneyphile]

Ya know what would be fun in place of a treadmill? A human-sized exercise wheel.

It certainly entertains my pet mice.

[Mousey Girl]

Oh, has anyone else discovered Fresca? I've had that the last few nights instead of Coke with my dinner.

When I was a kid, we would drive from L.A. to our house/cabin in Coulterville every summer. The only soda I was ever allowed to drink was during this vacation. I had 2 options, Tab and Fresca. I have not been able to drink either since. This was more than 30 years ago, when the sugar substitute was saccharine.

[Morrigoon]

Trader Joe's is now carrying an organic agave (currently until they discontinue it) $2.25 for an 11oz squeeze bottle.

It's a 100% natural product and is super sweet. I use it in my tea, on fruit & yogurt, just about any place I'd use sugar. I do not know if it can be or is proceesed to a form like crystals. It tastes great and I do not know all the benefits, all I know is that I like it and it has replaced white death in my household. I do use turbanado sugar for baking and stuff like that.

I may have to give this stuff a try

[Morrigoon]

BE: Yeah, water is definitely important. I've been trying to drink more water while at the office, because I don't drink much of it at home (unless I'm really thirsty). It's been a good way to resist the soda machine :)

[Strangler Lewis]

Fresca was popular--sort of--back east when I was a kid. In Woody Allen's one-act play Death Knocks (which I was in in college), Death asks his intended victim for a Fresca.

For anyone trying to ween themself off of a soda habit, I recommend Dr. Brown's Cel-Ray Tonic.

[Morrigoon]

I just wish the mass-produced sodas would come in a "real sugar" variety. Well, without having to drive to Mexico to get it.

[Disneyphile]

I just wish the mass-produced sodas would come in a "real sugar" variety. Well, without having to drive to Mexico to get it.Costco carries Mexican Coke by the case. :)

[Ghoulish Delight]

Trader Joe's is now carrying an organic agave (currently until they discontinue it) $2.25 for an 11oz squeeze bottle.

It's a 100% natural product and is super sweet. I use it in my tea, on fruit & yogurt, just about any place I'd use sugar. I do not know if it can be or is proceesed to a form like crystals. It tastes great and I do not know all the benefits, all I know is that I like it and it has replaced white death in my household. I do use turbanado sugar for baking and stuff like that.Just because I like being a skeptic thorn in people's sides - most agave syrups have in the neighborhood of 90% fructose. High fructose corn syrup, the thing we're all supposed to be afraid of, is about 55% fructose.

Now, there is admittedly a slight chemical difference between the processed form fructose in HFCS vs. the naturally occurring form in agave. However, there is a similar slight difference between the type of fructose in HFCS vs. the type of fructose that's been tentatively linked in studies to the supposed ill efffects of HFCS.

My point is, I would strongly warn against getting lost in the particulars of what any one chemical is supposed to do or not do. The data on all of that is sketchy at best.

[BarTopDancer]

I just wish the mass-produced sodas would come in a "real sugar" variety. Well, without having to drive to Mexico to get it.

Start checking the Passover displays. Soda with real sugar is sometimes produced so it is Kosher for Passover.

Also, Henry's carries several brands of soda with real sugar. Sky, and Hansen's (also available at the regular grocery store) off the top of my head, I also bought a green tea-peach soda from there (forget the brand).

[Snowflake]

Just because I like being a skeptic thorn in people's sides - most agave syrups have in the neighborhood of 90% fructose. High fructose corn syrup, the thing we're all supposed to be afraid of, is about 55% fructose.

You skeptic, you!

Anyway, for more reading, and yes, this is an agave supplier, look here for details (http://www.madhavahoney.com/agave.htm).

All I'm saying is, I use it, and I do not use a lot of it. It is a very sweet item, a small spoonful in a cup of tea is more then sucificient to sweeten tea/coffee/whatever.

For the record, I drink mostly water, usually 1 cup of tea in the evening and maybe some iced tea. If I am using this on plain yogurt & fruit, a drizzle is more than enough.

I figure that this is better for me than Equal/Splenda or honey and white sugar. ymmv and I'm all for anyone being informed. Just sayin I use it and I like it.

[BarTopDancer]

I find it easier to drink a few large glasses of water a day then constantly refilling a small glass. I also find water tastier with a wedge of lemon in it.

Then again, ask E. I've been a frelling camel when it comes to water for over a decade.

[Alex]

Well, on the subject of ingredient replacement.

I was on my lunchtime walk and decided to get a sandwich from a local artisan bakery (Semifreddi's for those who know it). There special of the week is a vegan egg salad sandwich. "Tastes just like regular egg salad" the sign said "with the benefits of eating tofu."

I have no problem with tofu and wanted to know for a fact (as opposed to a strong suspicion) that it didn't really taste just like egg salad.

It wasn't bad by any means. Except that it tasted nothing like egg salad (though it certainly looked like egg salad). So, as an egg salad substitute it was awful.

This I don't really understand. Why lie about it? Just say "tofu salad sandwich that is something like egg salad; trust us, it's good!" These lies about it just give tofu a bad name for failing to be what the proponents claim.

But if I see it, I'd consider having it again. Though if I were making it myself at home I'd go ahead and use real mayonnaise rather than the substitute they had, that was the weakest element.

[Morrigoon]

That's how I feel about veggie burgers. Nothing like a slab o' beef, but an interesting flavor/texture and well worth ordering for its own merits.

As far as the fructose thing, I admit that makes me hesitant to use the agave.

Mexican Coke at Costco... woot! And I know a certain roommate who just got a Costco card!

[Not Afraid]

Health is important to me, but bottom line - I want to look good in clothes, in a bathing suit or even sans clothes. An extra 30 pounds for me is uncomfortable and it's a PITA to work around with I'm trying to put together an outfit. What's the point of waxing, plucking, dying, shaving, makeuping if there's a roll of fat hanging over the jeans?

As for processed or substitute foods, I don't use them at all. I always figured that, if I have to substitute for something, maybe I shouldn't be eating that something in the first place. (Of course, I don't have any dietary restrictions to work around.) I simply don't need mayonnaise and butter in my life (unless it is required for baking). I've used plain yogurt in tuna or chicken salad for as long as I can remember and mustard is better on sandwiches than mayo anyways.

I have been watching my salt intake as well. My BP has been a tad higher than normal and, while not dangerous, it could get there easily given my family history. I never cook with salt and never salt any foods except potato products and popcorn (and chips and the like that come pre-salted), so I've been staying away from that stuff too. Buying "real" food also keep salt additives away. If I add enough herbs and spices, I don't need the extra flavor of salt anyways. The same goes for sugar. As long as I can have my ration of dark chocolate a day, I don't need anything else artificially sweetened.

[MouseWife]

Health is important to me, but bottom line - I want to look good in clothes, in a bathing suit or even sans clothes. An extra 30 pounds for me is uncomfortable and it's a PITA to work around with I'm trying to put together an outfit. What's the point of waxing, plucking, dying, shaving, makeuping if there's a roll of fat hanging over the jeans?



Pardon my French but 'No freakin' sheit!!' Ugh, how did I ever gain back so many pounds? I was feeling much more healthy and looking decent in my clothes, no model but no 'muffin' top and felt good in my clothes. I will not buy up, so, if I am going somewhere I have to accomodate for my weight and not wear what I really want.

The substitutes; I worry more about Splenda causing other problems later than weight gain. I've been on Splenda for years and it didn't do anything to me along those lines, I still consistantly lost. I gained because I've eaten a lot I shouldn't and haven't been working out as I should.

As for the meats, I only sub on those things for the Vegans in the household. AND I agree with you, Alex. Just say it looks like an egg salad but it ain't. Like the restaurant my girlie took us to, Native Foods? We eat a sandwich, I think either she calls it our version of a {dah, what is that sandwich with roast beef and melted cheese with onions????} but it really has a much more better taste. Different and better.

Parents are a big motivator. My father died at 52 and had been sick all of my life. My mother, she really has not been sick {but she had her gallbladder removed, like a lot of women in our family, when I had issues they didn't remove it...} but she isn't doing anything now either. I don't want to be like that. I am hoping that I am still healthy and enjoying life with my hubby and kids. And, if they deem it to be, grandkids. I am really grateful that my husband takes care of himself, he is closer to the age my father passed away and I can't help but feel twinges......

Kudos to everyone, for whatever reason, to being so health conscience!!! I am tired of people saying they don't have the time or they just don't want to push themselves. It is a gift to yourself to take care of yourself.

[LSPoorEeyorick]

What's the point of waxing, plucking, dying, shaving, makeuping if there's a roll of fat hanging over the jeans?

Does this not strike you as a hurtful thing to say?

[Ponine]

Does this not strike you as a hurtful thing to say?

That would depend, wouldnt it?
She's speaking of herself, and we cant stop her from putting herself down. (At least no one's ever stopped me)

She's not directing it at the masses. Her comfort level isnt where mine is, and I know mine is no where near yours.
Gosh, you (in my eyes) are so comfortable in your skin, and revel in it.

An enviable trait to be sure.

[MouseWife]

LSPE~ to me, I take it that the clothes she has don't fit and that is frustrating at any size. I know I feel it now and I felt it when I had to reach for a 24.....

[LSPoorEeyorick]

Ah. I thought it was a general statement.

[Not Afraid]

Does this not strike you as a hurtful thing to say?

That is how I feel about the way I look when I'm overweight. It's not directed at anyone else. Maybe if I take a good hard look at how I feel being overweight I'll stop talking and get to doing.

I LIKE being thin. I value thinness for myself. Not everyone shares the same values I have my myself. But, I still want to be thin, to be able to comfortably wear clothes without working around rolls of fat, to look good. It's important to me.

[LSPoorEeyorick]

That is how I feel about the way I look when I'm overweight. It's not directed at anyone else. Maybe if I take a good hard look at how I feel being overweight I'll stop talking and get to doing.

And you know, I tend to feel a bit sensitive about statements about the relative attractiveness of weight, even when they're someone self-directing. Sure, I'm no model, but I do find myself attractive in many ways. What I don't feel is strong, and to an extent, healthy. Which is why I have been keeping up with the dietary changes I made in January.

I'm sorry you feel like you're not ideal when you're not at your ideal weight. You know we're all here to support you through any of your dietary changes, too.

[Not Afraid]

Attractiveness is subjective. It is impossible to find everyone attractive. Being attractive to everyone is not important to me. But being attractive to ME is important to ME. And I personally don't find the way I look with 30+ pounds attractive. I like thin on me. I like heathy too, and now that my body seems to be cooperating in the health arena a bit better than it has, I can't just be happy with "I may be fat, but at least I'm healthy again". It's time to get real about the weight.

[Mousey Girl]

I have lost more than 50lbs in the past year. I know that I still have quite a ways to go, but right now I am pleased with how far I've come. I wore a 26-28 jean and now I am easily a 22, and those are starting to bag a tiny bit. I haven't really done anything drastic. I still eat what I want, but in much, much smaller portions. Instead of munching on chips or cookies, we have Wheat Thins and Chees-its.

I have noticed that I have problems if I eat anything that is overly greasy. I do get cravings for cheap fast food, but instead of going for a quarter-pounder with cheese, supersized, I do better with a Happy Meal, and even then I don't finish the fries.

I do need to drink more water. I am addicted to diet sodas.

Now that I am no longer walking at work, I need to head back to curves. My backside is no longer a total bowl of jello, and I would like to keep it that way.

[Disneyphile]

I do get cravings for cheap fast food, but instead of going for a quarter-pounder with cheese, supersized, I do better with a Happy Meal, and even then I don't finish the fries.Happy Meals rule! :snap:

It's true that so many "kids meals" are actually appropriate adult portions. In fact, 30 years ago, those were considered normal adult portions.

Just furthers my argument that increased "regular" portions have largely contributed to today's weight epidemic.

People didn't drink 32 ounces or more of soda at one time. They also didn't chow down on ginormous things of fries, or giant burgers like quarter-pounders, which wasn't even added to McD's menu until 1973.

[Disneyphile]

Here's an interesting site about portion comparisons over the decades:

http://hp2010.nhlbihin.net/portion/

[Not Afraid]

I CLEARLY remember going to McDonalds or Taco Bell (it was "treat" back then) and everyone got ONE item (taco, regular hamburger) and one side (Frijoles, small fries) and a small drink (usually 7up). We never ordered more than that.

I also remember when sodas were something "special" that you got to drink on Saturday night while eating popcorn and watching something on TV.

Granted, I grew up eating wheat bread, organic vegetables, raw milk and white chedder cheese (orange cheese wasn't allowed in our house), so I doubt what i remember could be considered the norm.

[Strangler Lewis]

Yesterday: I could probably make a more serious effort and take off the next 30 pounds that need to go. But, why? ;)

Today we learned why.

Health is important to me, but bottom line - I want to look good in clothes, in a bathing suit or even sans clothes. An extra 30 pounds for me is uncomfortable and it's a PITA to work around with I'm trying to put together an outfit. What's the point of waxing, plucking, dying, shaving, makeuping if there's a roll of fat hanging over the jeans?



I LIKE being thin. I value thinness for myself. Not everyone shares the same values I have my myself. But, I still want to be thin, to be able to comfortably wear clothes without working around rolls of fat, to look good. It's important to me.

[Not Afraid]

Yeah, well, I can only lie to myself for so long.

[MouseWife]

Soda. I remember my mom making some out of a packet. :confused:

We never bought sodas at McDonalds', once she treated and for some strange reason they left it to ME the smallest one to carry the tray of 4 sodas...well, I won't go on with that.

If we ate out, it was one burger, maybe a fry to share with another person.

Maybe that is part of the issue~we feel that as grown ups we can eat what we want. Not that little kid whose mom says 'If you're really hungry, you'll eat whatever I make you!!'

I know when I want to go to a nice place but not for dinner, just to check it out, I'll have a cup of joe and perhaps a nice pastry/dessert. Never ever was that something we did.

So, perhaps,being nice to myself isn't being so nice?

But that goes for staying overnight up at Disneyland. Never not ever never as a kid, always saw the Disneyland Hotel lights as we drove away at night. Now, I love to stay overnight, it is more the odd deal that we don't.

[Prudence]

My healthy living change is to start getting a reasonable amount of sleep. There are lots of things I could, and perhaps should, change, but if I don't start regularly getting more than 4.5-5 hours of sleep per night I don't think any of the other changes will be particularly effective.

[I Heart Disneyland]

My healthy living change is to start getting a reasonable amount of sleep. There are lots of things I could, and perhaps should, change, but if I don't start regularly getting more than 4.5-5 hours of sleep per night I don't think any of the other changes will be particularly effective.


I would die if I had only 4.5 - 5 hours of sleep a night! I am a horrible insomniac and on the 3 days a week that I work ( I only work 3 ) I am always sleep deprived even at 6 hours of sleep! On my days off, I sleep in nice and late and usually sleep over 9 hours. How do you do it?

[Ghoulish Delight]

The best part about exercising at lunch is that it gives me an excuse to take a shower in the middle of the day. And the world is just a better place after a midday shower.

[blueerica]

My healthy living change is to start getting a reasonable amount of sleep. There are lots of things I could, and perhaps should, change, but if I don't start regularly getting more than 4.5-5 hours of sleep per night I don't think any of the other changes will be particularly effective.

Sleep makes a tremendous difference with weight, as does stress.. and it's pretty obvious you've had too little of the first and too much of the latter lately.

Taking it kind of easy and getting some massive sleep (I used to be able to only sleep 8 hours if I was sick, most days were around 5... Somehow now I rack up 8-9 hours a night!!) has probably been the only thing that has helped me maintain my weight, despite working out a little less and eating more. I can't explain it with anything else, because nothing else makes sense.

I also should add - and I hadn't really told anyone - I was losing a LOT of hair in the last year of school. Not chunks or anything, but WAY more than normal (and by way more, I mean I shed about 10x more than my cat... I had to switch to a wide-tooth comb... I almost broke my vacuum cleaner). Luckily I have thick hair, so it wasn't too much of a problem, but I was concerned. Once I moved out here and have been sleeping and getting more sleep for myself... voila! My hair loss is back to the 'normal' range.

[blueerica]

Oh, and afternoon showers are THA BEST!

[Alex]

Having to shower is one of my top excuses for talking myself out of lunchtime exercise. After years of habit, showering is something that seems odd unless it is 6:23 in the morning.

[Not Afraid]

I'm about to take a mid-day shower. Of course, I didn't take one this morning, so maybe it's not quite the same. ;)

[MickeyLumbo]

how was that shower? ;-)

last year i worked hard at getting some weight off and lost 47lbs. then the dreaded holidays came and whoosh "go ahead, it's the holidays" they said. then it became easier to justify - well, since i have already gone off the diet...

and of course, another holiday (the feast kind) is approaching and i hate to miss out on the home cooked goodness.

you are each inspiring though.

something cool at work was recently launched to receive $100.00 off my health insurance cost to simply complete an online health survey (confidential, of course) with webMD. a few days ago, a packet of info came with personalized goals for acheiving better health and fitness arrived.

so last night i get a call from a "webMD coach" ready to help develop a plan and answer any questions... but, i am sick with brochitis and could barely breath/talk. LOL so, the call will be rescheduled.

honestly, getting fit and trim just seems SO overwhelming and the motivation/dedication tough to find. i realize it has to come from within.

knowing i am not the only one in this battle helps.

you guys rock!

[MouseWife]

Hey ML~

It is hard. I don't know what kicked in with me exactly but I know basically it was a f'this, I am not going to be like this anymore. Too many limitations, too many health worries.

One thing, even little cutbacks, like sodas, low fat mayonaise {or just mustard, as NA has stated} can help. In my sandwiches, I usually get the 'moisture' from the veggies I put in it.

I hope you get over your bronchitis soon! Take care of yourself!

~MouseWife~

[Mousey Girl]

I used to be a stress eater. Now I seem to be doing the opposite. My biggest problem was always being a closet eater. I would not eat when I was out because I knew everyone was pointing at me saying, "See, that is why she is fat." I would get home and binge.

[LSPoorEeyorick]

I used to be a stress eater. Now I seem to be doing the opposite. My biggest problem was always being a closet eater. I would not eat when I was out because I knew everyone was pointing at me saying, "See, that is why she is fat." I would get home and binge.

Yeah, I think that is a wide-spread problem. It used to be my M.O. too - primarily in the early 00s amid my crushing depression, but I still feel the impulse now, ingrained from watching my mom doing the same thing. In that case, I usually call Tom to say "I was thinking of eating this but it's not good for me" or "I ate this thing that was not good for me and I'm OK/not OK with it."

It's such a big issue to me that it's featured at my screenplay's turning point.

[alphabassettgrrl]

I'm trying to watch salt intake. I gained a few pounds back a week or two ago, and it's not coming off. Some of that is I haven't been eating well lately, but eating cashews with salt is likely not helping.

I use the agave sweetener in my tea, or honey. Doesn't take much. It's not so much the "fructose" part of HFCS that is evil, it's that "everything is corn". So I'm willing to accept fructose but not the corn part. I haven't had appreciable amounts of soda in ... probably a month or more. I don't remember, haven't kept track, but it's been a while. I bring a gigantic bottle of water with me to class, and try to make sure I finish it by the end of the day.

Now that the weather is nice I'm back to biking and I'm happy about it.

[Disneyphile]

Drinking water has always been an issue for me, so I got a really neat sports cup from Sea World this weekend that I'll be using just for water. I always have problems finishing a glass of water, but I tend to suck drinks through a straw without thinking, so this is perfect. It's also cool - it's semi-transparent blue with Shamu on it and reads, "Believe", so I like looking at it.

I've already finished a whole cup today - it's 32 oz. I was amazed! I didn't force myself to drink it, and it's amazing how I just keep chugging it down. My goal is to stick to a minimum of one a day, since I also enjoy drinking juices, tea, and other stuff that does count towards "8 glasses a day". This is already a triumph for me, because I'd sadly average about a 20 oz. bottle of water every three days. :)

[katiesue]

I just got a cup thingie that has a camelback tip on the top you drink out of. I've been drinking a ton of water with that. I also like my water cold. A couple of years ago I got a britta cooler on clearance at target. It's definately helped up my water intake. I leave a glass next to the cooler and fill it up whenever I'm passing by and drink it.

[Ghoulish Delight]

since I also enjoy drinking juices, tea, and other stuff that does count towards "8 glasses a day". This is already a triumph for me, because I'd sadly average about a 20 oz. bottle of water every three days. :)Grrrr.
"8 glasses a day" is a myth. There has never been any scientific study to support it. It's not entirely clear where it came from, though a likely candidate and old Nutrition Board recommendation that did recommend that amount of liquid intake per day, but followed by saying that most of that amount you get by eating prepared foods.

If you've seen that keeping hydrated has benefits for you, then that's good, but don't bother worrying about "8 glasses a day", it's bogus.

[katiesue]

Drinking lots of water does tend to make me feel fuller, therefore eating less. And of course it's calorie free.

[Disneyphile]

If you've seen that keeping hydrated has benefits for you, then that's good, but don't bother worrying about "8 glasses a day", it's bogus.
That's why I put it in quotes. I only drink when I'm thirsty. I don't believe in forced hydration or eating. In fact, some people have poisoned themselves by doing that, throwing off their electrolytes, etc.

[LSPoorEeyorick]

If you've seen that keeping hydrated has benefits for you, then that's good, but don't bother worrying about "8 glasses a day", it's bogus.

Bogus it may be, but studies have also shown that your body needs water before it sends the signals of "thirst." Better to drink a little more water than you need (I'm not talking gallons here, I'm talking a cup or two) than too little.

[Morrigoon]

So I'm at the store the other day, and there's these beautiful sun dresses all over the "normal size" section. (Usual litany of ugly stuff in the "me size" section). Anyway, there was this one style, in a light lavender that was uber cute. They went up to 18, so Sohrshah talks me into trying it on because I'm kinda squeezing into 18Ws these days. Whaddya know, it fit! (It'll fit better in 5 lbs, but it fit :))

Then the other day I stepped on a scale, and I'm down to 215. Not a huge accomplishment, as dieting goes, except that I'm not dieting. This is just from little changes (like reducing grease) and an increase in physical activity. For the past few years I maintained a weight of about 225, and at some point bumped up close to 240 and was flirting heavily with size 22. Haven't seen a size 18 since I was in the USC Band in 2004.

I still don't think I'll be browsing the aisles of the regular sizes any time soon, but it's nice to know the occasional novelty item can be found there :)

[Morrigoon]

Bogus it may be, but studies have also shown that your body needs water before it sends the signals of "thirst." Better to drink a little more water than you need (I'm not talking gallons here, I'm talking a cup or two) than too little.

This is true. Another thing I've learned is that many of us receive the "hungry" signal instead of the "thirst" one. So when you get hit with the munchies, it's a good time to drink a cup of water. THEN decide whether you want to grab a snack. That little trick has saved me from hunger many times when in the office and nowhere near things to munch. I'd say about 50% of the time the water satisfies. :cheers:

[Ghoulish Delight]

Bogus it may be, but studies have also shown that your body needs water before it sends the signals of "thirst." Sorry to continue to be contrary, but this one goes right along with 8 glasses as being commonly accepted with no scientific support. If you know of studies otherwise, I'd love to see them.

[alphabassettgrrl]

I have one of those Camelbak bottles! It's purple. I drink more water (and less things with calories) if I have a big bottle with me. I drink mindlessly sometimes, so better it be water than something else.

I definitely feel better when I'm "better than hydrated". I normally don't drink much unless I take steps, so I don't care what studies say: I drink water, I feel good.

[BDBopper]

Since February 19th I have had a goal of doing at least 30 minutes of some sort of physical activity every day until September 19th (26th Birthday). So far I have only missed one day (last Wednesday). Lately I have been walking with my dad and Great Uncle. We are up to walking a mile each time we walk. I am feeling better than ever! If I keep this up you'll be seeing a leaner, and meaner BDBopper! :)

[blueerica]

Actually - GD - Here's the British government telling teens this... Read here. (http://www.eatwell.gov.uk/agesandstages/teens/moreenergy/) It's up to you whether it's scientific enough.

While I do think that a minimum is kind of arbitrary, it's there for those that tend to ignore these 'rules of thumb' - particularly children and teenagers, who exert themselves without paying much attention to rehydration, and adults who suck down Coca-Colas and coffee all day long. I think that most feel comforted with some sort of number to go by. Probably a human nature kind of thing.

At any rate, there's little sense in 'debunking' it as some god-awful myth... Though it's been put on a pedestal of sorts, it's better to think of it as the aforementioned rule of thumb.

With the thirst thing, I'm not going to bother doing anything more than typing it into google and putting up the most official looking link with the terms "by the time you're thirsty, it's too late." ;) But, it stands to reason that since thirst is a signal of dehydration... not anything incurable or so awful... you could have prevented such thirst by drinking plenty of water to begin with.

[Ghoulish Delight]

At any rate, there's little sense in 'debunking' it as some god-awful myth... Though it's been put on a pedestal of sorts, it's better to think of it as the aforementioned rule of thumb.
Whereas I find it important to debunk it because I don't like seeing people follow bogus claims as scientific imperative. It obscures actual healthy advice and makes it impossible to have a reasonable social discourse on the subject. It adds fuel to people who like to claim that science is bogus. So yes, I do consider it an awful myth.


With the thirst thing, I'm not going to bother doing anything more than typing it into google and putting up the most official looking link with the terms "by the time you're thirsty, it's too late." ;) But, it stands to reason that since thirst is a signal of dehydration... Thirst signals begin when your blood cell concentration level rises by about 2%. Dehydration does not begin until it rises about 5%. Unless you are in the middle of strenuous activity that would accelerate your fluid loss, waiting until you are thirsty is not going to cause you any problems.

Sorry if I'm seeming a bit of a zealot on this, but it bugs me. Way too many people are turning to pseudo-science for answers to health questions and I don't think it's a good thing. Like I said, if any individual here has found that drinking water has given them good results, that's great. But I would rather people not base their habits on myth.

As for the "rule of thumb", it's a terrible rule of thumb. Again, based on the likely source of the "8x8" myth, drinking that much water is actually nearly double the suggested minimum unless you are engaged in physical activity. As stated, you get most of those 64oz. you need from food. Drinking water should be little more than a supplement to that. And yes, drinking too much water can be an issue, causing anything from minor inconveniences to serious kidney problems.

[blueerica]

I don't really think it's a terrible rule of thumb, given the excessive amounts of salt we eat on a regular basis, the diuretics we ingest, and for a wide variety of other reasons. Those who get the kidney issues are usually drinking water by the gallons in a day, and within a very short period of time. 8 8-oz glasses of water a day is hardly near that. It's really a rule to get those who might be otherwise ignoring these thirst signs to drink some water. Water marathons are bad news, and no one has come close to suggesting that... not even the 8x8 proponents

Gradually adding more water is the healthiest way to add water to a diet, which can, at least temporarily, stave off hunger for those who are wanting to munch munch munch all day long (such as myself). Adding water at dinner tends to help me not eat as much, making me less likely to go back to the Clean Plate Club.

While I don't drink water because of any 8x8 rules, or thirst signals, I think it's a bit silly to get all riled up about it... It's a pretty negative signal to send to people who are just trying to find ways to be healthier and do things differently than they had been, and 64 ounces is hardly dangerous.

[Alex]

I don't care if people drink 64 ounces of water a day, I probably come close to it most of the time.

I am interested in why people do it, the thought processes and the authorities they are relying on for deciding it is something that should be done. The baby steps of fuzzy thinking that lead from not horribly unreasonable Point A to the Point B of trying to suck the toxins out of your body using stickers you put on the bottom of your feet or buying powder from a 3 a.m. shuckster who tells you that the reason for all your ailments is inefficient pooping.

[blueerica]

Upon further thought, I think the real lesson of the day isn't to stop drinking water, it isn't to drink tons of water... it's to pay attention to your body's signals (beyond thirst, IMO) to whether you need to be drinking more water or not. And that goes for everything else, from veggies, to fruits, to making sure you get plenty of vitamins throughout the day, which can easily be achieved through eating a wide array of foods.

Watch for your urine. It should be on the clear side. If so, you're good to go. Kind of yellow, or even darker... drink more PLAZ.

Thank you.

[blueerica]

I don't care if people drink 64 ounces of water a day, I probably come close to it most of the time.

I am interested in why people do it, the thought processes and the authorities they are relying on for deciding it is something that should be done. The baby steps of fuzzy thinking that lead from not horribly unreasonable Point A to the Point B of trying to suck the toxins out of your body using stickers you put on the bottom of your feet or buying powder from a 3 a.m. shuckster who tells you that the reason for all your ailments is inefficient pooping.

Hey now, I think those commercials are awesome.

[Alex]

The commercials are awesome. The people who buy the products not so much.

[Strangler Lewis]

One glass of water before and after a meal. Three meals a day. A glass of water before and after I walk the dog. Water before and after a workout. It's hard not to drink at least 8 glasses of water every day, particularly, as noted, with the diuretic effects of the espresso and ginger tea I drink.

[Ghoulish Delight]

I'm trying to resist, but I'm failing

The diuretic effects of sodas and coffee are generally exaggerated. You retain about 2/3 of the fluid from them. It's less hydrating than water, but it's not like you get a negative hydration effect from them.

I'm (in case you couldn't tell) with Alex on this one. I'm not anti-water, I'm just anti-blindly accepting untested "common knowledge".

[Not Afraid]

I drink MORE than 8 glasses of water a day. My kidneys haven't failed me yet.

[Strangler Lewis]

I'm trying to resist, but I'm failing

The diuretic effects of sodas and coffee are generally exaggerated. You retain about 2/3 of the fluid from them. It's less hydrating than water, but it's not like you get a negative hydration effect from them.

I'm (in case you couldn't tell) with Alex on this one. I'm not anti-water, I'm just anti-blindly accepting untested "common knowledge".

Vate 'til ya my aich, sonny boy.

[LSPoorEeyorick]

The diuretic effects of sodas and coffee are generally exaggerated.

Don't you have to pee a great deal more after coffee than after water? I do. And my mother, who has to use the restroom every two hours with water, cannot drink coffee or tea whatsoever because they increase the pressure and frequency of those trips. I don't know what the percentage is, but I listen to my body and I hear quite plainly that my body does not like soda and coffee (and that my mom's doesn't, either) and I base my actions on that.

Absolutely it's important to question things and have scientific proof, but I think the idea that coffee/soda is just as good for you as water is suspect and I'd like proof. Also, your zeal for this topic is baffling me.

[Ghoulish Delight]

Absolutely it's important to question things and have scientific proof, but I think the idea that coffee/soda is just as good for you as water is suspect and I'd like proof. Also, your zeal for this topic is baffling me.Did I say it was "just as good for you as water"? All I said was that, despite commonly accepted mantras, drinking soda and caffeinated beverages does NOT lead to dehydration. For proof, here's (http://www.jacn.org/cgi/content/full/19/5/591) an abstract of a study done by The Journal of the American College of Nutrition for starters. "This preliminary study found no significant differences in the effect of various combinations of beverages on hydration status of healthy adult males. Advising people to disregard caffeinated beverages as part of the daily fluid intake is not substantiated by the results of this study."

As for my zeal, it's like Alex said. Acceptance of misinformation, no matter how benign, is not a trend I take lightly.

[LSPoorEeyorick]

Fair enough, I misinterpreted you. Which is pretty easy to do, because I don't see anyone here saying "everyone must drink eight glasses of water a day, no more, no less, and everything else is bad." But it looks - to me, anyway - like you're on a soapbox as though we are. You say you're not anti-water and I accept this. But by feeling healthier when I drink water, and thusly drinking water, I am not anti-science, either.

Thirst signals begin when your blood cell concentration level rises by about 2%. Dehydration does not begin until it rises about 5%. Unless you are in the middle of strenuous activity that would accelerate your fluid loss, waiting until you are thirsty is not going to cause you any problems.

Except that I don't think we should be aiming for dehydration - "too late" in my statement wasn't implying dehydration, it was implying thirst. And personally, I can tell if I'm not drinking often enough; I'm not technically dehydrated but I simply don't feel as good.

And yes, water IS better for you than soda or coffee. No additives, no caffeine, etc. What is so wrong with making sure that you drink enough of something that is better for you so that you aren't thirsty for something that isn't as good? It's the liquid equivalent of eating plenty of vegetables to stave off the cheese.

Where, I ask you, is the pseudo-science in any of this?

[Ponine]

I'm (in case you couldn't tell) with Alex on this one. I'm not anti-water, I'm just anti-blindly accepting untested "common knowledge".

How about this... for those of us who have ever had a urine test, I was told by the Dr that the color dictates whether you are hydrated or not, and that you should use that as an idicator.

As far as the thirst thing kicking in, I have that somewhere, still looking.
Something I have from the health plan diet thing we have here at work says that. And talks about how people are typically unable to tell the difference between hunger and thirst, and that usually when people think they are hungry, it is the body stating they need hydration.

[blueerica]

But but... let's not start talking about staving off cheese here. :p

[Disneyphile]

Wow. Did I open Pandora's fridge or what? ;)

[blueerica]

In other news, I suddenly got the celebratory food fest thing going on in my brain. So, being a good girl, I decided that munching on carrots, broccoli and cauliflower (sans dip) would probably do the trick, too.

I think it's working.

I've been doing this more and more lately... just buying the bag of mixed veggies that's in the produce dept. I get annoyed with chopping when I want a quick snack, and these guys do the trick for me.

[Ghoulish Delight]

Whatever, I guess I'm dropping it. My intent was not to discourage people from drinking water. My only intent was to get people to realize that a lot of "common knowledge" is based on misinformation. There are a lot of claims about what does and doesn't help, and if you are accepting things based on "common knowledge" instead of actually looking into the facts, I think you're setting yourself up for disappointment.

[BarTopDancer]

GD, do you have links to back what you are saying?

[Ghoulish Delight]

Here's a start (http://www.snopes.com/medical/myths/8glasses.asp). There's a mention in there of the study I linked to earlier.

I have more, but like I said, I'm dropping it.

[BarTopDancer]

Thanks. I'm curious to see the other side.

[Moonliner]

I'm thirsty and don't know what to do....

[MouseWife]

And talks about how people are typically unable to tell the difference between hunger and thirst, and that usually when people think they are hungry, it is the body stating they need hydration.

Oh gawd!! Then I probably did not need to eat that fried egg and toast...damn it!!!

I need to put that into my head....drink a glass of water whenever I have some slight hunger pains....usually just cravings.

[Ponine]

Whatever, I guess I'm dropping it. My intent was not to discourage people from drinking water. My only intent was to get people to realize that a lot of "common knowledge" is based on misinformation. There are a lot of claims about what does and doesn't help, and if you are accepting things based on "common knowledge" instead of actually looking into the facts, I think you're setting yourself up for disappointment.
Whoa horise, I sense an angry GD. That wasnt my intnet.
I just thought I'd contribute.

I wonder if we can find something not snopes related. I'll look around after lunch.

[Ghoulish Delight]

I wonder if we can find something not snopes related. I'll look around after lunch.Like I said, I have more (http://dms.dartmouth.edu/news/2002_h2/08aug2002_water.shtml).

[Alex]

How about this one:

http://www.webmd.com/content/article/131/117956.htm

It cites a 2002 study in the American Journal of Physiology and the current recommendation of the Institute of Medicine that for a normal healthy adult it is ok to use thirst as an indicator for when to drink, that 64 ounces is a recommendation without foundation, and that caffeinated drinks work just fine for hydration.

It does note that a normal person will consumer about 60-70 ounces of liquid (and other 30-40 in food) per day but that people drinking when they're thirsty accomplish that.

It also references studies indicating that drinking water does little to directly suppress appetite and caloric intake

[lindyhop]

I'm a sugar addict and an emotional eater.

I start by keeping a bag of candy in my drawer at work so I can have something sweet once or twice and the next thing I know I'm driving to the grocery store at lunch because the bag isn't going to last me until the end of the day. I find myself grabbing for the candy every time something annoying happens.

I reward myself with food. I had a bad day so I should have dinner out even though there's makings for a salad at home.

I eat out of habit. While making my healthy salad for dinner I eat handfuls of Trader Joe's Cats Cookies (they're small so that's okay, right?).

Well, two weeks ago I finally got completely disgusted with myself. I put the candy in my drawer at work and it's still there, untouched. I stopped eating between meals at home. It's been two weeks and I heard somewhere that it takes two weeks to establish a new habit and I hope that's what I'm doing.

I haven't overhauled all my eating habits. I'll get completely discouraged if I try do everything all at once. So my goal right now is to keep my resolve on the matter of sweets between meals and eating when I'm not hungry. I actually have this unfamiliar empty feeling in between meals that I realize is hunger.

The weekend I made this decision there were Girl Scouts everywhere I went trying to sell me cookies. I donated money instead of taking a box of cookies. The next weekend I bought a box (curse you, Lemon Chalet Cremes!) but I didn't eat them all in a couple of days like I normally would. The next challenge will be at work. I work in a department that loves its food and loves it in large quantities. If there's a birthday we don't just have cake. We have cake and bagels and chips and dip and more cake. And we celebrate everything. St. Patrick's Day is Monday so there will be food.

I'm proud of what I've accomplished so far. I hope I can keep it up.:)

[BarTopDancer]

Awesome LH! You can do it!

[alphabassettgrrl]

Lindy- that's awesome! Definitely take it small steps at a time. I'm an emotional eater, too. Working on doing better.

Small steps. One at a time. You can do it!!!

[Snowflake]

I just had chocolate and I want cake. I'm totally stressed and am stress eating.........

[Strangler Lewis]

I just had chocolate and I want cake. I'm totally stressed and am stress eating.........

Recommended antidotes:

1) Drink water. 2) Brush teeth.

Or

1) Drink coffee. 2) Smoke cigarette.

[Snowflake]

Recommended antidotes:

1) Drink water. 2) Brush teeth.

Or

1) Drink coffee. 2) Smoke cigarette.

I willl go for options 1 and 2

Thanks SL!

[Ghoulish Delight]

Spending a weekend holed up in a bedroom with noisey-as-hell fans running through the rest of the house did not contribute in a positive way to my healthy eating habits.

[Morrigoon]

Last night Sohrshah and I decided to try a new route for our thrice weekly walking. We ended up going from Trabuco to Portola and back :D

[Disneyphile]

I just bought a case of Coke with real sugar from Costco. :D

[BarTopDancer]

What Costco?

[Disneyphile]

What Costco?
Garden Grove Blvd, west of Euclid. It's imported from Mexico in glass bottles. So, the portions are smaller too. :D

24 bottles cost $17.99.

[mistyisjafo]

I have a goal to lose some more weight before my trip to New York in August so I've got a killer workout agenda starting Monday. My biggest problem is I love food.

Anyways, I happened to catch self-help guru Paul McKenna on "I can Make You Thin". Think it was TLC. Some of it is stuff I've heard already, especially from Weight Watchers. My thing is, is this guy for real? Anyone ever hear of him?

I'm going to watch the series for the next 5 weeks. Can't hurt since I'm on a mission to workout like a mad woman for the next 5 weeks!

[Not Afraid]

Well, whatever it is I am doing, I'm doing it right. My size 14 jeans are falling off and the limited number of size 12's I have remaining are not terribly snug. Could there be a size 10 in my future?